Launch of new Health Service Modelling Associates Programme
PenCLAHRC’s operational research team,
PenCHORD, are pleased to launch their new Health Service Modelling Associates Programme (HSMA) - a scheme which aims to increase the impact and awareness of operational research within the NHS across the South West. The pilot programme will see the associates undertake advanced modelling, simulation and analysis work for, and within, their own organisations.
Applicants will need to be from the PenCLAHRC area (Devon, Cornwall and Somerset) with the programme most suited to those working in acute trusts in the region. HSMAs are expected to be released from their regular role for one day per week for a period of 12 months, starting from April 2016.
The closing date for applications is 15th February 2016. For more information on the programme, and for details on how to apply, visit the
HSMA webpage.
Improving the mental health of children with long-term conditions
A team from PenCLAHRC and the University of Exeter, in collaboration with clinicians from
Great Ormond Street Hospital and the
Institute of Child Health at University College London, have been awarded a grant of £285,000 from the
NIHR Health Technology Assessment programme to carry out a study which aims to improve the understanding of the best ways to support children and young people with long term physical health conditions. Many young people experience feelings of depression and anxiety, as a result of their physical condition, and display disruptive behaviour, which in turn can cause problems for the treatment and management of their condition.
The project team will work with children and young people with first-hand experience of long-term conditions and mental health issues, and their families, as well as the health care practitioners that work with them to ensure that the work is meaningful and relevant.
You can read more
here.
Project Focus: Diagnosing heart attacks in A&E
In the UK, chest pain is the most common cause of hospital admissions. The NHS spends a significant amount of money on procedures for patients, in order to rule out the possibility of a heart attack.
This
PenCHORD project has explored the effectiveness of using a drug (high sensitivity cardiac troponin) to diagnosis heart attacks quickly and reliably, thus speeding up treatment for those needing it and by reducing unnecessary tests for those not having a heart attack.
The project found variation in practice in the use of troponin across the South West and has identified the complexity of the diagnostic pathway for heart attacks and many barriers to the effective implementation of troponin.
You can read more about the project on its
webpage.
Championing Public
Engagement at TEDx Totnes
Dr Kath Maguire, from our
Patient and Public Involvement team, was recently invited to give a talk at TEDx Totnes.
This year’s theme for
TEDx Totnes was “In Our Hands?” and explored the topic of whether the future is really in our hands and what we can do to create and sculpt our future. Kath's talk, entitled “Pushing Open Doors”, provided a moving account of her experiences of being a carer for a chronically ill child and her struggles to navigate health and social care provision. These struggles, and those of other families, inspired her to pursue an academic career researching the role of patients and families in health care decision-making and to become a champion for public engagement.
You can watch Kath’s talk
on our website.
Patient-Initiated Clinics project shortlisted for Best Practice award
We are pleased to announce that our
Patient-Initiated Clinics (PIC) project has been shortlisted by the
British Society for Rheumatology in its Best Practice Awards.
The project evaluated Derriford Hospital's 'Direct Access' scheme, which allows rheumatoid arthritis patients to self-manage their condition, allowing them to book an appointment whenever their condition worsened, instead of waiting for pre-arranged appointments, which are often unnecessary.
This innovative and patient-led approach has led to the project being recognised in the 'Patient Self-Management and Decision-Making' Category of the awards, which will take place in March next year.
PIC project team, Picture credit: Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust
PenCLAHRC Director talks to BBC Radio Devon about 'sugar tax'
PenCLAHRC Director,
Professor Stuart Logan, was interviewed recently by Simon Bates on BBC Radio Devon regarding the ongoing debate on the implementation of a tax on sugary drinks. In the interview, Professor Logan highlighted the dangers of childhood obesity and the positive effects that could come from an increased tax on high sugar items.
You can listen to the programme via the
BBC iPlayer until 29
th December, after which you can listen via this
link (article starts at 35mins 50seconds).
Announcement of new Chief Scientific Adviser at the Department of Health
Professor Dame Sally Davies has announced that she will be retiring from her role as Director General, Research and Development at the Department of Health. Her successor will be Professor Chris Whitty, who will take the post of Chief Scientific Adviser. Dame Sally will continue her role as Chief Medical Officer.
Professor Whitty's role will include overall responsibility for the Department of Health's Research and Development budget (including the NIHR) and for research policy. He will take up his new position during December.
Dr Louise Woods has also been appointed to replace Dr Russell Hamilton, Director of Research and Development at the Department of Health, when he retires next year. Dr Woods is currently on secondment as Director of Policy and Public Affairs at the Association of Medical Research Charities.
PenCLAHRC opportunities
Research Fellow, Evidence Synthesis Team
Closing date: 17th January 2016
You can view the job specification
here, for more details and to apply, visit the
University of Exeter jobs webpage.
Graduate Trainee Information Specialist
Closing date: 14th January 2016
You can find more details via the
job advert.
