Research is critical for our specialty of 'hand therapy'. Our specialty needs 'hand therapists' to be developing ideas, completing and publishing high quality research projects in order to establish an evidence base for our profession. Research is critical for the future of our specialty.

My background is as a clinician first and foremost, but I have a strong desire to discover the answers to many 'unanswered' questions in hand therapy. 'Which post operative extensor tendon rehabilitation protocol gives the best results?' 'Does my conservative management of carpal tunnel syndrome, reduce the number patients who require surgery?'

I have completed one research project which I am trying to publish, failed to get one project off the ground due to a lack of funding, and am currently involved in a new funded project. Along the way I have learnt valuable lessons that I will cover, including:
-choosing a research topic
-funding and grant applications
-collaboration with University based researchers
-ownership and leadership

I am not an expert in research, I am a hand therapist! But I have learnt that research can be undertaken by clinicians. It is possible.......... there are just a few pearls and pitfalls I would like to share!