Edinburgh Napier University Tests of Change
Driving sustainable change for nurses and midwives across Scotland.
Explore Edinburgh Napier University's Tests of Change - innovative projects designed to trial new approaches in nursing and midwifery education and workforce development.
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2025 / 2026 Tests of Change
Research Project to Support Nursing Recruitment Through the Development of a Quality Improvement Tool
It is recognised that there may be benefit in clarifying career progression in nursing, as well as increasing the understanding of the different pathways available to enter nursing programmes. Currently, key policies lack clear, actionable, evidence-based interventions to underpin nurse recruitment through different education routes and career pathways, suggesting the need for more evidence. Consequently, a robust evidence-based approach is needed if HEIs are to address the policy imperative to increase the graduate nurse workforce.
This test of change is a research project which will create an evidence-based driver diagram (quality improvement tool), succinctly articulating interventions to improve recruitment to nursing programmes in Scotland, piloting its implementation in Edinburgh Napier University (ENU).
On completion of the project, the driver diagram will be shared nationally across Scotland, enabling implementation of learning from this research to better support recruitment. The interventions in the driver diagram will be implemented and tested in a pilot at ENU to establish their appropriateness, utility, and efficacy.
2027 / 2028 Tests of Change
Satellite Delivery of Pre-Registration Learning Disability Education
Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) is one of two higher education institutions (HEIs) in Scotland offering a pre-registration Learning Disability (LD) nursing programme, primarily serving the East of Scotland. Due to a national shortage of LD nurses, attracting and retaining students is critical. ENU uses a blended learning model, placing students near their homes for practice placements to reduce travel costs and encourage local retention post-graduation. However, all theoretical teaching currently requires travel to Edinburgh, which poses financial challenges for students. Data has shown students prefer studying close to home, highlighting the need for ENU to explore more localised delivery of theoretical teaching to improve recruitment and retention.
ENU, in partnership with NHS Grampian, will deliver regional pre-registration LD nursing education in Aberdeen. This would benefit students from a number of Health Boards in the North by offering theory, clinical skills, and simulation sessions closer to home, reducing travel and accommodation costs. The programme will remain full-time over three years, with monthly in-person sessions in Aberdeen and additional online teaching. ENU staff will lead teaching, supported by NHS Grampian staff. The initiative aligns with national recommendations to explore new delivery models and could inform future regional rollouts other locales where recruitment and retention are challenged by travel costs and caring responsibilities. This test will support ENU’s transition to more accessible nursing education delivery.
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