Table 2 Statements for 'stages of change' model [17] for measuring development of research confidence: learners chose one of four responses for each statement (strongly agree, generally agree, generally disagree or strongly disagree) about their research-related behaviour before and after the DPDM course.

Learning research skills is important

Understanding how to do research is relevant to my work

I should incorporate research findings into my clinical practice

I should do more research myself

Intentions

I plan to learn more about how to do research

I will bring up the idea of incorporating research into our work with colleagues

I plan to include use of research findings in my clinical practice

I will suggest that we discuss how to improve our use of research results at our departmental meetings

Actions

I have suggested casually to some of my colleagues that they should do research

I have spoken in a formal meeting about increasing the amount of research done by our department

I have changed my clinical practice as a result of doing research

I have spoken in a formal meeting (or to my Head of Department) about increasing the use of research/guidelines in our unit

I am currently working on another research project