VBR: What works, for whom, why, and in what circumstances?
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Values Based Recruitment: What works, for whom, why, and in what circumstances?
IRAS ID
197167
Contact name
K Spilsbury
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Leeds
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 5 months, 30 days
Research summary
The National Health Service employs over a million people, the vast majority in front-line patient care. Recent failures in care, particularly in mid-Staffordshire hospital, have raised general concerns about quality of healthcare. One policy response has been encouraging recruitment of students, trainees and employees whose personal values are consistent with the overall values of the NHS Constitution: ‘values based recruitment’ (VBR). This research project aims to evaluate the effects of VBR, in particular to explore its implementation, how people respond, what is working well and what lessons can be learned. In our study we propose to assess how universities and NHS organisations are implementing VBR, and how this affects students, staff and patients. In the first stage (ethics approval already granted by School of Healthcare, University of Leeds), we are analysing policy documents and published literature, and talking to individuals involved in developing VBR (at policy level). Following this (Stage 2, for which we are seeking HRA approval here), we will examine VBR in depth in four organisations: two universities and two NHS organisations (acute hospital and mental health provider). We will evaluate different approaches to VBR implementation by comparing their costs alongside their consequences (including any potential benefits). We will analyse data to determine whether student recruitment, retention and academic performance have changed, and whether there is any change in adverse events or patient complaints in the NHS. We will interview and use focus groups to explore VBR and its implementation with students, staff, and patient representatives.
Using this information we will draw lessons on how VBR is being implemented, sharing good practice and potentially improving NHS care in future years (stage 3). We will follow trainees through their programme to understand impact throughout training to transition to registered professional (Stage 4, approval will be sought later.
REC name
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REC reference
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