Open Nursing and Allied Health Professions Group

Evidence-based practice (EBP) means that decisions are based upon the best available evidence. The ‘Open Nursing and Allied Health Professions Group’ consists of academics and practitioners who have a shared interest in EBP in clinical, professional and educational settings. 

Our research, scholarship, engagement and impact work are broadly divided into two main themes: Health and Care Workforce Education and Person-Centred Health Care. Professional Practice is a cross-cutting theme across our work.

This theme includes the exploration of topics such as pedagogical interventions and approaches to teaching, learning and assessment. In addition to larger educational projects, it also includes scholarship projects focused on improving student retention, success and experience at the Open University. Our work includes the preparation and experiences of becoming or being a health professional.

This theme focuses on understanding and addressing the unique needs, values, preferences, and experiences of patients, families and carers. By giving a ‘voice’ to people who access and use healthcare services, we generate evidence that leads to meaningful improvements in the quality, accessibility and delivery of care. Our research also addresses healthcare inequalities by exploring ways to ensure services are inclusive and accessible for everyone.

Professional practice is the application of knowledge, skills and behaviours required in nursing and allied health. This theme includes the exploration of a variety of aspects of professional practice; clinical, non-clinical and educational. Areas of focus include leadership and management, regulation and fitness to practice, healthcare ethics and non-patient facing clinical practice.


On these web pages you can explore our research projects , publications and resources produced by our group members to discover how our work is shaping the future of health and social care. Learn how our research and scholarship is delivering real societal impact. You can also find information about the OU’s provision of Nursing and Allied Health Professions education and how our group members contribute to programmes produced by the BBC, a special collaboration of over 50 years in duration.