Compassionate, dignified, relationship-focused care is under strain in the modern NHS. Recently stroke services have improved the organisation and efficiency of hospital-based stroke care with the reduction of length of stay. Staff are focusing on tasks and processes that are not always informed by caring relationships. This can leave them feeling disenfranchised as they are unable to fulfil their caring roles. Providing relationship-centred stroke care has become more challenging.

This study aims to determine the necessary processes for, and outcome of, relationship-focused rather than task-focused care in stroke units. The study will develop a toolkit to support relationship-focused care in stroke units.

Clare Gordon said “I worked closely with the RDS who provided me with many hours of personal support in my protocol development. I also submitted my research protocol twice for formal review by the RDS Project Review Committee. They both provided me with constructive feedback that helped me refine my protocol.

The RDS also provided me with another link to the NIHR, and was able to provide more detailed information of the type of fellowships that were on offer, and also linked me up to a previous successful applicant who gave me lots of advice on support throughout the application process.

I would strongly recommend asking the RDS for support if you are considering applying for research funding."