Adele Nightingale

Profile

I am an Associate Professor, Health Professions Education in Leeds Institute of Medical Education (LIME), School of Medicine. I lead Research and Scholarship activity across the Institute, contributing to the School of Medicine and wider Faculty of Medicine and Health. I have oversight of all the research activity in LIME and support our researchers to develop their research portfolio and their leadership in research. I have responsibility for supporting and advising on research grant and funding, developing capacity and capability for research within LIME, in addition to establishing LIME research priorities. I have a strong focus on internal and external collaborations to strengthen research outputs and impact.

Prior to commencement at University of Leeds I have worked in a number of senior leadership and academic roles within higher education institutes and also as a senior leader in the NHS.

As a senior member of staff in LIME I am passionate about developing staff new to academia and scholarship and those at the early career research stage to reach their professional goals and aspirations.

My areas of expertise are aligned to leadership, organisational culture, psychological safety, patient safety in operating theatres and using technology to support student development. My research preference is qualitative; however, I collaborate closely with others to also undertake mixed methods research. I obtained my Professional Doctorate in Health, from University of Central Lancashire in 2021, with my thesis titled ‘A case study exploration of Operating Department Practitioners’ Perceptions and Experience of Leadership in the NHS’

By profession I am an Operating Department Practitioner (ODP). I co lead the College of Operating Department Practitioner (CODP) Research Strategy in addition to co-chairing the Operating Department Practitioner Research and Innovation Community of Practice. I also represent the CODP at the Community for Allied Health Professions Research (CAHPR) committee and lead specific projects as a member. I peer review for several publications, including Journal of Perioperative Practice and BMJ Leader and until Dec 2024 I co-directed the NIHR Advanced Surgical Technology Incubator Group.

Responsibilities

• Lead for Research and Scholarship

Research interests

My current research focus on pedagogical research aims to understand, through research activities, how learning takes place, how to improve teaching and learning practice, and understand the approaches that promote student learning. I have recently completed a project which explored the use of virtual reality to prepare students for their first clinical placement. This has demonstrated how technology can complement preparing students for placement in operating theatres.

I am interested in the synergy between activity in academic situations (classroom, virtual) and how this translates into delivery of patient care through placement activity.

My recent research activity has included undertaking an evaluation of pre-registration research teaching provision for Operating Department Practice students. This research will be used to influence the national CODP curriculum and research strategy.

Qualifications

• 2018-2021 Professional Doctorate in Health –University of Central Lancashire
• 2012-2015 MSc. Clinical Leadership – Award: Distinction
• 2009- 2011 Post Graduate Certification of Education (PGCert). Award: Merit. Edge Hill University
• 2004-2007 BSc. Health and Social Care- Award: 2.1 Edge Hill University
• 2001-2003 Diploma in Perioperative Care. Award: Pass. Edge Hill University

Professional memberships

• Member of College of Operating Department Practitioners

Research groups and institutes

• Leeds Institute of Medical Education