"Using mixed methods has given me the chance to develop different skills."

Clare Leon-Villapalos, Clinical Practice Educator in Critical Care

We know that staff working in critical care are key to providing an excellent hospital experience for patients. But there is limited research looking into the way in which staffing levels and workload affect quality of care.

As part of an ongoing study, Clare Leon-Villapalos is using a range of methods to explore this issue across various professions within adult intensive care. Tackling one of the most topical and high-priority issues facing healthcare today, she aims to develop methods for examining how staffing and workload factors influence care.

An ICU nurse herself, Clare has explored the relationship between these factors and organisational safety scores as well as conducting interviews with intensive care staff to discuss their experiences.

“Using mixed methods has given me the chance to develop different skills,” said Clare. “And in the future I would like to build on the pre-doctoral fellowship and apply for a NIHR clinical academic PhD.”

Inspired by Clare's research story? Find out how you can apply for a fellowship to support your own research project