KSS Get Research Ready

Welcome to KSS Get Research Ready. This is a learning platform developed by National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Clinical Research Network Kent, Surrey and Sussex (CRN KSS), Applied Research Collaboration Kent, Surrey and Sussex (ARC KSS) and Research Design Service South East (RDS SE).

The learning platform designed for early career researchers enables you to explore research within health and social care. The learning resources cover three levels: understanding research, getting involved in research and developing your own research. You can enter the learning platform at any level; the learning pictogram provides a more detailed overview of each level.

Introduction to Health and Social Care research

Research is the discovery of new and better ways to detect, diagnose, treat and prevent disease through improved knowledge to promote better care.

Research is part of the everyday work of the NHS and Social Care working with patients and public volunteers to improve treatments and care. Patients and public volunteers not only support research by taking part but also in shaping future research protocols. Clinical trials assess new treatments, technologies or methods as well as helping to better understand health conditions.

Research is for everyone. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the importance of research to the forefront and we are seeing more people becoming interested in taking part, whether that is as a healthcare professional or participant

What does research mean to you?

"Research for me, means inquiry, it means advancement. It is about providing the best possible evidence based care"
- research nurse

"If you have a question that could improve patient care, and it hasn’t been asked before then that question needs answering and research is the way to do it"
- dietician researcher

"There has never been a time when health has had so much attention. People who go into research can have the biggest effect as you can discover new treatments and make a big impact"
- research champion

This learning platform is separated into three areas ;