Sensory Integration Education

Sensory Integration Education (SIE) welcomes the launch of the first-ever Allied Health Professionals’ Research and Innovation Strategy for England. Health Education England (HEE) led the development of this AHP Strategy (published on 26/01/22) which has been co-produced with a wide range of stakeholders.

The Strategy comprises a definitive collective national reference statement that supports the research and innovation agenda for all Allied Health Professionals (AHPs). AHPs incorporate 14 separate disciplines*, including Occupational Therapists; Physiotherapists; and Speech and Language Therapists, and they collectively form the third largest workforce in health and care in England.

SIE’s Director of Education Strategy and Innovation, Dr Sylvia Taylor-Goh, PhD, MSc, BSc, Cert MRCSLT said:

“We are delighted to support the HEE Allied Health Professions’ Research and Innovation Strategy for England and welcome the focus on the codesign and coproduction of research; on supporting rapid implementation of high-quality research evidence into clinical practice; and the key aim of securing transformational change in research and innovation culture, identity and roles with the AHP community. We look forward to engaging with the “Continue the Conversation” events throughout the year.”

Dr Sylvia Taylor-Goh

The Strategy incorporates an objective to see more AHPs of all disciplines and at all career stages to be appointed in Research Delivery roles, in line with the Department for Health and Social Care priority for supporting clinical research and enhancing the clinical research environment by participation from “healthcare professionals from all backgrounds”.

MSc in SI Gets AHPs Research Ready

Sensory Integration Education, a not-for-profit organisation providing training in sensory integration (SI) therapy and SI-related topics, has over 25 years’ experience in supporting high-quality research. SIE’s world-first MSc in Sensory Integration pathway, training appropriate AHPs as SI Practitioners and Advanced Practitioners, includes a robust research design and methods module and supports students to write a dissertation critically investigating a topic pertinent to their professional practice. The MSc is accredited by Sheffield Hallam University, one of the largest allied health professions education providers in the UK.

SIE Researcher Support and Grant Awards

SIE Researcher Support and Grant Awards support the development of evidence and best practice relating to sensory integration across the lifespan. Support comprises financial awards as well as assistance in recruiting research participants and in disseminating the finished research. SIE aims to build the skills of early career researchers who are working to contribute to the national and international evidence base for SI.

Read the full AHP Research and Innovation Strategy here.

Notes

*The Allied Health Professions (AHP) in England include all of the following disciplines: Art Therapists, Dramatherapists, Music Therapists, Chiropodists / Podiatrists, Dietitians, Occupational Therapists, Operating Department Practitioners, Orthoptists, Osteopaths, Paramedics, Physiotherapists, Prosthetists and Orthotists, Diagnostic Radiographers, Therapeutic Radiographers, Speech and Language Therapists. 

About Sensory Integration Education

Established in 1994, Sensory Integration Education is a not-for-profit organisation working with Allied Health Professionals, education and health experts, academic researchers and families to improve awareness, understanding and the treatment of sensory integration and sensory processing difficulties. In conjunction with Sheffield Hallam University, SIE offers the world’s only MSc in Sensory Integration, training therapists to become Sensory Integration Practitioners and Advanced Practitioners. SIE also offers a suite of short online courses for parents, schools and other professionals.