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  • This is a Title 01 | NIHR ARC Wessex

    < Back This is a Title 01 This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Want to view and manage all your collections? Click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Here, you can make changes to your content, add new fields, create dynamic pages and more. You can create as many collections as you need. Your collection is already set up for you with fields and content. Add your own, or import content from a CSV file. Add fields for any type of content you want to display, such as rich text, images, videos and more. You can also collect and store information from your site visitors using input elements like custom forms and fields. Be sure to click Sync after making changes in a collection, so visitors can see your newest content on your live site. Preview your site to check that all your elements are displaying content from the right collection fields. Previous Next

  • COMPLETED: PARTNERS Project: Development and implementation of a digital tool for multisectoral support and management of long-term condition

    894e3c82-d20e-4fbc-a56a-7d96277ba61e COMPLETED: PARTNERS Project: Development and implementation of a digital tool for multisectoral support and management of long-term condition PARTNERS Project: Development and implementation of a digital tool for multisectoralsupport and management of long-term condition Principal Investigator: Professor Mari-Carmen Portillo Co Applicants : Line Bragstad, Dr Dorit Kunkel, Dr Kat Bradbury, Dr Lindsay Welch, Hayden Kirk, Dr Caroline Barker, Sandra Bartolomeu Pires, Christopher Edwards, Lindsay Cherry, Francesca White, Caroline Aylott, Cathal Doyle. Partners: University of Southampton, University of Oslo, Hampshire and Isle of Wight NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Hampshire and Isle of Wight ICS, Versus Arthritis, and Parkinson’s UK. Lay Summary Background to the research : Self-management is an approach to help people with long term conditions manage their health daily. Existing NHS self-management tools focus on healthcare (medication management, appointments) and fail to capture aspects of how people live with and adjust to long-term conditions. This includes social support (family/friends) and other resources and networks available like the voluntary sector, industry and community groups.We have created an intervention (an action to improve a situation or prevent it getting worse) to support self-management for people with Parkinson’s Disease and their family/carers. This intervention recognises the role of social support, voluntary sector, industry, and community groups in adjusting to living with a condition. Our next step is toadapt this intervention to the needs of people living with other conditions like Arthritis and for those living with more than one condition and create a digital tool. Aim of the research : To develop, implement and evaluate a digital tool that supports the management of people with Parkinson’s Disease and/or Arthritis. The tool will support professionals and other organisations to connect, share resources and optimise communication and referrals, leading to more personalised and cost-effective use of resources (beyond healthcare) in the community. Design and methods: The research will take place in community settings in Wessex. We will prioritise disadvantaged groups (those less comfortable using technology and less able toaccess available resources and support). We will : 1. Work with our patient and public involvement (PPI) representatives, relevant voluntary organisations, health and social care providers, and key people involved in policy making and NHS strategy. They will have a voice ineach decision to ensure our tool is relevant and acceptable to those using it. 2. Host discussion groups with people with Parkinson’s Disease and/or Arthritis and theirfamily/carers to understand the positive and negative aspects of existing digital tools, from a patient perspective. 3. Design our self-management tool. 4. Test the tool through two primary care surgeries (GP) and voluntary organisations (Parkinson’s UK and Versus Arthritis).Testing will help understand how the tool is used and what helps or hinders its success. Deliverables : The research will generate: a digital tool to support more effective self-management of Parkinson’s Disease and/or Arthritis, recommendations for policy development, evidence for how to improve NHS services. Public Patient Involvement: We willwork with people with Parkinson’s Disease and/or Arthritis and their families/carers. We will work together as equal partners to define their level of involvement, roles, methods to input and training needs. We will also explore what works best or what we should do differently intheir involvement. Dissemination : We will share our learning across the different groups involved. This will include presentations, policy briefings, newsletters, and public events. What did we find out? We found that people with Parkinson’s and/or arthritis, their carers and professionals involved in their care wanted a digital app that was: • Simple • Easy to navigate • Hybrid – in person contact also signposted Included: • Community resources from voluntary/charity sector • Free or inexpensive resources • Links to peers/buddy for support What next? PARTNERS 2 has evolved, as a continuation project. This allowed time for: A suitable digital company to be found with previous experience of working with people with health condition Full briefing of the digital company about what was required of the digital web app. Development of a 'Life Boost' app Trade marking 'Life Boost' Real-world evaluation of the app with Social Prescribers in Hampshire Linking 'Life Boost' to MyMedical Record (University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust) The PARTNERS 2 project will now: Ga in full exposure by having it adopted onto the My Medical Record platform at the University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust Be used in the real-world and a business/company/organisation will be sought to adopt the app for further development and management

  • CHAMPION: Children whose mothers are involved in the criminal justice system in Dorset & Hampshire: developing health and social care outcome indicators

    45c5bd14-475f-4afa-ac9a-403f77123c69 CHAMPION: Children whose mothers are involved in the criminal justice system in Dorset & Hampshire: developing health and social care outcome indicators Chief Investigator Professor Julie Parkes Professor in Public Health Head of School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education Faculty of Medicine University of Southampton, South Academic Block, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Dr Emma Plugge Associate Professor in Public Health School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education Faculty of Medicine University of Southampton, Co-Investigators Dr Donna Arrondelle , Research Fellow, University of Southampton Dr Naomi Gadian, Public Health Specialist Registrar, University of Southampton Donna Gipson, Director EP:IC Consultants Ltd, West Malling, Kent Dr James Hall , Associate Professor of Educational Psychology, University of Southampton Paula Harriott , Head of Prison Engagement, Prison Reform Trust Professor Kathleen Kendall , Professorial Fellow of Sociology as Applied to Medicine, University of Southampton Dr Sara Morgan , Associate Professor in Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton Professor James Raftery , Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Dr Lucy Wainwright , Director of Research, EP:IC Consultants Ltd, West Malling, Kent Starts: 1st April 2023 Ends: 30th September 2024 Summary In this study, we will identify important features of children’s health and wellbeing that are affected when their mother is sent to prison. For example, it might be their mental wellbeing or their behaviour. If we know what the important features are, then researchers and organisations providing services (such as the NHS) can monitor these for change; this is important to see how the child is but also to see if services are helping him or her. In the past, researchers have not looked in depth at the health and wellbeing of these children. We want to look at all the studies conducted so far to see what areas of their health have been looked at and also to find out areas of their health where the evidence is lacking. We will also speak with adults who were children when their mother was imprisoned to hear their views about what health issues are important and what would have helped them at that time. We will also speak to children who are living with their mother in a prison alternative in the community to find out from them about their health and what has helped them in this particular place. Finally, we will speak with a range of professionals, from doctors to teachers, who work with children whose mother has been imprisoned. We will ask them to tell us about the aspects of these children’s health and wellbeing that they think are important and likely to be affected by the child’s mother going to prison. When we have the information from published studies, from the children themselves and from the professionals, we will bring together a group of people with experience of their mother being imprisoned and also professionals. We will work with them to agree the most important features of children’s health and wellbeing that are affected when their mother is sent to prison. These ‘outcome measures’ are helpful to developing services for these children. People with experience of their mother being imprisoned have helped design the project. They will also be important in spreading the word about the study. This will enable us to reach not just academic audiences and policy makers through publishing in journals or presenting at research conferences, but also people with lived experience and charities that work in this area. Informing a wide range of people will be important in ensuring that the findings from this study are acted on.

  • ADOPTED: DASA - Domestic abuse and housing: local authorities' provision of safe accommodation for adults living with disabilities and/or long-term/life-limiting illness: a mixed-methods study

    596abb82-50f3-40e1-8d8d-a89073038260 ADOPTED: DASA - Domestic abuse and housing: local authorities' provision of safe accommodation for adults living with disabilities and/or long-term/life-limiting illness: a mixed-methods study Principal Investigator: Dr Michelle Myall , School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton. Team: Dr Sophia Taylor and Dr Susi Lund , School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton. Professor Julie McGarry and Professor Parveen Ali University of Sheffield. Mrs Samantha Dawson, Body Positive Dorset - Public and Patient Contributor Summary In 2022 an estimated 2.4 million adults experienced domestic abuse in England and Wales. Some people are at increased risk because of additional inequalities, vulnerabilities, and other factors. This includes adults with complex health and social care needs such as those living with physical disabilities and long-term/life-limiting illnesses. In April 2021 the Domestic Abuse Act was introduced in England. This created a new definition of domestic abuse to include any incidents of controlling, coercive, or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over, who are or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. Domestic abuse also includes psychological, physical, sexual, financial and emotional abuse. Domestic abuse can happen to anyone and is a leading cause of homelessness. In England, the Domestic Abuse Act has changed housing law to give priority accommodation to a person made homeless because of domestic abuse and requires local authorities to offer support in safe accommodation and alternatives to refuge provision. Refuges are notsuitable for all victim-survivors, particularly those who have additional and specific health and care needs. There is little research on the housing needs of domestic abuse victim-survivors with physical disabilities, longterm conditions or life-limiting illnesses. Understanding the requirements of these groups and how local authorities are meeting their responsibilities under the Domestic Abuse Act is important and timely. What are the study aims? Working with people with lived experience, local authorities, and domestic abuse organisations we aim to: 1) identify and explore the experiences of victim-survivors living with a physical disability and/or long-term/life-limiting illness affected by domestic abuse and 2) understand how local authorities are meeting their responsibilities in providing safe accommodation and prioritising those made homeless because of domestic abuse. We will explore what local authorities already provide and how they are responding to the requirements of The Domestic Abuse Act. We will review published research and policies, map existing housing provision, and undertake interviews with key stakeholders. To ensure the voices of people with lived experience are included and listened to, we will hold creative workshops, using art, poetry or stories to explore their experiences. Findings will be used to develop a toolkit for local authorities and their partners to inform practice and improve user experience. What will happen to the study findings? We will work with our project partners and people with lived experience to identify who we need to engage and how to reach them. We will hold an event at the end of the study to share findings with stakeholders. Findings will be reported on social media for the wider public, and attendance at conferences and publications in academic and professional journals.

  • COMPLETED: The Wessex FRIEND Toolbox (Family Risk IdEntificatioN and Decision)

    7982ebd7-aab7-4e3f-8493-b1caebcd4bea COMPLETED: The Wessex FRIEND Toolbox (Family Risk IdEntificatioN and Decision) Identifying high risk groups early to improve health in young families in Wessex Principal Investigator: Professor Nisreen Alwan and Dr Dianna Smith Team members: Professor Nisreen Alwan (Professor in Public Health, School of Primary Care and Population Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton), Dr Dianna Smith (Lecturer in Geographic Information Science, Geography & Environment, University of Southampton), Professor Paul Roderick (Professor of Public Health, School of Primary Care and Population Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton), Dr Ivaylo Vassilev (Principal Research Fellow, School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton), Dr Grace Grove (Clinical Research Fellow, School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton), Dr Nida Ziauddeen (Research Fellow, School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton),Dr Lauren Wilson (Research Fellow, Geography & Environment, University of Southampton) Read report: Food Insecurity Risk Indices for Neighbourhoods 2021 Food Insecurity Brief LSOA Level Estimates Sept2021_online[2] .pdf Download PDF • 363KB Start: 21 October 2019 Ended: 30 September 2022 Project Partners: University of Southampton, Solent NHS Trust, Southampton City Council, Portsmouth City Council, Hampshire County Council, Health Education England, Oxford Brookes University Lay summary We know that prioritising health is complex, particularly for families living in social and economic disadvantage. The SLOPE CORE tool estimates the future risk of childhood overweight at the start of primary school. It can be used by health professionals in consultation with the families they are working with to help facilitate various interventions towards the prevention of childhood obesity. We have tested the acceptability and feasibility of this tool in the first phase of the Wessex FRIEND project, as part of a broader programme of work, aiming to improve the health of children and families in Wessex. We have trialled it with health visitors in the first instance, just so that we can get some initial feedback and improve it before combining it with other components of interventions. We have also been refining and tailoring area-based child poverty, food poverty and greenspace access measures to the local and regional context and population, so that our risk tool takes into account the area profile and resources where the family lives. These area-based measures, which represent neighbourhoods, may also be used independently by local governments and civil society/third sector to help in targeting resources to better support people living in areas of higher risk for food and child poverty, or with poorer access to greenspaces. What have we found out? We tested a digital tool called SLOPE CORE which predicts if preschool children are likely to be overweight by the time they start school. Health visitors and parents found the obesity prediction tool quick and easy to use. Using the tool provided the opportunity for health promotion, and may facilitate difficult conversations by giving an objective result and removing the perception of professional judgement. This may encourage conversations on healthy weight and could influence health visitor practice by increasing provision of anticipatory support on feeding. Health visitors felt that, when using the tool, the healthcare professional should have sufficient time to have a sensitive discussion and explain a conceptually difficult concept (risk). Parents felt that the tool provides an opportunity for behaviour change and potential to improve health for the child but can also provide reassurance. They appreciate the provision of additional resources and support with the results. However, before using the tool the healthcare professional should consider whether the tool is appropriate, as it may be unsuitable for some parents. We refined and tailored area-based child poverty, food poverty and greenspace access measures to the regional context and population. These provide improved tools for better planning and targeting of services by the local councils. These area-based measures are combined with the individual childhood obesity estimation provided by the SLOPE CORE Tool on one platform, which can be utilised by frontline professionals dealing with disadvantaged families. We also tested the feasibility of the Generating Engagement in Network Involvement (Genie), a facilitated social network intervention, as a means towards reducing risk of adverse family health outcomes. We tested this with Home-Start in Portsmouth which is a voluntary organisation. Staff found Genie simple to use, really liked the concept and found that familiarity with the system meant the process was much smoother for later entries. Staff felt that being able to fill out Genie on a phone or app would be quite useful. The option of other languages or built-in translation could also make it easier to use. Staff felt that Genie was particularly good for families feeling isolated or new to the area but was unlikely to be relevant for all. However, staff thought it was less realistic for them to use it within the timeframe of visits and other things that need to be done during a visit but they could potentially facilitate the use of Genie by encouraging people to do so themselves. The network mapping was useful as it made people realise what they have and what they need. Staff found it an interesting exercise to start the conversation and find out what was going on in the lives of individuals/families they were supporting. A potential barrier to the use of both tools is lack of wi-fi/internet connectivity. What difference can this make? Using the obesity prediction tool could provide the opportunity for health promotion and facilitate discussions by giving an objective result and removing the perception of professional judgement. This could encourage conversations on healthy weight and potentially influence health visitor practice by increasing provision of anticipatory support on feeding. Using the tool antenatally, or with a younger infant may allow for an easier conversation, allowing the healthcare professional to focus on prevention, as opposed to ‘correcting’ a parent’s current behaviour. Health visitors felt that parents were more likely to be receptive to a preventative approach. The refined area-based measures provide improved tools for better planning and targeting of services by the local councils. Network mapping using Genie made people realise what they have and what they need and help staff start the conversation to find out what was going on in the lives of individuals/families they were supporting. Why in this important? The Childhood Obesity Risk Estimation Tool has the potential to focus targeted intervention for the early prevention of childhood obesity. The updated food insecurity risk index has enabled local government to target available resources to those with greatest need. It has been included in the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) for Hampshire County Council. It has also contributed to food aid planning in Dorset, Hampshire and further resource planning in districts across the country. What’s next? The SLOPE CORE tool combined with the area based measures will require further testing to establish how it can be best used in practice, and any impact it may have on childhood obesity. This could be as part of a new or existing pathway which includes interventions designed to reduce risk of childhood obesity. Healthcare professionals using the tool should be trained in risk commination, be able to advise the parent on next steps, and have time to discuss what can be a sensitive topic. As SLOPE CORE only requires routinely collected data, it may be possible to build the tool into existing systems - such as healthy weight pathways, routine health visiting contacts and relevant GP consultations, which could save time and support existing work rather than further adding to workload for healthcare professionals. If internet access is unreliable, then a paper data collection sheet could be used to capture data required to use the tool at another time. After determining optimum timing and setting for tool use, a longer term evaluation is necessary to explore the impact of the tool on parents and healthcare professionals behaviours in the short term, and childhood obesity in the longer term. Publications: Ziauddeen, N., Roderick, P., Santorelli, G., Wright, J., & Alwan, N.A. (2022). Childhood overweight and obesity at the start of primary school: external validation of pregnancy and early-life prediction models. PLOS Glob Public Health. 2(6): e0000258. Ziauddeen, N., Roderick, P., Santorelli, G., Wright, J., & Alwan, N.A. (2020). OP55 Childhood overweight and obesity at the start of primary school: external validation of pregnancy and early-life prediction models. Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, 74(Supplement 1), A26. https://doi.org/10.1136/jech-2020-SSMabstracts.54 Smith, D.M., Rixson, L., Grove, G., Ziauddeen, N., Vassilev, I., Taheem, R., Roderick, P., & Alwan, N.A. Household food insecurity risk indices for English neighbourhoods: measures to support local policy decisions. MedRxiv 2022:22273530. https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.04.06.22273530 (preprint and minor revisions requested at PLOS ONE) Smith, D. and Thompson, C. (2022) Food Deserts and Food Insecurity in the UK. Routledge. Further funding because of this research: ARC Wessex - Wessex DIET: Determining the Impact of covid-19 on food sEcurity in young families and Testing interventions MRC Clinical Research Fellowship (Dr Grace Grove) - Investigating the impact of food vouchers on diet composition and the prevention of childhood obesity Other impacts: The food security risk index has been included in the JSNA for Hampshire and has contributed to JSNAs and food aid planning in Dorset, Hampshire and further resource planning in Lancaster, Hull Hertfordshire and Greater Manchester to name a selection of Local Authorities, demonstrating the wider reach beyond Wessex.

  • COMPLETED ADOPTED PROJECT: The Gateway Study a randomised controlled trial, economic and qualitative evaluation to examine the effectiveness of an out-of-court community-based Gateway intervention programme aimed at improving health and well-being for young adult offenders; victim satisfaction and reducing recidivism

    0ff85ad2-7ff5-49d4-b71c-0a912cb8f020 COMPLETED ADOPTED PROJECT: The Gateway Study a randomised controlled trial, economic and qualitative evaluation to examine the effectiveness of an out-of-court community-based Gateway intervention programme aimed at improving health and well-being for young adult offenders; victim satisfaction and reducing recidivism Completed A single-site pragmatic Randomised Control Trial to examine the effectiveness of an OCBI known as ‘Gateway’ on improving health and well-being of offenders aged 18-24, as well as reducing recidivism and improving victim satisfaction Chief Investigator: Professor Julie Parkes – University of Southampton Project Team Members Dr Sara Morgan – University of Southampton, Dr Inna Walker – University of Southampton, Professor Catherine Hewitt – University of York, Professor David Torgerson – University of York, Professor Jenny Fleming – University of Southampton, Professor James Raftery – University of Southampton, Inspector Stu Baker – Hampshire Constabulary Sergeant Caroline Chapman – Hampshire Constabulary, Dr Alison Booth – University of York, Mrs Ann Cochrane – University of York, Mr Alex Mitchell – University of York, Mrs Valerie Wadsworth – University of York, Mrs Megan Barlow-Pay – University of Southampton, Ms Lana Weir – University of Southampton. Organisations Involved: Hampton Trust charity, No Limits charity, Aurora New Dawn, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary Started: 1/3/2018 Ended: 31/8/2022 Background Young adult offenders commonly have a range of health and social needs, making them vulnerable to mental health problems. If you are aged between 18-24 years old and have committed a crime, you may need to attend court and face convictions or prison. However, many believe that more should be done to prevent young adults from entering the criminal justice system in the first place. The study aims to determine whether a new out of court programme, named Gateway, improves the health and wellbeing of young adult offenders aged 18-24, and influences their chance of offending again, and gives victim satisfaction. The Gateway programme is issued as a conditional caution and has been developed by Hampshire Constabulary (HC), in partnership with local community groups, with an aim to improve the life chances of young adult offenders. In the programme, a mentor assesses the needs of each adult and develops a care pathway with referrals to healthcare. The young adult offenders then participate in two workshops about empathy, and the causes and consequences of their behaviour. Such intervention programmes are believed to improve the health and well-being of young offenders and reduce criminal behaviour. However, there is currently little information about the extent of this improvement. To find out whether the programme works, this research study compares a group of young adult offenders taking part in the Gateway programme as a conditional caution with a group of non- participants who are required to appear in court or given a different conditional caution. Publications An out-of-court community-based programme to improve the health and well-being of young adult offenders: the Gateway RCT | NIHR Journals Library

  • COMPLETED: Understanding psychosocial determinants of alcohol use disorder (AUD) in older adults: exploring the role of social networks and loneliness in living with AUD (OLA study 2).

    1f1252b1-cfe9-4800-b5dd-f3b53069d91a COMPLETED: Understanding psychosocial determinants of alcohol use disorder (AUD) in older adults: exploring the role of social networks and loneliness in living with AUD (OLA study 2). Project partners (charities, Universities, NHS trusts, care providers etc): University of Southampton, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust Full team listing including PPI Professor Julia Sinclair – Chief Investigator Professor Jackie Bridges – Co-applicant Dr Becky Band – Co-applicant Dr Steph Hughes – Research Fellow Zara Linssen – Medical Student Sophie Crouzet – Medical Student Stephen Lim – Implementation Champion Melinda King – PPI advisor Start: 01/01/2023 End: 01/07/2024 Summary Alcohol use disorders (AUD) in older adults is a growing problem which is currently under-recognised and under-treated. With little research into this area, there is no in-depth understanding about the factors that may contribute to AUD in older adults, nor the lived experiences of this group. Some have suggested that factors such as social isolation, loneliness and loss associated with older age may be important in understanding alcohol use. We know that in general, limited social contact and loneliness have a negative impact on both mental and physical health. One way to understand the amount and types of social connections someone has is to map their personal social network. This might include a whole range of people such as important family, friends, neighbours and acquaintances, pets, community places, groups or activities. This helps people to think about who is important in their daily lives, the roles that different relationships play, how this might have changed over time and how this might be improved, for example, by exploring ways to obtain additional support in the future. In this study we will invite older adults who have participated in a linked study to take part in an interview. The linked study will follow-up older adults with AUD for 6 months after being admitted into hospital. The people invited to this study will be selected based on lots of different factors, such as their age, how many people they live with, or how lonely they are, to ensure we are able to capture a variety of experiences within this group. Only those who have given permission to be contacted will be approached. The interviews will be 1:1 with a researcher and might happen in person, over the phone or through an online video call. Participants will first be guided through the process of mapping their current social network with the researcher. The interview will then discuss the support received from the person’s social network, as well as talking about the participants’ daily lives (including daily routines, physical and mental wellbeing and valued activities) and additional support needs. Interviews will last around 1 hour. They will be audio-recorded, transcribed and anonymised before analysis. Plain English summary of findings Recruitment to the study was difficult. Many patients who were identified as drinking at increasing or possibly dependent levels did not have mental capacity to take part. Of those who were eligible, a large percentage declined to participate. This resulted in a small sample size of 30, 16 of which completed their follow-up questionnaire, and 7 interviews. 20% of the sample died during the study window. Results indicated: Over 50% participants showed some level of cognitive impairment Participants had an average of 4 people in their social network; usually family members Interviews revealed links between social isolation, loneliness and drinking alcohol Those who were housebound reported drinking alcohol all day long Participants stated alcohol is not, and never has been a problem for them 50% participants met the threshold for depression Participants often provided conflicting information for the follow-up questions and in the interviews Participants had poor diets; of 32 nutrients measured 22 were not consumed in-line with the government recommendations 93% participants were taking 5 medications or more What did we do with this? As a small preliminary study the new knowledge has been used to inform future research. Impact on patient care and population health will come from the future research. Recruitment was harder than expected. This learning point has informed recruitment and retention procedures in future research applications. Other findings, for example, the link described qualitatively between social isolation and increased alcohol consumption, has shaped ideas for intervention development. What's next? We have formed a stakeholder group to discuss our findings and what the most appropriate next steps should be. We are preparing an application to undertake the planning and developmental work for an intervention aimed at reducing alcohol consumption in a general population of adults aged 65 and over. We plan to test the feasibility of this intervention in a feasibility study.

  • SOCIAL CARE: Evaluation of Southampton City Council’s Male Engagement Worker (MEW) Project

    53b76e5e-c361-4791-8e01-f147de703463 SOCIAL CARE: Evaluation of Southampton City Council’s Male Engagement Worker (MEW) Project Chief Investigator: Dr Michelle Myall, Principal Research Fellow, University of Southampton Co-Investigators: Dr Sophia Taylor, Senior Research Assistant, University of Southampton; Dr Susi Lund, Visiting Research Fellow, University of Southampton Partners who will collaborate on the research: Anjelica Finnegan, Senior Male Engagement Worker, Southampton City Council; Caroline Bate, Domestic Abuse Coordinator, Southampton City Council; Colin McAllister, Senior Public Health Practitioner, Southampton City Council; Francesca Mountfort, Male Engagement Worker, Southampton City Council Start Date: 19 October 2023 End date: 30 September 2024 Why is this research needed? An estimated 2.4 million adults experienced domestic abuse in 2019 in England and Wales. In April 2021 the Domestic Abuse Act was introduced in England and Wales. This created a new definition of domestic abuse to include “any incidents or patterns of incidents of controlling, coercive, or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over, who are or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. Domestic abuse can encompass, but is not limited to psychological, physical, sexual, financial and emotional abuse”. The Act required local authorities to expand their support and provision available to those experiencing domestic abuse. As part of a review by Southampton City Council into whether it meets the requirements of the new Act it found that alleged perpetrators of domestic abuse are not being effectively assessed or adequately supported. This is particularly true of young (step-) fathers. To address this gap, in 2020 Southampton City Council established a Male Engagement Worker (MEW) Project to work with high-risk male perpetrators of domestic abuse who have (step-) children and have local authority children’s services involved. This newly established service has yet to be evaluated. What are the aims? To evaluate Southampton City Council’s new domestic abuse service focusing around the newly created Male Engagement Worker Project. How will the study be carried out? We will carry out interviews with key informants and relevant stakeholders and analyse audit data collected about the service. What will happen to the findings? We will work with our project partners to identify who we need to engage and how to reach them. We will share findings with stakeholders through a presentation. We will produce a report and executive summary of findings and recommendations for Southampton City Council and share learnings with other relevant local authority and third sector organisations. Findings will also be reported on social media posts for the wider public, publications in academic and professional journals and attendances at conferences.

  • COMPLETED ADOPTED: Investigating Quality of Care for People with Dementia Undergoing Cancer Treatment in Ambulatory Care (ImPaCT)

    ff477b29-43df-41e3-8562-aeeb2cfcbef7 COMPLETED ADOPTED: Investigating Quality of Care for People with Dementia Undergoing Cancer Treatment in Ambulatory Care (ImPaCT) Principal Investigator: Dr Naomi Farrington Team members: Dr Naomi Farrington (Advanced Nurse Practitioner and NIHR Clinical Lecturer, University Hospital Southampton and University of Southampton), Professor Jackie Bridges (Professor of Older People’s Care, School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton), Professor Alison Richardson (Clinical Professor of Cancer Nursing and End of Life Care, University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton). Start: 01 January 2019 End: 31 May 2022 Project partners: University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, University of Southampton. S tudy is funded as part of a HEE/NIHR Clinical Lectureship Lay summary: There is not much information about people with dementia having cancer treatment. This study aims to understand how high quality care can be provided for people with dementia undergoing outpatient cancer treatment (radiotherapy, chemotherapy or other anti-cancer treatment). The study uses a research method called ethnography, which is where a researcher conducts ‘fieldwork’ to study a group of people to better understand that group. It will look at: The environment (surroundings and conditions) of the outpatient clinics and treatment areas; How people in the outpatient clinics and treatment areas behave and interact with each other; How treatment and support is organized in the outpatient clinic and treatment areas. Fieldwork will take place in the outpatient departments of University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust. It will include observations, interviews and review of patient notes. The people who will be invited to take part in the study are: People with dementia having cancer treatment; Friends or family supporting people with dementia having cancer treatment; Staff involved in the care of people with dementia having cancer treatment (doctors, nurses, support workers, administrative staff, and others). All those who take part in the study will be asked to give consent. The study includes: Observation . this will be carried out in cancer outpatient clinics and treatment areas. This will look at the environment (surroundings and conditions); the everyday interactions that happen between patients, carers and staff; and way in which care and support take place. Observation will take place in the general clinic areas as well as during doctor appointments and when treatment is being given. The researcher will take detailed notes. Interviews . these will be carried out with patients, carers and staff. These will focus on how people in the study speak and act to understand more about how they think and feel. Interviews will be digitally recorded, and a written transcript will be made. Patient notes . Researchers will look at patient notes to add to the information from observation and interviews. They will look at the notes to find out about diagnosis, treatment and support offered to patients. These 3 methods of data collection will help the researchers put together a detailed picture of the outpatient setting including how people act ( behaviour ), the surroundings and conditions ( environment ), and the way treatment and support is organised ( processes ). This will reveal ways in which healthcare organisations might best provide cancer treatment for people with dementia that is person-centred (focused on the needs of the person themselves) and of a high quality. What did we learn? The cultural environment of the outpatient care setting reflects and supports the standardized processing of people for cancer treatment. Dementia introduces a wider set of care requirements not catered for by a standardized treatment model. The needs of patients with dementia could be addressed most effectively when individualized care, was offered. This was possible when services were responsive to patient need. What difference did this new knowledge make? Outpatient cancer services can ensure responsiveness by: having an established way of eliciting needs, preferences and expectations a belief that a person's needs and expectations are legitimate, and that effort should be made to address them ability to accommodate these needs and expectations. Why is this important for patients, health and care providers, and policy makers? Managers of outpatient cancer care services have a better understanding of how to design and organize settings so that the needs of people with dementia can be addressed. Patients with dementia and their families will be more likely to receive personalized care that meets their needs. Policy makers will be more aware of the need to incorporate principles of personalized care into policies guiding the care and treatment of people with multiple health conditions. What have we done? This work has been part of building momentum to increase the profile of how people with cancer and dementia receive care and treatment. A national symposium was carried out with clinicians and academics in 2022 showcasing work addressing cancer and dementia. Dr Naomi Farrington is presenting this work as part of a session on ‘Person-Centred Care’ at the European Oncology Nursing Society in Madrid, October 2023. 3 papers have been published on this study: Understanding the cultural environment of the outpatient care setting for patients with dementia receiving cancer treatment: a qualitative study. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36382351/ How can I improve cancer services for people with dementia? https://journals.rcni.com/cancer-nursing-practice/evidence-and-practice/how-can-i-improve-cancer-services-for-people-with-dementia-cnp.21.5.22.s10/full 'A rea l fine balancing act’: A secondary qualitative analysis of power imbalance in comorbid cancer and dementia in an outpatient treatment setting. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36929372/ C LEAR steps for a responsive outpatient cancer service • C larify needs, expectations, preferences and goals • L egitimise these as valid • E nable these to be met by implementing strategies • A udit to ensure this is working for patients caregivers and health service • R ecord for the future https://vimeo.com/688041079

  • Meet our interns, PhD and Post-doc | NIHR ARC Wessex

    Meet our academy - Interns, PhDs and Post-Docs We all grow throughout our lives, and the our Academy is here to help expand the number of people in Wessex conducting high quality applied health research. It's part of our legacy to the health and social care community across Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight. This page lists those people who have joined us in their journey to enrich our research community. There are internships for people starting their research journey, PhD awards for those wanting to develop their experience and research career, and Post-Doctoral Awards to help drive the research agenda in Wessex. Internships Mr Mark Green Justin Strain Anna Wells Dr Cheska Ball Dr Sofia Michopoulou Naomi Purdie Megan Pound Cherish Boxall Emma Stennett Jan Cavolina Dr Camilla Holmes Mrs Cathy Pogson Ms Deborah Butler Samuel Page Dr Theo Akudjedu Mrs Victoria Tweedy Ms Jo Murfin Ms Lauren Green Ms Lucy Bakewell Ms Danni Swaithe Dr Eloise Radcliffe Ms Lisa Osborn- Jenkins Ms Rachel Middle Ms Rayan Taher Mrs Stefanie Gibb Mrs Krisi Downton Mrs Eirini Manali Ms Kim Yun Jung Emily Leach Madison Geeves Nicola Legg Nour Odeh Paul New Raquel Lima Rebecca Verling Catarina Fandinga Daniella Matteccui Andrea Brimson Clare Phillips Kirtsy Ballinger Clare Pinder Jennifer Malpass Wellington Tshabangu Niall Berry Christina Leadley Sara Ribeiro Blue Pike Harriet Wilding Joshua Bailey Katherine McGinn Katie Brown Sarah Curtis Kate Gillet Ellenor (Elle) Gray Bhavin Dedhia Sharon Court Matthew Wood Dr Carolina Machuca-Vargas Sawsen Sabbah Dr Donna Austin Jia Pei Ong Bessie Brumble Jennifer Thomson Ross Diaper JJ Hudson-Colby Karen Irons Ellie Maynard Lee Titmus Gail Mann Keira White Laura Smith Carol Lo Konstantina Panopoulou Luke Sammut Rebecca Edwards Jo Laud Beth Lyon Sophie Robertson Amber Hancock Samia Turkinstani Rebecca Weeks Daniel Seow Krzysztof Cepa Peter Cope Michelle Trevett Karina Green Olufolake Ayeyemi Stuart Vail Tracey Carus Sam Jakeway Hayley Skinner Sophie Enright Joanne Palmer Kate Herriotts Olivia Epps Angus Kent From: Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust Ambulatory care: exploring an alternative care pathway to support patients with a diagnosis of Heart Failure Long Term Conditions theme From: Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Project Title: Effects of previous traumatic pain memories on the current pain experience for people with haemophilia Brief summary of project: Haemophilia is a life-long condition which can cause repeated bleeding into muscles and joints, leading to synovial hypertrophy, destruction of the articular cartilage and haemophilic arthropathy. Due to a lack of treatment in their youth, many adults with severe haemophilia will have experienced multiple painful bleeding episodes, and research suggests that 50% of people with haemophilia (PWH) report experiencing chronic pain. Currently, the factors that drive and influence the chronic pain cycle in this patient group are poorly understood. Many PWH display physical and psychological symptoms which could be linked to post-traumatic stress but there is very little mention of this concept in the literature. This six month internship project consists of a scoping review of the literature and some initial patient and public involvement (PPI) work, to help inform further patient-centred co-designed research. The overarching aim is to gain a deeper understanding of the interaction between psychological and physical influences on chronic pain, to help improve the care we provide and to improve the health, wellbeing and health outcomes for PWH. Long Term Conditions theme Supervisors and organisations involved: Academic Supervisor: Dr Debra Gray, University of Winchester Mentor: Dr David Stephensen, Clinical Academic, Deputy Director of East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust Supervisor: Dr Kelly Hislop Lennie, University of Southampton; Long Term Conditions Research Group Hear what Anna has to say about her internship journey From: Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust Project Title: A qualitative evaluation of the experiences of individuals with persistent pain participating in online pain management interventions. Brief Summary of Project: This study aims to explore the experiences of individuals with persistent pain participating in online pain management interventions. It involves a systematic review and narrative synthesis of literature regarding individuals' experiences of online pain management interventions. The study will also conduct up to 10 semi-structured interviews with individuals who have recently undertaken an online group pain management programme within Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust's South West Hampshire Pain Management Service. Long Term Conditions and Ageing and Dementia themes Supervisors and Organisations involved: Supervisor - Dr Euan Sadler. School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton. Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust. Ageing and Dementia Theme. Supervisor - Dr Lindsay Welch. School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton. Long Term Conditions Theme. Organisations – NIHR ARC Wessex, University of Southampton, Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust. Search strategy document See what Justin thought about his internship and what it means for the future From: Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Project title: A systematic review of the effects of medical and allied health professional staffing focussed on junior doctors shift patterns and it effects wellbeing and burn-out Brief summary of project: I am writing a systematic review and am gathering data on Junior Doctors from Dorset County Hospital via a survey on the topic of shift-work, and how this may, or may not, impact upon burnout amongst this cohort. I will be focusing on burnout, fatigue and well-being. The overall aim is to identify features of shift-work and the rostering process that may contribute to burnout, so as to encourage the implementation of change where possible and improve the working-lives of Junior Doctors. I am also involved in the on-going Pan-Dorset rostering and job-planning project which has a focus on the rostering system for Junior Doctors. I hope to bring my research findings to this project so as to positively contribute to the improvement of rostering for Junior Doctors across Dorset. Workforce and Health Systems theme Supervisors: Alastair Hutchison, Medical Director and Consultant, Dorset County Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Peter Griffiths, Chair of Health Services Research, NIHR Senior Investigator, University of Southampton Zoe Sheppard, Head of Research, Dorset County Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust See what Cheska has to say about the internship Project title: Biomarker Research Assessing Inflammation in Neurodegeneration (BRAIN) Brief summary of project: This project aims to improve the diagnosis of dementia and enable early identification of patients who are likely to experience rapid progression of their symptoms. There are over 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK, and it takes on average over 2 years from symptom onset to diagnosis. Systemic inflammation is a driving force that accelerates dementia progression. Markers of inflammation from body fluids may help evaluate dementia progression. This project will measure targeted biomarkers of inflammation in patient samples and assess their value in early diagnosis of dementia. Supervisors and organisations involved: Academic Supervisor: Prof Jessica Teeling, Experimental Neuroimmmunology, University of Southampton Clinical Supervisor: Prof Chris Kipps, Consultant Neurologist, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust Ageing and Dementia Theme From: Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust Project title: How are the physical health needs of older people addressed in older peoples mental health (OPMH)? - A systematic review of literature Brief summary of project: My aim is to develop my research skills by completing a systematic literature review looking at how the physical health needs of older people are addressed in those with mental health diagnosis. This systematic review will enable me to search for relevant literature, and extract and discuss the findings. This will enable me to gain evidence to inform clinical practice within the trust. Supervisors and organisations involved: Supervisor - Michele Board - Academic supervisor Bournemouth university Abby Barkham – Clinical Supervisor Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust Liz Taylor supporting manager, Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust Ageing and Dementia Theme Naomi's Internship journey From : University of Portsmouth Project title: Co-production with and for vulnerable young people Brief summary of project: This was a 3-month part time internship resulting in 3 key outputs; a podcast discussing the 'Tracking Vulnerable Children in Schools' project introduced due to the Covid-19 lockdowns, a blog post exploring how co-production could benefit Portsmouth as a 'restorative city' and a report following from my interviews with young care leavers, discussing their experiences of service provision in care, which also fed into the larger PSCP Neglect Deep Dive report and findings. Healthy Communities theme Supervisors and organisations involved: Supervisor: Wendy Sims-Schouten (University of Portsmouth) Organisations: Portsmouth Safeguarding Children Partnership and Portsmouth City Council Read her blog here Cherish Boxall is a Clinical Trials Manager in Southampton and her internship project looked at SWAT priorities to improve the evidence to inform recruitment and retention practice in clinical trials. Here's what she thought of the internship From :University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust How nutritional status is assessed and monitored in patients with liver cirrhosis in routine Hepatology outpatient clinics Long Term Conditions theme From: University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust Urine output: how and why it is monitored in acute medical environments? Ageing and Dementia theme Jan is a paediatric Occupational Therapist in Poole. Project: Are school motor skill programmes that are designed by occupational therapists, physiotherapists and/or educational psychologists but delivered by school staff effective in improving the motor skills of typically developing children aged between 4-11years with motor skill difficulties and therefore improving functional tasks? From : University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust What are older people’s experiences of frailty prevention interventions in acute hospitals? A scoping review Ageing and Dementia theme From: Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust Comprehensive medication review using the validated STOPP-START toolkit in haemodialysis patients identified to have a frailty score of 5 or more using the validated widely used clinical frailty scale (CFS) Ageing and Dementia theme From : Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Establish current practice and challenges in the treatment of pubic rami fractures Ageing and Dementia theme From: Bournemouth University Dementia, Ageing, Radiography, Neuroimaging/ Clinical Neuroscience Ageing and Dementia theme From : Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Is there a link between Covid 19 and developing Dementia? Ageing and Dementia theme From : University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust Optimisation of nutrition and frailty prior to cardiac surgery Ageing and Dementia theme From : University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust Identifying hidden vulnerabilities in patients who present with Major Trauma: a retrospective case note review to inform service development Healthy Communities theme From : University of Winchester To be able to provide standard IF nutritional guidelines - missing at present Healthy Communities theme From: University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust To formulate a research question around the Attentional Deficits on Stroke Recovery Long Term Conditions theme From : University of Southampton People living with cancer that is treatable but not curable and their partners: changes in roles, relationships and social networks over time Long Term Conditions theme From : University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust Self-management of back pain and musculoskeletal long-term conditions Long Term Conditions theme From : Isle of Wight NHS Trust Severe Mental Illness and digital literacy Long Term Conditions theme From : Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust The Quality of Life of Pseudomyxoma Peritonei Patients: A Systematic Review Long Term Conditions theme Researcher Initiation Award From : Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Long Term Conditions theme From : University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust, Bournemouth University What is the evidence for the use of Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy for stroke interventions in Early Supported Discharge? Long Term Conditions & Ageing and Dementia themes From : University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust Workforce and Health Systems, Critical Care Workforce and Health Systems theme Project title: Social network facilitated engagement in people who are Homeless to address InEqualities in alcohol-related Liver Disease (SHIELD): A pilot study Plain English summary People who are homeless (PWAH) are known to have low rates of engagement with community health services. Poor engagement with liver care services has consequences for PWAH and is likely to contribute to the worse outcomes. Barriers and facilitators to the alcohol related liver disease care pathway for PWAH have not been explored and the level of engagement by this population is poorly quantified. During the internship I will work on a small pilot study (The SHIELD study) that is investigating the potential to use social networks to identify early-stage liver disease in this group. The research outcomes achieved from this award will greatly impact on the determining success of feasibility of the SHIELD study. My project entails interviews with PWAH in community. This is a unique opportunity for me to meet them as healthy individuals with potential disease progression in community as my current care predominantly focuses on patients who are engaged with the healthcare team in secondary care. I will gain a better understanding of our patient group by networking with them through research. Interacting with this group and listening to their thoughts on alcohol and alcohol related liver disease will enhance my patient-centred care. I will also get an opportunity to learn delivering Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) activity in research. Academic Supervisor: Dr Ryan Buchanan, Associate Professor of Hepatology, Honorary Consultant Hepatologist, University of Southampton Mentor : Dr Kinda Ibrahim, Academic Geriatric Medicine, University of Southampton Dr Andy Fox, Consultant pharmacist in Medicines Safety, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust Project Title: Understanding the thoughts and experiences of potential users of 3D-printed foot orthoses from vulnerable patient groups. I am a Podiatrist working clinically within Solent NHS Trust. I have research experience in Musculoskeletal and Rheumatic diseases, chronic pain and foot orthoses. In this project I aim to undertake scoping of the literature and gather feedback and advice from potential vulnerable ‘users’ of foot orthoses to collect group-constructed views on barriers and drivers to foot orthoses prescription. Respiratory Physiologist, Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Project title: Accessing the efficacy of the Forced Oscillation Technique (FOT) in routine clinical practice at HHFT for diagnosis and management of asthma and COPD Dental Nurse, University of Portsmouth Dental Academy Project title: Brush UP-SEN: Improving the oral health of children with special educational needs. A feasibility study Research lead, Oaks Healthcare NHS GP Practice Project title: Service evaluation of the barriers and facilitator of research delivery in Primary Care Physiotherapist, HMP Winchester Project title: The Prison Pain Project - Chronic Pain management in Secure Settings I graduated from physio school in 2006 at the University of Southampton and gained a clinical masters’ degree in sports physiotherapy from the University of Bath. I currently provide physiotherapy care to 3 prisons in the south central region. My special interest is chronic pain management and my internship project aims to investigate how chronic pain programmes can support the safer prescribing of pain medication in the prison system. I live in Stubbington, Fareham with my wife and we have to children who are students too. Neonatal Sister, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust Project title: Rapid, standardised neurodevelopment surveillance at age 2 years in neonatal follow-up clinics on the INTERGROWTH-21st Neurodevelopment Physiotherapist, Isle of Wight NHS Trust PARTNERS project : Development and implementation of a digital tool for multisectoral support and management of long term condition. Data Science Internship Paediatric Dietitian, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust Project title: To evaluate the implementation of a nutrition pathway in infants with congenital heart disease (CHD) and the relationship to growth. Improving access to and the quality of care for persons living with Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) From: Hampshire Hospitals NHS Trust, Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital Project: Patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) and experience measures (PREMs) further within MSK physiotherapy out-patients Workforce & Health Systems Theme From: University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust Project Title: Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) Ageing & Dementia theme From: Southampton University Hospital Foundation Trust Project: Transformational development in the management of adults with Cystic Fibrosis (AwCF): investigating the nutritional consequences of CFTR modulator therapy, Elexacaftor Tezacaftor-Ivacafor (Kaftrio) Workforce and Health Systems theme From: Hampshire Hospitals NHS Trust Project: Understanding the perspective of those with T1DE on the dietary information and approaches that would best meet their needs during their treatment with the ComPASSION team Long Term Conditions theme From: Solent NHS Trust Project: Oral health research for vulnerable community groups Healthy Communities theme From: Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust Project: Literature review of tools used to determine staffing requirements for Allied Health Professionals Workforce and Health Systems theme From: Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust Project: Systematic review of current literature supporting the use of staffing tools for physiotherapist Workforce and Health Systems theme From: Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Project: Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Long Term Condtions theme Summary of Project: A community collaboration and evaluation of sustained digital adoption in people with long term respiratory disease who are digitally excluded: a mix methods study. Long Term Conditions theme Supervisors: Dr. Lindsay Welsh and Dr. Kate Lippiett. Project title: The use of psychological formulation to support person-centred assessment and care planning for people living with mental health long term conditions in the community: a systematic review Involved supervisors and organisations: Dr Leire Ambrosio, University of Southampton Dr Lyn Ellett, University of Southampton Isle of Wight NHS Trust About: Blue currently works across Community Mental Health Rehabilitation and Early Intervention in Psychosis Teams on the Isle of Wight delivering CBT/CBTp and supporting various aspects of service development. Blue is am aiming to utilise the internship to undertake a project exploring the existing literature base for the impact of using psychological formulation at assessment in community mental health services on person-centred care and care planning. Long term conditions theme. Brief summary of project: A literature review and PPIE project to explore the impact of long-term sickness absence on the mental health of the Armed Forces population. Place of work: Occupational Therapist working in Solent NHS, community adult mental health service. Supervisors involved: Dr Leisle Ezekiel, University of Southampton Dr Kate King, Royal Navy. From: Solent Mind Project Title: A service evaluation for a peer-led crisis support service Long Term Conditions / Ageing & Dementia theme From: Southern Health NHS Trust Project: Selective and non-reporting in clinical psychopharmacology trials: A systematic review and meta-analysis of publicly registered phase 2, 3 or 4 randomised controlled trials of pharmacologic agents without regulatory approval for unapproved indications in adults. Long Term Conditions theme From: Dorset Healthcare NHS Project: Exploring the Role of Social Support and Resilience in Perinatal Mental Health. Healthy Communities theme Project Title: The impact of storytelling on the mental health and wellbeing of the mental health workforce: a literature review. From: Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board About I am the Lived Experience Lead for the No Wrong Door Community Mental Health Transformation Programme at the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board. Storytelling, and the impact it can have on one’s mental health, is a passion of mine and I am keen to explore the topic further. I am particularly keen to explore the impact storytelling can have on the mental health of professionals working in mental health services. I plan to do this via a review of the current literature. This aligns with the Health and Social Care Workforce theme. From: Living Well Partnership, Primary Care Network, Southampton Project: How can specialist nurse services in primary care support patients with long term conditions? Long Term Conditions theme Elle Gray is a Clinical Associate Psychologist with Solent NHS Project Title: Radical Self Compassion for Healthcare staff Brief Summary of the project: A scoping study on how to deliver a short version of the evidence based Mindful Self Compassion (MSC) intervention – Self Compassion for Healthcare Workers (SCHW) in range of Adult Mental Health Teams in the Solent Region. Mental Health teams face myriad stressors when holding complex patient risks alongside repeatedly hearing details of significant traumatic incidents, leading to the highest staff stress, sickness and burnout across the NHS workforce. This study will examine the factors relevant to all stakeholders when accessing this unique training – what conditions need to be present to deliver the right “dose” to an already overstretched workforce. Supervisors: Naomi Klepacz |PhD|CPsychol|NIHR Health Services Researcher (Workforce Wellbeing) Mila de Koning - Di Mindfulness Academie, Amsterdam, Self Compassion Trainer and Health Workforce specialist Workforce and Health Systems theme From: University of Portsmouth Dental Academy Project Title: A literature review of Dental care experiences of the underserved communities Bhavin is a dentist and academic with experience of 15 years of NHS Clinical Dentistry and academic experience of 4 years. Bhavin graduated in India and requalified in the United Kingdom through the International Qualifying Examination (IQE). Bhavin’s educational experience is of PG Certificate in Dental Law and Ethics and PG Diploma in Medical Law and Ethics and they are passionate about inclusive healthcare delivery and practices. Healthy Communities theme From: Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust Sharon is a qualified teacher and youth worker with over thirty years experience of working with children and young people. She worked for ten years as a freelancer, developing and managing community engagement programmes including projects funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Armed Forces Community Covenant. Prior to joining the NHS, Sharon worked with a number of local organisations including Portsmouth Cathedral where she devised and led their community engagement programme. This four year partnership included work funded by Awards for All and Arts Council England. Sharon brings a wealth of community experience and networks to her role as the Patient and Public Involvement Facilitator, where she now works supporting a successful PPIE group, including a young people’s PPIE group and creating new opportunities to engage the public with healthcare research. Sharon’s research internship with ARC Wessex is exploring whether Social Pedagogy is a good fit for PPIE practice, with a view to undertaking further, more in-depth research in the future. Long Term Conditions theme From: Dorset County Hospital Project: Development of a measure to support the WASP Service Evaluation tool. Long Term Conditions / Workforce and Health Systems theme From: University of Portsmouth Dental Academy / NIHR CRN Wessex Associate Head (Research & Innovation) / Senior Lecturer in Dental Public Health/ CRN Wessex-Oral and Dental Specialty Lead Project summary: Carolina’s research interest is currently in health data analysis and geo-mapping to understand of spatial relationships between health, the environment, and socio-economic determinants, leading to more targeted and effective interventions to improve population health and well-being. Long Term Conditions theme From: North Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Project: Are proactive deprescribing interventions, alongside a comprehensive geriatric assessment, associated with improved outcomes in the older and/or frail population Ageing & Dementia / Long Term Conditions theme From: University Hospital Southampton Foundation Trust Project: What are the informational needs of parents regarding their child’s critical illness in the acute period of a PICU admission Long Term Conditions theme From: University Hospital Southampton Foundation Trust Project: Systematic review of effects of opioid use in adult patients with ventilation in Intensive Care Unit Ageing & Dementia theme From: University Hospitals Dorset Project: To explore if hybrid closed loop systems have influenced eating behaviors in adults From: University Hospitals Southampton Project: Early careers pharmacists experience of progressive posts and career development, a qualitative investigation From: Hampshire and Isle of Wight NHS Trust Project: A scoping review of point of care ultrasound (POCUS) practice in musculoskeletal (MSK) foot and ankle clinics From: University Hospitals Southampton Project: Developing and evaluating a breathing pattern retraining and exercise class for people living with chronic respiratory conditions - A class above the rest Project: Pelvic Health Training: Can Musculoskeletal Practitioners be upskilled to help meet NICE guideline recommendations? Karen is a passionate physiotherapist specialising in the fields of musculoskeletal care and pelvic health. Alongside these clinical interests, Karen has also taken a keen interest in quality improvement and research. She is now excited to be able to combine these interests within her research internship. Brief Summary of Project: Karen’s study aims to investigate MSK practitioners’ perceptions regarding the potential benefits of pelvic health training; the current gaps in their training; & their current confidence levels. An exploration of current training packages will also be conducted to identify how such training might need to be adapted to meet the MSK practitioners’ scope of practice. Academic Supervisor: Katherine Cook PhD BSc(Hons) HCPC MCSP SFHEA, Physiotherapy Programme and Faculty Ethics Lead & Senior Lecturer, University of Winchester Clinical Supervisor: Anna Gudgeon, MSK Physiotherapist and Education Lead for the Gosport Central PCN Additional mentor: Professor Sarah Dean, Professor of Psychology Applied to Rehabilitation and Health, Co-Director Postgraduate Research (Department of Health & Community Sciences), University of Exeter Medical School Organisation: Hampshire & Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust From: Hampshire and IoW NHS Trust Project: Assessing the psychological wellbeing of people with moderate and severe aphasia: a patient and public involvement and engagement project exploring the views of people with severe and moderate aphasia, Psychologists and Speech and Language Therapists. From: University Hospitals Southampton Project: Evaluating the need for level 3 care post thrombectomy: A focus on the the factors that may predict the need of level 3 vs level 2 care From: Portsmouth City Council/ Health Determinants Research Collaboration Portsmouth Project title: Building research partnerships from theoretical foundations: a knowledge mobilisation project. Brief Summary of Project: This project aims to apply ideas from realist social theory to the practical challenge of supporting effective cross-sector collaborations that involve research and learning. I will be learning through observations of collaborative practice in UK health and care systems, experiences of involvement from public representatives and practitioners, and through applying/discussing the application of the theory to practical contexts via national/ international conference attendance and presentations. Ageing and Dementia theme Supervisor: Professor Ruth Bartlett, University of Southampton: ARC Wessex Ageing and Dementia Theme. Supervisor: Innes Richens, Health and Care Lead, HIVE Portsmouth From: University of Portsmouth Project: Co-production of research process for exploring the impact of blue space on young people with disabilities From: University Hospitals Southampton Project: Task Coordination and Allocation System (TCAS) - aims to research a digital change initiative for the RT Physics workforce Team award working with Konstantina Panopoulou and Luke Sammut From: Portsmouth Hospital University NHS Trust Project: Walking football and axial spondyloarthritis: Assessing feasibility, safety and patient reported Team award working with Carol Lo and Luke Sammut From: Portsmouth Hospital University NHS Trust Project: Walking football and axial spondyloarthritis: Assessing feasibility, safety and patient reported Team award working with Konstantina Carol Lo and Konstantina Panopoulou From: Portsmouth Hospital University NHS Trust Project: Walking football and axial spondyloarthritis: Assessing feasibility, safety and patient reported Theme: Long term conditions I am a Consultant rheumatologist in Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust with an interest in sports and exercise medicine. Our current project “Walking football and axial spondyloarthritis: Assessing feasibility, safety and patient reported outcomes” explores the potential of walking football as an emerging and exciting mode of physical activity for individuals with axial spondyloarthritis. Team award working with Jo Laud and Beth Lyon From: Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust Project: Potentially preventable transfers of adults with a learning disability to urgent and emergency hospital care: A collaboration to identify research issues and priorities and to inform future research. Team award working with Rebecca Edwards and Beth Lyon From: Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust Project: Potentially preventable transfers of adults with a learning disability to urgent and emergency hospital care: A collaboration to identify research issues and priorities and to inform future research. Team award working with Rebecca Edwards and Jo Laud From: Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust Project: Potentially preventable transfers of adults with a learning disability to urgent and emergency hospital care: A collaboration to identify research issues and priorities and to inform future research. Team award working with Amber Hancock, Samia Turkinstani and Rebecca Weeks From: Portsmouth Hospital University NHS Trust Project: TOOTH FAIRY- Tackling childhood Obesity and improving Oral health THrough a multidisciplinary approach Team award working with Sophie Robertson, Samia Turkinstani and Rebecca Weeks From: Portsmouth Hospital University NHS Trust Project: TOOTH FAIRY- Tackling childhood Obesity and improving Oral health THrough a multidisciplinary approach Team award working with Sophie Robertson, Amber Hancock and Rebecca Weeks From: Portsmouth Hospital University NHS Trust Project: TOOTH FAIRY- Tackling childhood Obesity and improving Oral health THrough a multidisciplinary approach Team award working with Sophie Robertson, Amber Hancock and Samia Turkinstani From: Portsmouth Hospital University NHS Trust Project: TOOTH FAIRY- Tackling childhood Obesity and improving Oral health THrough a multidisciplinary approach Team award working with Krzysztof Cepa, Peter Cope and Michelle Trevett From: Dorset County Hospital Project: To what extent does polypharmacy, particularly the use of fall-risk increasing drugs (FRIDs), influence the frequency of falls in the over-65 demographic in Dorset and how can we use the data available to identify the most vulnerable patients and decrease hospital admissions in this population? Team award working with Daniel Seow, Peter Cope and Michelle Trevett From: Dorset County Hospital Project: To what extent does polypharmacy, particularly the use of fall-risk increasing drugs (FRIDs), influence the frequency of falls in the over-65 demographic in Dorset and how can we use the data available to identify the most vulnerable patients and decrease hospital admissions in this population? Team award working with Daniel Seow, Krzysztof Cepa and Michelle Trevett From: Dorset County Hospital Project: To what extent does polypharmacy, particularly the use of fall-risk increasing drugs (FRIDs), influence the frequency of falls in the over-65 demographic in Dorset and how can we use the data available to identify the most vulnerable patients and decrease hospital admissions in this population? Team award working with Daniel Seow, Krzysztof Cepa and Peter Cope From: Dorset County Hospital Project: To what extent does polypharmacy, particularly the use of fall-risk increasing drugs (FRIDs), influence the frequency of falls in the over-65 demographic in Dorset and how can we use the data available to identify the most vulnerable patients and decrease hospital admissions in this population? From: Dorset County Hospital Project: Inclusive Healthy Communities: Ensuring Equality of Access for Neurodiverse Individuals From: Home-Start Portsmouth Project: The Experiences of Parent Carers Seeking Out-of-Education Activities for Children and Young People with SEND. As the Neurodiversity Coordinator at Portsmouth Parent Voice, she works with parents to develop Parent Hubs and liaises closely with schools and service providers to improve outcomes for children and young people with neurodiverse needs. With a strong background in co-production, she gathers and presents family feedback to help shape the delivery of local services. As the founder of Moriah Family Support Group, she provides culturally sensitive support to parent carers, promoting empowerment through regular coffee mornings and collaboration with professionals. Olufolake has also contributed as a Community Peer Researcher with Solent NHS Trust, investigating barriers faced by families accessing out-of-education activities and services for their children and young people. Her experience includes roles as a parent governor in a secondary school and a parent representative in the community, advocating for inclusive practices in education and children’s services. With a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and a foundation in IT support, she brings both analytical and empathetic skills to her work. She is passionate about equity, collaboration, and meaningful community engagement. Team award working with Tracey Carus, Sam Jakeway and Hayley Skinner From: Hampshire County Council Project: Implementing an Outcome Framework to Measure the Impact of Hampshire County Council (HCC) Day Services for Adults with Learning Disabilities (LD). Team award working with Stuart Vail, Sam Jakeway and Hayley Skinner From: Hampshire County Council Project: Implementing an Outcome Framework to Measure the Impact of Hampshire County Council (HCC) Day Services for Adults with Learning Disabilities (LD). Team award working with Stuart Vail, Tracey Carus and Hayley Skinner From: Hampshire County Council Project: Implementing an Outcome Framework to Measure the Impact of Hampshire County Council (HCC) Day Services for Adults with Learning Disabilities (LD). Team award working with Stuart Vail, Tracey Carus and Sam Jakeway From: Hampshire County Council Project: Implementing an Outcome Framework to Measure the Impact of Hampshire County Council (HCC) Day Services for Adults with Learning Disabilities (LD). From: Minstead Trust Project: What are the barriers for social care staff at Minstead Trust in implementing Total Communication training, as a route to enable greater inclusion and engagement with someone with a learning disability? From: University Hospitals Southampton NHS Foundation Trust Project: Factors Affecting Retention of Experienced Paediatric Advanced Critical Care Practitioners From: University Hospitals Southampton NHS Foundation Trust Project: Research to understand the impact of PCCOT through my research question. Paediatric Outreach Advanced Practitioner (AP) at University Hospital Southampton. Kate trained at Southampton University, based in Portsmouth and worked on the paediatric assessment unit in Portsmouth before heading to the Evelina Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) where she developed cardiac and general intensive care experience. In 2015, Kate was successfully appointed as the practice educator for a children’s hospice. She started at Southampton Children’s Hospital in 2018 with the Paediatric Outreach team. Since then she has undertook the Advanced Practice MSc, completing her dissertation implementing a service improvement project for hot debriefs following unplanned PICU admissions. She is passionate about high quality patient care and empowering nursing staff. She is the chair of the Paediatric Critical Care Society, Special Interest Group for Paediatric Critical Care Outreach Teams. She loves the variety of being an outreach Advanced Practitioner focusing on patient care through clinical excellence, supporting continued clinical education within the team by facilitating monthly educational team days and regular teaching within the hospital. She has completed the Associate Principal Investigator for the multi-centre, Bach B study. This passion for research, integrating evidence into practice and inspiring other, is why Kate has taken on this internship opportunity with the vision of becoming a clinical academic practitioner, with special research interest in the impact of a PCCOT on the workforce within a Childrens Hospital. From: University Hospitals Southampton NHS Foundation Trust Project: Does age and/or frailty impact on dysphagia severity and outcomes following critical illness? Olivia is the Lead Speech & Language Therapist for General Intensive Care and Surgery at University Hospital Southampton. Her specialist interests are around dysphagia (swallowing difficulties) and laryngeal function during and after critical illness, particularly in the ageing and frail populations. She also have long-standing interests in quality of life, mental capacity, and informed-decision making across the critical care pathway. This internship is Olivia’s first step in to dedicated research time, exploring the current literature relating to dysphagia resulting from critical illness, and whether age and/or frailty are predictive factors for severity and recovery. Olivia also look forward to championing AHP involvement in research. From: University Hospitals Southampton NHS Foundation Trust Project: Emergency care clozapine omission - a literature review Pre-application support fund holders Phil Morgan Qian Yue Tan Rosalynn Austin Konstantinos Ioannidis Stephanie Hughes From: Dorset Healthcare University NHS Foundation Trust Project Title: What works when supporting people to live well in their communities? A realist evaluation of the process and impact of interventions delivered in partnership between the VCS and NHS as part of the transformed community mental health model (NHSE 2019). Dr Phil Morgan is the Head of Nursing, Therapies and Quality for Mental Health for Dorset HealthCare University NHS Trust. He completed his PhD titled Towards co-production: An exploration of the impact on technology on future citizenship alongside people with mental health challenges in 2024. An occupational therapist by background Phil has worked in range of mental health, substance misuse and learning disabilities services. He is passionate about collborating with people with lived/living experience and played a key role in establishing the Dorset Wellbeing and Recovery Partnership, a partnership between Dorset HealthCare and peer-led mental health charity the Dorset Mental Health Forum. From: Portsmouth Hospital University NHS Trust Project: Anti-HI-Falls study From: Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust & University of Stavanger, Norway Project: Research within digital technologies focused on the development of technologies and their effectiveness to decrease hospitalisations and improve patient outcomes From: Southern Health NHS Trust Project: Geospatial associations between gambling disorder incidence and socio-economic determinants Dr Konstantinos MD MSc AFHEA MRCPsych PhD is a Consultant Psychiatrist and Clinical Lead of the Southern Gambling Service and an Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer of the University of Southampton. In the current project he is investigating how socio-economic determinants are influencing gambling disorder incidence. From: University of Southampton Project: Self-management of long-term conditions, with a particular interest in alcohol use disorder Dr Hughes is a Research Fellow at The University of Southampton. She expertise in qualitative research methods, self-management of illness and long term conditions. I am currently working in the field of alcohol, specifically conducting research with older adults with alcohol use disorder. Dr Hughes is applying for funding to combine alcohol research with their other research passions; women’s health and midlife age groups. PhD Fellowship Samantha Belfrage Qian Yue Tan Alex Smith Sandra Bartolomeu Pires Anna Badley Sam Porter Rosie Harper Samuel Alugsi Jenny Barker Suzanne Shepperd Linda Amungwa Developing and evaluating the feasibility of a community-based health literacy intervention to empower socially disadvantaged parents/carers of children aged 0-4 years to m anage minor childhood illness and confidently navigate health services Project Team Members: Professor James Faulkner – University of Winchester, Dr Margaret Husted – University of Winchester, Dr Simon Fraser– University of Southampton, Dr Sanjay Patel – University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust Organisations Involved: University of Southampton, University of Winchester, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust Brief summary of project: This research project aims to make community- based intervention recommendations to increase the health literacy of parents/ caregivers of children aged 0 to 4 years. This project will use a systematic review and sequential descriptive mixed method designs to meet the following research aims: • Research Aim 1: establish the effectiveness of community-based health literacy interventions aimed at parents • Research Aim 2: generate evidence of the validity of the Parent Health Literacy Questionnaire (pHLQ) • Research Aim 3: profile the health literacy of parents living in areas of high deprivation • Research Aim 4: identify interventions which could meet the health literacy needs of parents living in areas of high deprivation Patient and public involvement will be sought throughout this research project. Listen to her latest Podcast - Finding the Power in Empowerment - Episode One - Long Term Conditions- Sam and Lynn are joined by guests Holly and Mick. Project title : The PD Life Study – Exploring the treatment burden and capacity of people with Parkinson’s and their caregivers Brief summary of project: Treatment burden is the effort of looking after your health and its impact on you. High treatment burden can lead to poor quality of life and difficulties adhering to treatments. Treatment burden is balanced by capacity, which is the ability to manage treatment burden. This study will explore the experiences of treatment burden and capacity in people with Parkinson’s (PwP) and their caregivers. We will initially conduct interviews with PwP and caregivers in Hampshire to explore their views and experiences of the factors that influence treatment burden and capacity. This will be explored further in a national survey for PwP and caregivers with support from Parkinson’s UK. We will then form focus groups with key stakeholders to discuss the findings and prioritise recommendations for change. This study will enable us to develop recommendations of ways to reduce treatment burden or enhance capacity in PwP and their caregivers. Supervisors and organisations involved: Supervisor: Professor Helen Roberts, University of Southampton, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Lead Ageing and Dementia Theme Supervisor: Dr Kinda Ibrahim, University of Southampton, Ageing and Dementia Theme Supervisor: Dr Simon Fraser, University of Southampton, Long-term Conditions Theme Project Title: A COMmunity Pharmacy-based intervention to identify people with undiagnosed Alcohol related liver Cirrhosis (The COMPAC Study) Supervisors: Primary – Julie Parkes, University of Southampton Secondary - Ryan Buchanan, University of Southampton Janisha Patel, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust Kinda Ibrahim, University of Southampton Healthy Communities ARC theme Development of an integrated care model for patients and families living with long term neurological conditions Project Team Members: Professor Mari Carmen Portillo – University of Southampton, NIHR ARC Wessex lead for Long Term Conditions Theme, Dr Dorit Kunkel – University of Southampton, Research Design Service South Central, Professor Christopher Kipps – University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Professor Nick Goodwin – Central Coast Research Institute, The University of Newcastle, Australia Organisations Involved: University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trusts, University of Southampton, Southampton Academy of Research, Wessex Academic Health Science Network, Parkinson’s UK, Huntington’s Disease Association, MS Society Background: People living with long term neurological conditions have complex needs, which are not being fully met at present. This reduces their quality of life and increases costs to society. According to a survey in 2019, 90% of patients had not been offered a care plan. Problems with services not matching people’s needs have been identified, particularly in mental health, finance, and social care. These patients have the lowest health-related quality of life of any long term condition, according to NHS England. To address the needs of patients, the World Health Organization advises better coordination between different care services - This is called “integrated care”. Integrated care has shown benefits in other conditions but there is a lack ofevidence in long term neurological conditions. It is not clear what integrated care means, and how it can be delivered for those with long term neurological conditions. This study will focus on the needs and preferences of people living with Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and Multiple Sclerosis, by: 1. Reviewing the evidence on how integrated care is provided internationally 2. Undertaking a UK wide survey to identify exemplar systems of integrated care followed by in-depth interviews to explore how care is currently delivered and experienced 3. Reaching consensus between different stakeholders on a model of integrated care and core outcomes for people living with these conditions This research project will explore the similarities and differences across long term neurological conditions and strategies for implementation of an integrated care model in practice. This project will characterise current care delivery and the experience of service users, showing the gaps in care and the changes needed in the system to meet the needs of people living with long term neurological conditions. It will inform the implementation and evaluation of the care model at post-doctoral level. This will result in a cost-effectiveness evaluation of the model and impact on service users’ outcomes. The anticipated long term impact of this study is that better system integration will result in improved outcomes for service users at no or reduced costs for health and social care systems. This knowledge is potentially transferable to other rare and prevalent long term neurological conditions – the biggest cause of disability worldwide. Read Sandra's blog Working under pressure – The UK community nursing workforce Project Team Members: Professor Jane Ball – University of Southampton, Dr Joanne Turnbull – University of Southampton, Dr Sarah Williams – Solent NHS Trust Professor Jill Maben – University of Surrey Organisations Involved: University of Southampton, Solent NHS Trust, University of Surrey. Background: Community nurses are an essential part of the nursing workforce in the UK. Providing care in peoples’ homes, community nurses play a vital role managing long term conditions, end of life care, acute management in a home setting and preventing avoidable hospital admission. UK healthcare policy continues to recognise the key role of community provision by setting ambitions to increase community-based care. This community focus is also reflected within research nationally, with clear strategic ambition to increase community-based research. Despite their importance, community nursing numbers are declining. There is a distinct lack of community nursing workforce research and therefore little empirical understanding of community nursing workforce outcomes such as staffing levels, retention, and burnout. Pressure is a term that is frequently used in nursing discourse and policy to describe nursing workforce contexts, but there is no recognised definition. This project will seek to understand and define pressure in a community nursing context and explore the viability of pressure as a community nursing workforce outcome. We hope that this project will provide understanding on current workforce outcomes in UK community nursing, provide a theoretical and empirical understanding of ‘pressure’ in UK community nursing contexts and begin to explore the use of pressure as a potential outcome measure for the UK community nursing workforce. Caring for the Sexual Health of Cancer Survivors and their Partners Project Team Members : Mrs Suzanne Sheppard – Bournemouth University, Dr Sally Lee – Bournemouth University Dr Zoe Sheppard – Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Ms Tracy Glen – Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Organisation Involved: Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. Background: Sexual difficulties are reported to be one of the most frequent, distressing, and persistent consequences of cancer and its treatment. However, despite the availability of both numerous interventions to treat sexual difficulties and models to help healthcare professionals communicate about sexuality, many patients continue to report that they do not receive supportive care from the hospital cancer team for these issues. Furthermore, if sexual concerns are discussed then the focus is often only on physical concerns. This mixed methods project is aiming to further illuminate the barriers to and facilitators for care for the sexual health of cancer survivors and their intimate partners. The initial quantitative phase will be a national, online survey of cancer survivors and their intimate partners. This survey will provide broad information about experiences of care and will explore perceptions of potential barriers and facilitators. The subsequent qualitative phase will take place at Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and will involve semi-structured interviews exploring the lived experiences of the receipt and provision of care for sexual health in an oncology setting. At the end of the project, we will have a deeper understanding of the barriers to and facilitators for care for sexual health in oncology. It is anticipated that the use of the critical realist paradigm will help to achieve this deepening of understanding. These findings may be used to create an intervention to help improve the provision and receipt of care for sexual health for cancer survivors and their intimate partners. Sexual wellbeing is thought to be an important component of overall wellbeing and it is hoped that the findings may lead to improvements in both areas. Project title: Nudging; a theoretical concept for a very practical approach to pelvic floor muscle training Project team members: Professor Carol Clark- Bournemouth University. Dr Carly Stewart- Bournemouth University. Mrs Sally Sheppard- Dorset Lead Pelvic Health Physiotherapist Organisation involved: University Hospitals Dorset Background: The aim of this study is to explore whether nudge theory, in the form of digital nudges, influence pelvic floor muscle training adherence in perinatal women. The mixed methods study is divided into three phases. The first phase involves a systematic literature review around the effect of pelvic floor muscle training mobile apps on pelvic floor muscle training adherence in women. Phase two of the study involves qualitative research around discourse and behavioural communication behind a social media campaign. Patient and public involvement work alongside phases one and two will be used to inform the co-design of digital pelvic floor muscle training nudges. The third phase of the study will a feasibility study integrating digital nudges in new NHS perinatal pathways. Study findings will determine whether a randomised control trial is feasible for post-doctoral research. Project title: Exploring the relationship between health system responsiveness and the implementation of person centred integrated care for older people with frailty Post Doctoral Dr Kate Glyn-Owen - Healthy Communities Theme Dr Leire Ambrosio - Long Term Conditions theme Dr Miriam Avery - Workforce & Health Systems Dr Jo Hope Project: Early detection of chronic liver disease in community settings More details here Understanding, addressing, and meeting the complex needs of people living with long term physical and mental health conditions: a qualitative study Rea d more The career aspirations of nurses working in the research delivery workforce: a cross-sectional survey Read more

  • ADOPTED: Consequences, costs and cost-effectiveness of different workforce configurations in English acute hospitals: a longitudinal retrospective study using routinely collected data

    e6a8c355-7b95-44d8-b23d-7f8c17a1573a ADOPTED: Consequences, costs and cost-effectiveness of different workforce configurations in English acute hospitals: a longitudinal retrospective study using routinely collected data Principal Investigator: Professor Peter Griffiths Deputy Principal Investigator: Dr Chiara Dall’Ora Professor Jane Ball Co-investigator – nursing workforce, Dr David Culliford Co-investigator - statistics, Dr Jeremy Jones Co-investigator – health economics, Ms Francesca Lambert Co-investigator – patient and public involvement (lay researcher), Dr Paul Meredith Co-investigator – health informatics, Paul Schmidt Co-investigator – clinical medicine, Talia Emmanuel PhD student, Bruna Rubbo Senior Research Assistant / Research Fellow and Christina Saville Research Fellow Partners: Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, University of Southampton Started: March 2020 Ends: February 2023 Summary of findings Staffing shortages are a major concern for the NHS. A lot of research shows that low nurse staffing in hospital is correlated with worse patient outcomes, including an increased risk of death. However, lots of this research has only looked at hospital average staffing and has not considered other staff, such as doctors and allied health professionals, so it is hard to be sure if improving nurse staffing on wards leads to better outcomes. It is also hard to know the most cost-effective approach to addressing staff shortages. Our study used existing data from national reports and daily staffing data from hospital wards to answer some of the main uncertainties from past research. Using data from national reports, we found low staffing levels from doctors and allied health professionals were linked to increased risk of death. Nurse staffing levels were linked to important aspects of patient experience and staff wellbeing, but to properly understand the effects of nurse staffing we needed to know the staffing patients experience when on hospital wards. Our study included 626,313 patients in four hospitals. We found that when patients spent times on wards with fewer-than-expected registered nurses or nursing assistants, they were more likely to die and their stay in hospital was longer. Low registered nurse staffing was also associated with more readmissions. We looked at the cost of avoiding low staffing and the cost of gaining the equivalent of one year of healthy life. We compared these ‘cost-effectiveness’ estimates for different ways of avoiding low staffing and for different patient groups. Overall, we concluded that a focus on avoiding low registered nurse staffing gave more benefits than using assistants to fill any gaps, and should be the priority, although it is still not clear what the best level of staff is. What have we done with the knowledge? In addition to the full report ( https://doi.org/10.3310/ZBAR9152 ) we have published several peer reviewed papers short briefings, and continue working to disseminate finding, taking opportunities to discuss the implications with policy makers. As a team we are well placed to do this and have recently contributed to consultations on safe staffing legislation in Wales, the NHS workforce strategy in England and the Health Foundations Productivity commission. We have close contacts with NHS England and work with the safe Staffing Faculty, as well as advising policy makers in Ireland, Iceland and the WHO. In addition to engagement with policy makers, our papers have attracted local, National, and International press attention. Dissemination has been supported by interviews given by staff for print, online and broadcast (TV, Radio) media. See for example https://www.altmetric.com/details/166479277/news We worked with Channel 4 News to support their series of specials on nurse staffing shortages ( https://www.channel4.com/news/factcheck-englands-missing-nurses ). Next? Issues related to ‘safe staffing’ in the NHS tend to ‘grab the headlines’ but operationalising findings beyond general acknowledgments in policy can be challenging. This is especially the case in the face of persistent staffing shortages. We are crafting our message to show the benefits from addressing the problem, the likely cost effectiveness of doing so and the absence of evidence for many of the proposed alternatives. We are also increasingly moving towards developing ‘diagnostic tools’ that may be able to prioritize deployment and use scant resources as efficiently as possible while not undermining the core message about the importance of having sufficient well-trained staff to maintain patient safety. Original proposal and details below Aim: This study seeks to understand how variation in the size and make-up of care teams on hospital wards in England influences patient outcomes and the costs of care. Background: Research shows that low registered nurse (RN) staffing levels on hospital wards are linked to undesirable outcomes. These include increased poor experiences for patients, an increased risk of dying and, potentially, other outcomes that are bad for patients and increase the cost of care. These include falls, longer stays and unplanned readmissions. For a long time, studies used hospital level averages rather than looking at what happened to individual patients. This uncertainty makes it hard to understand the likely costs and benefits from investing in staff differently. Developments in information technology now make it possible to link nurse staffing levels experienced by individual patients on every day of their stay, to the outcomes experienced by those patients. Our research group was the first to use these new sources of information to explore how the mix of staff in the nursing team affected outcomes and cost of care. We found that each additional hour of RN time per patient reduced the risk of death and shortened their hospital stay. We found that a small reduction in assistant staff, and a small increase in RNs would improve outcomes with no overall increase in costs. Such findings have implications for how hospitals respond to nurse shortages, but the results come from one hospital and use limited costs and outcomes. It is important to see if the conclusions apply more widely. As RNs are in short supply it is also important to better understand how other staff contribute. Design & methods: Our study is in two parts. Study 1 uses information about ward staff and patients' outcomes drawn from hospital electronic systems. We will use anonymous records gathered from all patients and staff in at least 4 NHS Trusts. Using statistical models, we will estimate the impact of RN and assistant staff levels on outcomes. For example, whether the risk of death is lower when more RNs are working on a ward. We will estimate staff costs and also the costs of events such as unplanned readmission or longer hospital stay. We will estimate the cost per 'quality adjusted life year' associated with changes in nurse staffing. Such measures help policy makers to compare the results of investments in health care and put more value on each year where people are expected to be healthy and independent. Study 2 will analyse national data at a whole hospital level to see how the size of other staff groups (e.g. therapy staff and doctors) might influence outcomes. Patient and Public Involvement: Safe staffing in hospitals is an area of public concern. We developed this proposal with this concern in mind, and shaped it through conversations and consultations with patients and members of the public. A member of the public/carer (who is a co-applicant) will facilitate PPI at all stages of the project, with ongoing engagement and sense checking with patients/public to inform analysis, interpretation and presentation of results. Dissemination: Results will be of interest to a diverse audience. We will present findings to national and international conferences and to policy makers, publish in academic journals and present to stakeholders. We will use professional networks and social media to ensure that outputs reach professional, research and public audiences. Background: The NHS is facing significant challenges in recruiting and retaining staff, particularly registered nurses (RNs). Recruiting unregistered staff is often adopted as a solution to the RN shortage; however, our recent research - the first in England to use longitudinal routinely collected data - found a negative effect of low RN staffing levels on mortality with no evidence that high levels of assistant staff could mitigate the increased risk. Our economic modelling suggested that increases in RN skill mix were potentially cost-effective, but these findings derive from a single NHS hospital Trust with limited cost and outcome data. Aims and objectives: This project aims to estimate the consequences, costs and cost effectiveness of variation in the size and composition of the staff on hospital wards in England. We will build on findings from our previous study, where we looked at staffing on wards in a single hospital. In order to provide estimates that are more likely to apply across the NHS, this study will include at least four hospitals and consider a wider range of outcomes and sources of costs, including death within 30 days of admission, adverse events such as infections, length of hospital stay, readmissions and rates of staff sickness. In order to determine if results are likely to be sensitive to staff groups not on ward rosters we will use national routine data to explore the associations with staffing levels of other groups including medical and therapy staff. Methods: Study 1 will be a retrospective longitudinal observational study with routinely collected data on ward and shift level nurse staffing, and patient outcomes. Data will be derived from the E-Roster systems, used by hospitals to record all planned and worked shifts. We will consider all rostered direct care staff. These data will be linked to patient data derived from the hospital patient administration system (PAS); and other clinical systems and databases of adverse events (e.g. datix). Relationships between RN and assistant staffing levels and outcomes will be explored using survival models incorporating mixed effects. We will use the results of these analyses to model the costs and consequences of different staffing configurations and to estimate the incremental cost-effectiveness associated with change. We will estimate cost per Quality Adjusted Life Year gained or lost (QALY), associated with each staffing configuration using the DANQALE approach. Study 2 will be a panel study using routine national workforce data and outcomes (standardised mortality indicators, patient experience) to consider all staff groups including medical and therapy staff at the hospital level. This study will generate hypotheses about staffing for other groups, confirm the independence (or otherwise) of nurse staffing effects and fill a significant gap in international literature about the association between hospital safety and non-nursing staff levels. Timelines for delivery and impact: our study will be undertaken over 30 months and will provide evidence to inform staffing levels and skill mix planning in the NHS, highlighting potential cost savings, and offering improved patient safety and reduced adverse staff outcomes. To ensure impact, we will work with patients, nurses and key policy makers at all stages; we will publish papers and present to academic and professional conferences, as well as writing lay reports and engaging with traditional and social media

  • A qualitative case study to understand Young people’s food purchasing patterns in CONvenience stores in the school neighbourhood environment (Y-CON)

    22c6bc93-4002-4a39-ba1e-6b7c981fbe5f A qualitative case study to understand Young people’s food purchasing patterns in CONvenience stores in the school neighbourhood environment (Y-CON) Chief Investigators: Janis Baird and Christina Vogel, Professor of Public Health and Epidemiology and Adjunct Professor of Food Policy, MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of Southampton Team: Dr Sarah Muir, Senior Research Fellow, MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of Southampton Dr Kath Woods-Townsend, Principal Research Fellow, School of Healthcare, Enterprise and Innovation Dr Sarah Crozier, Senior Statistician, MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of Southampton Dr Hayward Godwin, Associate Professor of Psychology, University of Southampton Professor Marcus Munafo and Dr Olivia Maynard, Bristol University Ravita Taheem, Southampton City Council, lead on childhood obesity Partners: Bristol University, University of Southampton, Southampton City Council Start: 1 October 2024 End: 31 March 2026 Background A poor diet significantly contributes to illnesses including heart disease, diabetes and stroke. One in three children are leaving primary school have obesity or overweight, raising concerns about their future health. The teenage years are crucial because this is when young people start making their own food choices, setting the stage for their lifelong eating habits. The Problem The journey to and from school often involves passing by convenience stores which rely on shoppers, such as young people, to impulse-buy products that are high in fat, salt and sugar. The presence of these stores in school neighbourhoods may be linked to the high rates of childhood obesity. Our Research Focus Our recent research, funded by NIHR ARC Wessex, looked at how supermarket product placement affects the shopping habits of mothers. Now, we aim to study how the placement of items in smaller convenience stores near schools influences the buying patterns of young people making their own dietary decisions. Study Design Our research is planned to run between October 2024 and March 2026. We will use one area in Chandler’s Ford, Hampshire, to understand what influences what young people's buy from convenience stores near their schools. We will invite around 40 students aged 11-16 years to participate in small focus groups. These groups will discuss their experiences and perceptions of using local convenience stores, including factors like convenience, travel, social influences, product placement, product choice, and promotions. Some students will also be employed as citizen scientists and will be trained to collect data from local stores and will be involved in analysis of findings and development of dissemination materials. Expected Outcomes Our findings will provide critical insights for shaping policies. They may help refine existing regulations on food placement and promotions, which currently exempt small businesses, potentially worsening health inequalities among young people. Engagement and Dissemination Results will be shared with the young participants in our study and the PPI panel through various media including infographics and we will involve them in wide dissemination to other groups of young people. Nationally, we will present our findings to the Department of Health and Social Care, Chartered Institute of Trading Standards, Impact for Urban Health, and the Association of Convenience Stores. Internationally, our research will be presented in scientific journals and at conferences.

© NIHR ARC Wessex  contact arcwessex@soton.ac.uk

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