Research Hero of the Month - December 2025

Karen Lloyd – Championing Research on Newsam Ward 4

Karen Lloyd, a Student Nurse on Newsam Ward 4, has made a significant contribution to research at LYPFT through her involvement in the Vision Quest research project—a questionnaire study exploring visual hallucinations. Karen’s commitment to research and her welcoming, supportive approach have made her a true research ally and an inspiration to colleagues.

Karen’s keenness for research was shaped by her participation in the MESH programme (Mental Health Student Nurse Research Programme: Embedding Research Education in Clinical Placements). The MESH programme gives student nurses first-hand experience of embedding research into clinical practice, helping them understand the importance of research, advocate for it, and see the many ways nurses can get involved. Karen embraced this opportunity, learning how to work with the Research & Development team and gaining confidence to support research delivery on her ward.

When the R&D team visited Newsam Ward 4, Karen was extremely welcoming and made time to engage with the team, even in a busy clinical environment. She showed genuine curiosity about the study and took the initiative to discuss which service users might be suitable to approach, always respecting their preferences and privacy. Karen’s trusted relationships with service users were clear and almost everyone she approached was willing to speak with the research team about the study.

This was especially significant, as the Vision Quest study had previously struggled to recruit current inpatients at LYPFT. Thanks to Karen’s enthusiasm and support, the team was able to recruit participants and achieve the local target for service user involvement whilst also greatly improving the representativeness of the sample. Karen’s authentic, down-to-earth manner helped both research staff and participants feel comfortable and supported conducting the research in the ward environment.

Karen’s expressed her willingness to participate in future research as a staff member and offered to share opportunities with her colleagues. Her example highlights the vital role that student nurses can play in embedding research into everyday practice.

The Vision Quest study is ongoing, with recruitment continuing across the trust and nationally. Her contribution has been pivotal in ensuring LYPFT’s involvement and in helping the study reach its local recruitment target. Her story demonstrates how programmes like MESH can empower student nurses to become research advocates, benefitting both service users and the wider Trust.

Page last updated: 18th Nov 2025 1:55pm