WELCOME TO VISI N MAGAZINE

"From creating new pathways for research in local authorities, to expanding our connections with organisations across the region, I hope this latest issue of our magazine showcases the strong collaborative spirit which has enabled the greater integration of research into health and care pathways across the region."

Dr Patrick Moore Associate Clinical Director NIHR Clinical Research Network (CRN) Wessex

BY

Last year was another exceptionally busy year for research teams in Wessex, and we can all feel incredibly proud of what has been achieved.

Much of the year was spent building on our shared successes and learnings from the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as growing our partnerships and collaborations across the region.

It has been inspiring to see everyone working together across organisational and geographical boundaries in order to increase access to research for people living in Wessex.

Through the new Clinical Research Network (CRN) Wessex Clinical Delivery Team (CDT), we have built a highly skilled and flexible workforce with the ability to deliver research in a broad range of settings.

In this issue of Vision, you’ll hear from the CDT, who have been taking studies out into the community with the aim of increasing representation in research from under-served groups.

With additional research buses due late 2023 and the launch of a new research hub in Dorset in early 2023, we hope to make strides towards improving the health of our local population and reducing health inequalities.

We continue to explore new models for research delivery, such as the CRN Wessex-funded Primary Care Network (PCN) initiative, which has seen general practices across the region coming together to deliver studies and grow a research culture within their local area.

In this issue, some of the participating PCNs will share the opportunities and challenges of the model, as well as their exciting vision for the expansion of research within primary care.

It is clear that Wessex continues to be a place of innovation. In this issue, we’ll hear from the research team at Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, who are leading a world-first artificial intelligence study to improve the diagnosis of prostate cancer, alongside launching their new research strategy.

We’ll also hear from the asthma team at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, who are collaborating with the Wessex Asthma Network to look at ways to reduce the carbon footprint of inhalers. Research of this kind will be important for helping us achieve a sustainable and resilient health and care system.

In April 2022, the NIHR changed its name to emphasise its commitment to social care, and locally, we continue to build capacity and capability in this area. This issue of Vision features an interview with Dr Michelle Heward from Bournemouth University, who is exploring if digital innovation and technology can improve engagement between people with dementia living in care homes, and their relatives and care staff.

From creating new pathways for research in local authorities, to expanding our connections with organisations across the region, I hope this latest issue of our magazine showcases the strong collaborative spirit which has enabled the greater integration of research into health and care pathways.

I also hope that you enjoy reading this issue, hearing from your colleagues and seeing how our Wessex research teams continue to go from strength to strength.