Research readiness in UK hospices: a national survey of organisational readiness and capacity

Are hospices research ready?

Start date

01 May 2026

End date

31 March 2027

Overview

More people in the UK are living with serious illness and need palliative and end‑of‑life care. Hospices play a vital role in providing this care, often in people’s homes and local communities. At the same time, there is growing recognition that end‑of‑life care should be based on good evidence, so it is fair, high quality and meets people’s needs.

However, relatively little research takes place in hospices, and many hospices face practical challenges in getting involved in research, such as limited staff time, skills, funding or systems to support research. As healthcare policy increasingly shifts care away from hospitals and into community settings, hospices are becoming an even more important places for research.

What the study will do

This study will use a survey to understand how prepared hospices are to engage with research. Every eligible UK hospice is being invited to complete a short online survey to understand how research is currently viewed, supported and carried out. This study will provide a clear national picture of where hospices currently stand, so that support, or the case for investment, can be targeted where needed.

The survey asks about:

Research activity
Staff research experience, interest and involvement
Research infrastructure, governance arrangements, and partnerships
Research culture
Awareness of and membership in research networks
What is working well, what gets in the way, and what support would make the biggest difference.

What difference it will make

The survey will produce the first national baseline of hospice research readiness, activity and support needs. We will set what hospices tell us they need against what already exists, so that gaps can be addressed rather than assumed. Findings will inform a report with strategic recommendations for sector partners, an executive summary for participating hospices, and academic publication. We aim to build a foundation for practical, targeted support, so that end-of-life care continues to improve for patients and families.

Aims and objectives

This survey aims to understand how research is perceived, supported and implemented across the UK hospice sector, and to identify organisational readiness, capacity and resource needs.

Objectives:

To examine UK hospices’ current organisational readiness and capacity for research, including research capacity indicators (e.g. staffing, qualifications and experience), infrastructure and governance arrangements.
To assess the current level of research activity within hospices. This will include the types and amount of research being undertaken, research outputs (such as publications and presentations) and partnerships.

To identify the resources and support UK hospices need to initiate, sustain or enhance research engagement, including practical and operational requirements.