Patient Safety / Simulation and Ergonomics

    Introduction Recently, I applied for an NIHR Doctoral Clinical and Practitioner Academic Fellowship (DCAF). This blog looks at what that is, the process, and what I learnt. The hope is that it may highlight this route for those considering research careers and support those undertaking the application. I have, for a while, undertaken elements of research, published articles and book chapters – but other than supporting dissertations for my master's qualifications, this has been quite ad-hoc and informal. I had several times started to look at how I could pursue further study at PhD level to increase my knowledge and application of research but ended up going around in circles – especially as I was ideally after a way that would also cover my wage and hence pay my mortgage, etc. At work, I found myself increasingly drawn to patient safety activity, and I kept stumbling upon situations that sparked my curiosity and hinted at potential research opportunities. The th...