Background The Myton Hospices were given opportunity to recruit a permanent research nurse for the first time in their then 39-year history of providing palliative care to patients in Warwickshire. It was necessary to have a clear plan as to how to develop a research culture and foster a keen willingness from staff to participate in research activity.

Aim To develop a research culture within the organisation from the grassroots level in order to cultivate an attitude toward research that both values its importance and actively seeks to promote its occurrence.

Methods Undertake internal questionnaires to ascertain staff attitudes toward research activity, their knowledge of what it involves and past experiences of research within healthcare. To begin a monthly multidisciplinary journal club to engage staff with current literature and enhance critical appraisal skills. To set up monthly publication stands highlighting contemporary literature for staff to access in environments such as the clinical team office; making literature accessible; motivating staff to read it and enticing interest in clinical research of relevance to them. To develop and maintain a Research Bulletin for staff, volunteers, patients and public to read about the research activity within the hospice and how they might be involved. To set up Research Interest Groups to gather individuals who have an interest in the subject to share ideas and promote continued activity. Encourage postgraduate research activity and begin to network with other hospices and the acute sector in regards to participating in research trials at Myton.

Results Staff became more engaged. Literature was being actively sought and read. Members of the team contributed to the journal clubs and interest groups and finally we began to participate in a variety of clinical trials and research projects.

Conclusion Developing a research culture is a gradual but rewarding process and one that gleans many benefits to both patients and staff.