UK Researchers Research Articles

A modified Delphi survey to build expert consensus on the structure and content of an enhanced care pathway for cognitive changes after stroke in the UK

BackgroundEnhancing long-term support for post-stroke cognitive impairment is a top research priority. Addressing current gaps in UK post-stroke cognitive care provision requires a pragmatic and scalable intervention that can be integrated within the existing stroke care pathway. This study aimed to develop consensus on an initial set of core features for a UK-based monitoring and psychoeducational intervention for cognitive changes after stroke.MethodsAn expert panel of UK healthcare professionals and researchers participated in an online modified Delphi survey. Candidate intervention features were identified from clinical guidelines, existing literature, research team/collaborator expertise, and PPI group lived experience. Survey participants indicated whether they agreed/disagreed/had no opinion about including each candidate feature in the intervention and free-text responses were invited. We analysed responses for consensus (≥ 75% agreement) using descriptive statistics, with items not reaching consensus carried into subsequent rounds. Template analysis was used to identify similarities/differences in viewpoints for items that did not reach consensus.ResultsThree survey rounds were completed by 36, 29 and 26 participants, respectively. Participants agreed reviews should include a stroke-specific cognitive screen (97% agree) and assessment of other psychological changes (low mood, anxiety, fatigue: 94%, 90%, 89% agree, respectively). They agreed stroke survivors should be offered at least one review, regardless of their cognitive profile in hospital. They agreed on the importance of various cognition-focused psychoeducation topics, and formal (100% agree) and informal (79% agree) training for those conducting reviews. Consensus was not reached on the review mode (in person/remote options: 67% agree), offering reviews one-year post-discharge to patients without acute cognitive impairments (68% disagree), or including a dementia screen (63% disagree) and/or neuropsychological assessment battery (58% disagree). However, there were similarities in participant viewpoints. For example, participants emphasised the importance of onwards referral where clinically indicated. ConclusionsThe UK-based post-stroke monitoring and psychoeducation intervention was originally conceptualised as a cognitive care pathway, but expert participants agreed on the importance of simultaneously addressing related psychological changes (e.g. low mood, anxiety). There was clear consensus on a minimum set of intervention features. Recommendations outlined here may usefully inform local service improvements.

Stakeholder Consultation to Establish Research Priorities for Specialist Dementia Nursing in the United Kingdom.

In the United Kingdom, there are a growing number of specialist dementia nurses called Admiral Nurses. Admiral Nurses, supported in their professional development and clinical supervision by the charity Dementia UK, work with families affected by dementia using a relationship-centred approach. Given the growing need for this type of support, Dementia UK is committed to research that will expand the evidence base for Admiral Nursing. This article describes a stakeholder consultation to identify research priorities for Admiral Nursing for the next 3 years (2023-2026). We adopted a participatory approach using an adapted Nominal Group Technique and priority-setting workshop. All elements of the process were designed in consultation with a steering group comprising a range of stakeholders, including people with dementia, carers, Admiral Nurses, Dementia UK staff and researchers. Stakeholders were identified as those who were likely to be affected by or interested in the emerging research priorities. Nominal groups were held both face-to-face and online. A total of 144 people shared their research priorities. Data generated through each nominal group were thematically analysed and then ranked in order of priority. Four themes reflecting research priority areas were taken to a priority-setting workshop for consideration. This resulted in three research priorities for Admiral Nursing: (1) people with dementia who live alone and carers who provide support from a distance; (2) people living with young onset and rarer dementia and their families; and (3) people living with multiple health conditions alongside dementia, including mental health problems. Risk, diversity and the effectiveness of Admiral Nursing were strands that ran throughout these themes. We identified shared research priorities for Admiral Nursing using a rigorous, consensus-driven approach involving key stakeholders. These priorities reflect a desire to ensure that Admiral Nursing services reach the most vulnerable people living with dementia and their families and respond to the widening health and social care inequalities faced by this group. People with dementia and carers were involved in the design of this process as members of our steering group and through consultation on our initial plans with Dementia UK's Lived Experience Advisory Panel (LEAP). People living with dementia and carers also participated in consultation groups to share their views on research priorities. All stakeholders were invited to share feedback on the themes as part of the analysis and interpretation of the priorities, and a meeting was held with LEAP to discuss the emerging priorities.

Doing Research on Homecare: The Views and Experiences of UK Homecare Providers and Researchers

Doing Research on Homecare: The Views and Experiences of UK Homecare Providers and Researchers

A survey on UK researchers’ views regarding their experiences with the de-identification, anonymisation, release methods and re-identification risk estimation for clinical trial datasets

Background: There are increasing pressures for anonymised datasets from clinical trials to be shared across the scientific community. However, there is no standardised set of recommendations on how to anonymise and prepare clinical trial datasets for sharing, while an ever-increasing number of anonymised datasets are becoming available for secondary research. Our aim was to explore the current views and experiences of researchers in the United Kingdom about de-identification, anonymisation, release methods and re-identification risk estimation for clinical trial datasets. Methods: We used an online exploratory cross-sectional descriptive survey that consisted of both open-ended and closed questions. Results: We had 38 responses to invitation from June 2022 to October 2022. However, 35 participants (92%) used internal documentation and published guidance to de-identify/anonymise clinical trial datasets. De-identification, followed by anonymisation and then fulfilling data holders’ requirements before access was granted (controlled access), was the most common process for releasing the datasets as reported by 18 (47%) participants. However, 11 participants (29%) had previous knowledge of re-identification risk estimation, but they did not use any of the methodologies. Experiences in the process of de-identifying/anonymising the datasets and maintaining such datasets were mostly negative, and the main reported issues were lack of resources, guidance, and training. Conclusion: The majority of responders reported using documented processes for de-identification and anonymisation. However, our survey results clearly indicate that there are still gaps in the areas of guidance, resources and training to fulfil sharing requests of de-identified/anonymised datasets, and that re-identification risk estimation is an underdeveloped area.

The fight to end bullying in academia: UK researchers launch nationwide campaign

The fight to end bullying in academia: UK researchers launch nationwide campaign

The UK Longitudinal Linkage Collaboration: A trusted research environment for the longitudinal research community

ObjectivesOur Trusted Research Environment (TRE) provides a centralised infrastructure to pool Longitudinal Population Studies’ (LPS) data and systematically link participants’ routine health, administrative and environmental records. All data are held in a centralised research resource which is now certified by UK Statistics Authority as meeting the Digital Economy Act standard.
 ApproachWe have created an unprecedented infrastructure integrating data from interdisciplinary and pan-UK LPS linked to participants’ NHS England records with delegated access responsibilities. Integrated and curated data are made available for pooled analysis within a functionally anonymous DEA and ISO 27001 accredited TRE. We developed a bespoke governance and data curation framework with LPS data managers and Public/participant contributors. New data pipelines are being built with partners at ADRUK and the Office of National Statistics to link non-health records. Our design supports long-term sustainability, linkage accuracy and the ability to link data at both an individual and household level.
 ResultsThis organisation is a collaboration of >24 LPS with ~280,000 participants. Participants' data are linked to NHS records and geo-coded environmental exposures. This resource is now accessible for public benefit research for bona fide UK researchers. Administrative data including tax, work and pensions, and education are being added to the resource. This data flow is enabled by: (1) a model where TTP processes participant identifiers for many different data owners; (2) creation of a novel longitudinal data pipeline, enabling linkage, data extraction and update of records over time; (3) an access framework where Linked Data Access Panel considers applications on behalf of data owners (e.g., the NHS), with review by a Public Panel and distributing applications to LPS for approval of appropriate data use.
 ConclusionOur organisation provides a strategic research-ready platform for longitudinal research. We are extending linkages of LPS participants to previously inaccessible datasets. The research resource is positioned to allow researchers to investigate cross-cutting themes such as understanding health and social inequalities, health-social-environmental interactions, and managing the COVID-19 recovery.

A mixed-methods evaluation of capacity strengthening within an international conservation agriculture research consortium.

Background: The Strengthening Capacity in Environmental Physics, Hydrogeology and Statistics for conservation agriculture research (CEPHaS) consortium sought to to strengthen research capacity among a network of African and UK researchers, and their respective institutions, to fill knowledge gaps on the impacts of conservation agriculture practices on the water cycle in cultivated soils. We examined experiences of consortium membership and, drawing on this information, determined key recommendations for future programmes with similar objectives. Methods: A mixed methods study encompassing an online survey (N=40) and semi-structured interviews (N=19) completed between June 2021 and February 2022 with CEPHaS consortium members from Malawi, UK, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Survey and interview data were analysed separately, using univariate statistics and framework synthesis respectively Results: Survey and interview findings were generally aligned, with both revealing a wide range of reported capacity strengthening gains resulting from CEPHaS engagement at both an individual and institutional level. Participants consistently expressed their CEPHaS involvement in positive terms with praise for the applied 'learn by doing' approach underpinning many of the activities as well as the engaging and highly inclusive leadership. There was evidence that the various trainings and resources provided through CEPHaS were valued, frequently utilised, and often transferred beyond the immediate CEPHaS membership for wider benefit. Resource provision and staff training were seen as foundational for long-term institutional benefits. Some challenges and suggested areas for improvement were reported by participants as were potential opportunities to facilitate greater impact. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the basic 'template' of the CEPHaS consortium provided a strong basis for research capacity strengthening in Conservation Agriculture, especially at the level of individual researchers, and that this template could be further enhanced in any future iteration of the same or similar programme. Recommendations for replicating and enhancing CEPHaS programme strengths are presented.

Young people's perspectives on addressing UK health inequalities: utopian visions and preferences for action.

It is increasingly recognised by UK researchers and population health advocates that an important impetus to effective policy action to address health inequalities is activation of public dialogue about the social determinants of health and how inequalities might be addressed. The limited body of existing scholarship reaches varying conclusions on public preferences for responding to health inequalities but with consensus around the importance of tackling poverty. Young people's perspectives remain underexplored despite their increasingly visible role in activism across a range of policy issues and the potential impact of widening inequalities on their generation's health and wellbeing. Six groups of young people (39 in total) from two UK cities (Glasgow and Leeds) were engaged in online workshops to explore views on health inequalities and potential solutions. Inspired by calls to employ notions of utopia, artist-facilitators and researchers supported participants to explore the evidence, debating solutions and imagining a more desirable society, using visual and performance art. Drawing together data from discussions and creative outputs, we analysed participants' perspectives on addressing health inequalities across four domains: governance, environment, society/culture and economy. Proposals ranged from radical, whole-systems change to support for policies currently being considered by governments across the United Kingdom. The consensus was built around embracing more participatory, collaborative governance; prioritising sustainability and access to greenspace; promoting inclusivity and eliminating discrimination and improving the circumstances of those on the lowest incomes. Levels of acceptable income inequality, and how best to address income inequality were more contested. Individual-level interventions were rarely presented as viable options for addressing the social inequalities from which health differences emanate. Young people contributed wide-ranging and visionary solutions to debates around addressing the enduring existence of health inequalities in the United Kingdom. Their reflections signal support for 'upstream' systemic change to achieve reductions in social inequalities and the health differences that flow from these. An advisory group of young people informed the development of project plans. Participants shaped the direction of the project in terms of substantive focus and were responsible for the generation of creative project outputs aimed at influencing policymakers.

A contextual definition of longitudinal integrated clerkships within the UK and Ireland: A bi-national modified Delphi study

ABSTRACT Disagreement exists within the UK and Ireland regarding how Longitudinal Integrated Clerkships should be defined, and the relevance of international definitions. In this modified, online Delphi study, we presented the UK and Ireland experts in Longitudinal Integrated Clerkships with statements drawn from international definitions, published LIC literature, and the research team’s experience in this area and asked them to rate their level of agreement with these statements for inclusion in a bi-national consensus definition. We undertook three rounds of the study to try and elicit consensus, making adaptations to statement wording following rounds 1 and 2 to capture participants’ qualitative free text-comments, following the third and final round, nine statements were accepted by our panel, and constitute our proposed definition of Longitudinal Integrated Clerkships within the UK and Ireland. This definitional statement corresponds with some international literature but offers important distinctions, which account for the unique context of healthcare (particularly primary care) within the UK and Ireland (for example, the lack of time-based criteria within the definition). This definition should allow UK and Irish researchers to communicate more clearly with one another regarding the benefits of LICs and longitudinal learning and offers cross-national collaborative opportunities in LIC design, delivery and evaluation.

The first 5 years of Helicobacter pylori research-With an emphasis on the United Kingdom.

In the 1970s, 1% of the UK population consulted with dyspepsia; fiberoptic gastroscopy allowed biopsy specimens under direct vision enabling systematic histopathology. Steer et al described clusters of flagellated bacteria closely apposed to the gastric epithelium associated with chronic active gastritis. The first UK series of Helicobacter pylori following Marshall's 1983 visit to Worcester confirmed the association of H. pylori with gastritis. UK researchers completed much early helicobacter research as there were many UK campylobacteriologists. Steer and Newell proved the Campylobacter-like organisms grown on culture were the same as those seen in the gastric mucosa using antiserum raised by inoculating rabbits with H. pylori from cultures. Wyatt, Rathbone, and others showed a strong correlation between the number of organisms, type and severity of acute gastritis, immunological response, and bacterial adhesion similar to enteropathogenic E coli. Seroprevalence studies indicated H. pylori increased with age. Histopathologists also showed peptic duodenitis was in effect "gastritis in the duodenum" caused by H. pylori, unifying its role in the pathogenesis of both gastritis and duodenal ulceration. These bacteria were initially called Campylobacter pyloridis and then C. pylori. However, electron microscopy suggested that the bacteria were not campylobacters, and this was supported by differences in fatty acid and polyacrylamide electrophoresis profiles. In-vitro tests indicated that H. pylori was susceptible to penicillins, erythromycin, and quinolones, but not trimethoprim or cefsulodin allowing development of selective media for culture. Monotherapy with erythromycin ethylsuccinate was ineffective, and patients treated with bismuth subsalicylate initially responded with clearance of H. pylori and the associated gastritis, but then many relapsed. Thus, pharmacokinetic and treatment studies were important to direct suitable dual and triple treatments. Work optimized serology, and the rapid biopsy urease and urea breath tests. The link between H.pylori and gastric cancer was established in large seroprevalence studies, and H. pylori test and treat for dyspepsia became routine.

P033 Evidencing the long-term impact of a musculoskeletal Allied Health Professionals and Nurse Research Internship Programme

Abstract Background/Aims The UK-wide AHP and Nurse Research Internship Programme (2015-2022) is an effective, well-recognised model for building musculoskeletal (MSK) research capacity. The programme aim was to encourage and accelerate early clinical academic careers, build confidence and improve research engagement/activity in clinical practice to benefit patients with MSK conditions. We present further evidence of impact of the programme on intern alumni and the higher education institutions (HEIs) since the last evaluation in 2019. Methods Evidence of impact was collated from annual metric surveillance for reporting purposes and an online survey was sent to intern alumni. Seven survey questions were developed to ascertain achievements and career progression since participating in the programme. A purposive sample from the intern alumni were asked to provide additional written reflection. The seven host HEI leads also provided written feedback on their experiences of supervising and/or mentoring interns. Results Since 2015, thirty-nine interns (n = 39) have completed the programme across multiple disciplines - Physiotherapy (n = 13), Podiatry (n = 14), Nursing (n = 4), Radiography (n = 2), Prosthetics & Orthotics (n = 3), Occupational Therapy (n = 3). Metric collation included publications (n = 62), conference attendance/presentations (n = 46), widespread Patient and Public Involvement initiatives and esteem indicators: national awards (n = 4), conference awards (n = 2), PhD fellowships (n = 8). Survey respondents (n = 13) reported faster career progression than their peers, awareness of clinical academic opportunities and involvement in wider collaborative networks with MSK UK researchers. All respondents commented on the positive impact that the programme had on their careers with all having secured, or planning, future clinical academic work. From the intern alumni written reflections (n = 4), a common theme was that the internship provided them with the foundation and networks to progress a clinical academic career in MSK health. The HEI supervisors and/or mentors reported that they had a positive experience in benefitting from working with their interns and each other. For example: “Immensely rewarding, providing a practical foundation for budding clinical academics … also developed my own professional development as an early career researcher progressing to researcher manager”. “It facilitated collaboration between the participating HEIs and directly contributed to ongoing research and outputs in our research centre”. “As an early career researcher, this offered me interviewing, supervision and project management experience alongside publication and collaboration opportunities” Conclusion This evaluation provides further evidence of long-term success of the internship programme as an effective model of research capacity building, specifically in introducing newly qualified AHPs and nurses to MSK research. Tangible benefits have been made for both interns and HEI supervisors and/or mentors through research outputs, clinical academic careers and influencing clinical practice. We have provided a model for research capacity building in other health professions nationally and internationally. Disclosure M. Fry: None. J. Gavin: None. A. Finney: None. M. Ndosi: None. F. Cramp: None. J. Lewis: None. R. Barn: None. C. Price: None. H. Siddle: None. G. Lang: None. E. Leach: None. C. Bowen: None.

MHealth and COVID-19: A Bibliometric Study.

mHealth, i.e., using mobile computing and communication technologies in health care, has played an increasingly important role in the provision of medical care and undertaking self-health monitoring and management in the past two decades. Specifically, it becomes critically important for health care delivery when governments have been forced to impose quarantines and lockdowns during the spikes in COVID-19 cases. Therefore, this research focuses on academic publications including journal articles, reviews, and conference papers on the use of mHealth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a keyword search on "mHealth" (or "mobile health") and "COVID-19" on 7 January 2023 in Scopus, it was found that 1125 documents were officially published between 2020 and 2022. Among these 1125 documents, 1042 documents were journal articles, reviews, and conference papers. Researchers in the US produced 335 articles, followed by UK researchers with 119 articles, and Chinese researchers with 79 articles. Researchers affiliated with Harvard Medical School published the largest number of articles (31), followed by researchers of University College London with 21 articles and Massachusetts General Hospital with 20 articles. Co-occurrence of keywords analysis revealed four clusters, namely "COVID-19, mHealth, mobile applications, and public health", "adult, adolescent, mental health, and major clinical study", "human, pandemic, and epidemiology", and "telemedicine, telehealth, and health care delivery". Implications of this study are given.

Short-term incentives of research evaluations: Evidence from the UK Research Excellence Framework

We document incentive effects of the evaluation deadlines in the UK’s performance-based research funding system. Studying 3,597,272 publications by UK researchers, we find that publications just before assessment deadlines obtain substantially fewer citations and are published in venues with lower impact factors. These trends reverse abruptly after the deadlines. We discuss different factors that contribute to this observation and provide evidence that evaluation deadlines are likely to set incentives against investment in research quality and long-term topics. We conclude that where such shifts in research incentives are not intended, they might require balancing by additional incentives for exploratory, long-term oriented research.

Higher education and research: multiple negative effects and no new opportunities after Brexit

ABSTRACT Brexit has weakened collaboration between UK higher education institutions and their EU counterparts, with negative implications for UK resources and capacity, without leading to new global strategies and opportunities. In 2020 the UK government withdrew from the Erasmus student mobility scheme and introduced the Turing scheme. While Erasmus had supported both outward UK student mobility and inward movement from Europe, Turing supports only outward mobility. In 2021–2022 the cessation of UK tuition fee arrangements for EU citizens entering UK degrees led to a sharp drop in numbers. Collaborative European research programmes have been crucial in building the infrastructure and network centrality of UK science and in attracting EU citizen researchers, but at the time of writing future UK participation as a non-member country was unresolved. The long uncertainty about this, coupled with the cessation of free people movement, have triggered the exit of some UK-based researchers and declines in UK researchers' competitiveness in European grants, EU doctoral students and established researchers entering UK, and EU country citizens as a proportion of UK academic staff. In addition, the loss of access to European structural funds has slowed the modernisation of UK higher education institutions and reduced their social contributions.

Next-gen solar cell study could help resolve instability issues

UK RESEARCHERS are investigating a new type of highly versatile solar cell material that could boost power generation in space and bring about the next generation of solar panels. The University of Warwick team is undertaking a five-year study, which will delve into the atomic-level structure of the new material known as perovskite. Perovskite solar panels can be easily deposited onto most surfaces, including flexible and textured ones. The materials are Solar panels based on perovskite could be easily deposited onto most surfaces, including flexible and textured ones RENEWABLES Next-gen solar cell study could help resolve instability issues lightweight, cheap to produce, and as efficient as today's leading photovoltaic materials, which are mainly silicon. However, they currently face issues with stability and a short lifespan, which decreases further in high humidity, strong sunlight and at elevated temperatures. While the properties of perovskite solar cells change in a range of atmospheric conditions, they remain remarkably stable outside the Earth's atmosphere. This points to the potential for harvesting energy in space. The European Space Agency revealed last year that it would be investigating whether satellites could beam electricity to Earth. Using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR, an analytical chemistry technique that harnesses high magnetic fields and radio frequencies targeted at atomic nuclei) the team hopes to uncover why perovskite solar panels degrade so quickly at an atomic level.

How can we mainstream mental health in research engaging the range of Sustainable Development Goals? A theory of change.

Mental health is a leading cause of ill-health worldwide, disproportionately affects low-and-middle-income countries and, increasingly, is considered relevant across the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Hence, we ask: How can we mainstream mental health in research engaging the range of SDGs? We use the UK Research and Innovation Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) as a case study. In a previous scoping review, we purposefully sampled non-mental health focused GCRF grants for diversity from 2015 until May-end 2020 (N = 36). In the present study, the principal investigator of each grant in this sample was invited to interview (11 accepting). Snowballing, our networks, and returning to the funding archive secured a further 15 interviews sampled for diversity (Final sample: 13 UK researchers and 13 of their overseas collaborators). A thematic analysis of this data organised key information into a trajectory from the challenges of incorporating mental health impact, to how these challenges might be overcome and, finally, to support needs. This analysis was then organised into a Theory of Change designed to promote the mainstreaming of mental health in global challenges research. We outline the implications for global challenges researchers, mental health practitioners, and global challenge research funders. One important implication is that we provide evidence to encourage funders to engage with the desire of researchers to contribute more broadly to the wellbeing of the communities with whom they work.

The Medical and Health Humanities in the Middle East: Report on the Meeting of the 2nd International Conference on the Medical Humanities in the Middle East (online) in Doha, Qatar

The Medical and Health Humanities in the Middle East: Report on the Meeting of the 2nd International Conference on the Medical Humanities in the Middle East (online) in Doha, Qatar

Lost funding, unwelcome moves: UK researchers speak out on ERC 'disaster'.

Lost funding, unwelcome moves: UK researchers speak out on ERC 'disaster'.

Touching The future

UK researchers have developed a robot fingertip that creates signals similar to the brain activity associated with human touch. Science fiction author, Gareth L. Powell, explores the possible implications of this technology.

Identifying researcher learning needs to develop online training for UK researchers working with administrative data: CENTRIC training

BackgroundThe use of administrative data in health and social science research continues to expand, with increased availability of data and interest from funders. Researchers, however, continue to experience delays in access, storage and sharing of administrative data. Training opportunities are limited and typically specific to individual data providers or focussed on the analytical aspects of working with administrative data. The CENTRIC study was funded by the Information Commissioners Office, with the aim of developing a broader training curriculum for researchers working with administrative data in the UK. MethodsA mixed-methods design informed curriculum content, including surveys with researchers, focus group discussions with data providers and workshops with members of the public. Researchers were identified from relevant administrative data networks and invited to participate in an online survey identifying training needs. Data providers were approached with a request to input to a face-to-face or online meeting with two members of the research team about their experiences of working with researchers. Data were analysed within the broad framework of the interview schedule, free text responses in the survey were analysed thematically. Results107 researchers responded to the online survey and four data providers participated in the focus groups. We identified five main themes, relating to research training needs for UK researchers working with administrative data: communication; timelines; changes & amendments; future-proofing applications; and, the availability of training and support. Data providers either provided additional evidence on these learning needs or ways to address identified challenges. Six modules were developed addressing these training needs. Quotes from the survey and focus groups are used anonymously in the online training modules. ConclusionThe CENTRIC online training curriculum was launched in September 2020 and is available, free of charge for UK researchers. CENTRIC specifically addresses commonly identified training needs of researchers working with administrative data.