Promoting clinical research within the allied health

professions

Dr Angela Green & Dr Sarah Reel,AHP specialty research network co-leads,National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Yorkshire and Humber Clinical Research Network

Why do research?

Many things that we now take for granted are the result of health research. E.g. blood pressure pills, vaccines to prevent infectious diseases, transplant surgery, chemotherapy.

It also enables doctors to understand why some patients respond to treatments whilst others do not.

Research takes the guesswork out of determining which treatments work better for which patients.

In addition to discovering new treatments, it also ensures that we use existing treatments in the best way possible.

Ultimately, high-quality clinical research helps the NHS improve future healthcare

Clinical research networks NIHR CLAHRCs Council for Allied Health Professions

Research Academic Health Science Networks Higher Education Institutions (universities) Profession specific research community

networks CHAIN

National Institute for Health Research

Created in 2006 to improve research support, ensure access to sustainable funding, encourage innovation without endangering patient lives and strengthen links with life sciences.

Its principles are: Transparency Open competition Quality Cost effectiveness Delivery.

NIHR structure

Yorkshire and Humber CRN(http://www.crn.nihr.ac.uk/yorkshire-and-humber/)

In April 2014, the former NEYNL, South Yorkshire and West Yorkshire CRNs combined.

New CRN is hosted by Sheffield Teaching Hospitals Foundation Trust.

2 Clinical Directors: Dr Simon Howell and Dr Alison Layton.

Chief Operating officer: Dr Caroline Pickstone (SLT background)

Deputy Chief Operating Officer & Research Delivery Manager division 5: Chris Oxnard

NIHR structure cont

Within each CRN there are 30 clinical research specialties that are grouped into six divisions:

Division 1: Cancer;

Division 2: Cardiovascular disease; Diabetes; Metabolic & Endocrine Disorders; Renal Disorders; Stroke

Division 3: Children; Genetics; Haematology; Reproductive Health & Childbirth;

Division 4: Dementias & Neuro-degeneration; Mental Health; Neurological

Disorders;

Division 5: Ageing; Dermatology; Health Services & Delivery Research; OralHealth & Dentistry: Musculoskeletal Disorders; Primary Care; Public Health. (Y & H: AHP, wound care, palliative care )

Division 6: Anaesthesia, Perioperative Medicine & Pain Management; Critical Care; Ear, Nose & Throat; Gastroenterology; Hepatology;

Infectious Diseases & Microbiology; Injuries & Emergencies; Ophthalmology; Respiratory Disorders; Surgery.

AHP specialty research network

4 AHP leads appointed mid February:Dr Angela Green (physiotherapist)- Humber

and Leeds area (angela.green@hey.nhs.uk)

Dr Sarah Reel (podiatrist) – North Yorkshire(sarah.reel@ntlworld.com) Dr Alison Bruce (orthoptist) – West Yorkshire

(alison.bruce@bthft.nhs.uk) Dr Sue Pownall (SLT) – South Yorkshire(Sue.Pownall@sth.nhs.uk)

AHP specialty research network

AHP specialty research network vision:To increase allied health professionals research capacity and recruitment to AHP research studies in the Yorkshire and Humber region thereby strengthening evidence of AHPs role in improving the health and wealth of the nation. How we achieve this?Working closely with other local research networks and HEIs, we aim to identify research champions in each organisation including private practices, who will act as local advocates for research to promote relevant portfolio studies, share research relevant information and help signpost colleagues to relevant research networks, courses etc

Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (CLAHRC)

Role is to undertake high quality applied research and evidence based implementation in partnership with, our collaborating organisations, patients, carers and the public.

Principles: Engagement Co-production Capacity building Addressing health inequalities(http://clahrc-yh.nihr.ac.uk/)

The three CLAHRC pillars 2014 - 2018

Applied Research

Capacity development

Applied Research

The Science of Implementation

Applied Research

Y & H Academic Health Science Network

http://www.yhahsn.org.uk/

The aim of the Yorkshire & Humber AHSN is to create significant improvements in the health of the population by

reducing service variability and improving patient experience in the health

care system. It operates by creating strong, purposeful partnerships

between patients, health services, industry, and academia.

It assists in ensuring new innovative products and services that have the potential to transform lives become part of routine clinical practice.

The Yorkshire & Humber AHSN will also assist in providing economic growth for the region by supporting inward investment projects and industries that support the health sector.

Medipex/ Medilink

Medilink (www.medipex.co.uk) and Medipex (www.medilink.co.uk) have extensive knowledge networks across the health technologies and life science sectors.

This provides members with connectivity to the business, clinical, regulatory and finance communities, helping form new collaborative partnerships and navigate the increasingly complex health innovation landscape, to bring about improvements in patient care.

Provide support to develop an idea for a new product or service, and assistance in marketing new innovative solutions.

Council for Allied Health Professions Research

http://www.csp.org.uk/professional-union/research/networking-support/council-allied-health-professions-research

The Council for Allied Health Professions research formed in 2014 when the Research Forum for Allied Health Professionals joined with the AHP Research Network.

Its mission is to develop AHP research, strengthen evidence of the professions’ value and impact

for enhancing service user and community care, enable the professions to speak with one voice on

research issues, thereby raising their profile and increasing their influence.

Yorkshire and Humber region have 2 hubs:Yorkshire (c.sinani@yorksj.ac.uk) andSheffield (s.may@shu.ac.uk)

Universities

Y & H Universities: University of Bradford University of Hull University of

Sheffield University of York Leeds Beckett

University Sheffield Hallam

University York St John

University

Provide post graduate & M level modules in research methodologies, and other relevant subjects.

Short CPD courses available

Have research themes and research staff who would be interested in potential collaborations, able to signpost and often keen to make links with clinical areas

Profession- specific research networks

Individual AHP professions tend to have research advisors who can send information and links to resources on generic and profession specific funding streams, research priorities, and assist in linking staff with similar research interests.

E.g. Research network on iCSP website (physio); OT research network; SLT research network

CHAIN

CHAIN - Contact, Help, Advice and Information Network – is an online international network for people working in health and social care.

Information is circulated to subscribers regarding research funding opportunities, QIPP examples, short courses, fellowships etc. It can also be used to gain information or relevant signposting as the name suggests.

For more information on CHAIN and joining the network please visit website:

http://chain.ulcc.ac.uk/chain/index.html