NIHRDataInsights/HRCSData huggingface dataset:
Title: Avoiding paradoxical effects of food packaging to achieve health eating: a mixed methods approach
Funder: Department of Health (England)

Abstract: Halting or reversing rising rates of obesity requires more healthy food choices. Nutritional labelling and portion sizing of food packaging are promoted as ways to achieve this, yet recent data suggests that these can have paradoxical effects, resulting in increased consumption. Understanding the psychological processes underlying these effects and how to suppress them is important in developing food packaging that will achieve lower consumption of energy dense foods in those who are more, as well as less, socially deprived. This research aims to evaluate the impact upon food consumption of a range of food packages.


Research activity codes: 3.1 PRIMARY PREVENTION INTERVENTIONS TO MODIFY BEHAVIOURS OR PROMOTE WELL-BEING
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE
Title: Integrating financial considerations into shared decision-making at the consultation level: a case study of bariatric surgery
Funder: Department of Health (England)

Abstract: The research aims to improve communication in clinical consultations so that NHS professionals can sensitively explain how financial constraints affect access to healthcare and patients can be informed about all treatment options, even when they are not available on the NHS. The study will use morbid obesity surgery as a case study. It will include the observation of consultations where financial issues are discussed, and interviews with patients to uncover the most effective and acceptable means of communication. The results will be used to design and test an intervention to improve communication with patients about financial limitations on healthcare.


Research activity codes: 7.3 MANAGEMENT AND DECISION MAKING
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE
Title: Establishing supportive care needs for frail elders and developing an intervention to address these in older adult acute medical settings.
Funder: Department of Health (England)

Abstract: In-patient frail-elder care often focuses on acute interventions excluding on-going social, spiritual, informational and emotional needs of patients and their carers. This study aims to improve the assessment and delivery of such supportive-care in acute medical settings. Literature reviews and a Delphi study, involving patients, lay carers and professionals will be used to reach consensus regarding what and how supportive-care can be put into practice. This evidence will be employed, alongside participatory methods, to design an innovative ward-based intervention to improve patient experience and care. The intervention will be piloted on older adult medical wards with frail-elders and their carers.


Research activity codes: 7.1 INDIVIDUAL CARE NEEDS
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE
Title: Children and Young People with Life-Limiting Conditions and Hospital Admissions to Paediatric Intensive Care Units in England; the Development of a Clinical Scoring System.
Funder: Department of Health (England)

Abstract: There are growing numbers of children in England with medical conditions that will shorten their lives (Life-Limiting Conditions (LLC)). Many of these children have repeated hospital admissions and some require intensive care. Many of the deaths in this group occur in intensive care. This study will use routinely collected data to describe what happens to children with LLC admitted to paediatric intensive care (PICU) and develop a scoring system which can help identify those children who would benefit from PICU and those for whom it would be futile and may receive more appropriate palliative care in a different healthcare setting.


Research activity codes: 7.1 INDIVIDUAL CARE NEEDS
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE
Title: LWEC EEHI: Air Pollution and Weather-Related Health Impacts
Funder: Department of Health (England)

Abstract: This proposal focuses upon the risks of short-term exposure to airborne pollutant mixtures. We will produce UK distributions of multiple pollutants and weather at 5 x 5 km resolution over the UK using well-tested meteorological and chemical transport models for the period 2000 to 2010; the integration of those data with housing model data as indicators of potential modifiers of air pollution/temperature exposure; and the linkage of these with health data for epidemiological analysis aimed at assessing methodological and substantive questions germane to multi-pollutant health risks. The project will examine the effects of air quality and climate policies on air pollutant exposures and health; assess effects of such policies on socio-economic variations in exposure and disease burden; and provide a formalized mathematical framework for assessing the value of evidence, and uncertainties in it, in policy decisions. Close engagement with the policy community will be maintained throughout through a user-focused Advisory Group, stakeholder workshops and a multi-element dissemination/engagement strategy. A PhD studentship is proposed to undertake an ethnographic study of the generation and use of research evidence for policy in the project.


Research activity codes: 2.2 FACTORS RELATING TO PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT;2.5 RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGIES (AETIOLOGY)
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE
Title: Health Promotion and Public Health Reviews Facility
Funder: Department of Health (England)

Abstract: Background This programme of work builds on 9 years of DH funding to the EPPI-Centre to develop a research capacity in policy-relevant systematic research synthesis for health promotion and public health (HP & PH). The new programme has distinctive features, specifically an enhanced focus on the provision of policy-relevant research reviews, the provision of training in systematic review methods, more intensive networking with other key players in the field, and the further development of accessible user-friendly databases of HP & PH research filling an important gap in the evidence base for HP & PH. The aims of the new programme are: 1/ to undertake a series of innovative, policy-relevant and broadly based systematic reviews of the evidence in key topic areas underpinning HP & PH decision-making; 2/ to provide a reviews facility encompassing training, materials and tools for those wishing to undertake systematic reviews; 3/ to co-ordinate review and bibliographic work in HP & PH, through providing an online review and database resource and through networking; 4/ to advance methods for undertaking HP & PH systematic reviews, particularly with respect to drawing on a range of research designs. Aims HISTORIC PROJECT - Entire abstract transferred from the previous database into the [Scientific summary background] field of this database. Plan of Investigation HISTORIC PROJECT - Entire abstract transferred from the previous database into the [Scientific summary background] field of this database. Potential Impact HISTORIC PROJECT - Entire abstract transferred from the previous database into the [Scientific summary background] field of this database. Policy Relevance The aims of the DH's Policy Research Programme include providing a knowledge base of high quality research for policies directed at population health, and ensuring that policy decision-making is informed by "all available and robust scientific evidence". The research databases and HP & PH review work of the EPPI-Centre form a unique resource in the UK in relation to this goal in several respects. The EPPI-Centre provides free online searchable resources of systematically keyworded studies and quality assured reviews of HP & PH research; it has pioneered new methods for reviewing a broad range of HP & PH research, including ways of involving policy-customers in the review process and methods for reviewing and synthesising different research designs: and it has developed and actively disseminates tools and guidelines for the conduct of systematic reviews in HP & PH. The review topics proposed in the new programme of work are in areas (reducing health inequalities and improving outcomes for children and young people) identified as priorities in THE PRIORITIES AND PLANNING FRAMEWORK FOR 2003-6 of the NHS Plan.


Research activity codes: 8.5 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (HEALTH SERVICES);3.5 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (PREVENTION)
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE
Title: An On-Call Facility for International Healthcare Comparisons
Funder: Department of Health (England)

Abstract: Background The project aims to establish: (1) an annual reporting facility for the Department of Health on current directions in relation to major health care policies and reforms, indications of policy thinking and measures of performance in 13 countries (France, Germany, The Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Spain, Italy; Finland, Norway, Switzerland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand) in selected areas that are relevant to health care policy thinking in England; and (2) an on-call reporting facility that responds to ad hoc information requests by the Department of Health on specified health care policy issues. The project will be based on "the establishment of a network of international sources involving experts in 13 countries, the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies and related international networks including the International Network for Health Policy and Reform; "the analysis and synthesis of information on health care policy developments and evaluations, policy thinking and measures of performance in 13 countries obtained from (1) country experts through an annual questionnaire and (b) a review of published and grey literature; "the analysis and synthesis of information in response to ad hoc requests on specified health care policy themes, using similar sources. The Department of Health will be presented with annual reports on health care policy developments in 13 countries of interest and relevance to health care policy in England as well as 'on-call' reports in response to ad hoc requests during the year. Aims HISTORIC PROJECT - Entire abstract transferred from the previous database into the [Scientific summary background] field of this database. Plan of Investigation HISTORIC PROJECT - Entire abstract transferred from the previous database into the [Scientific summary background] field of this database. Potential Impact HISTORIC PROJECT - Entire abstract transferred from the previous database into the [Scientific summary background] field of this database. Policy Relevance UK health policy is influenced increasingly by developments in other countries and by comparison with the performance of health systems elsewhere. Recent examples include policy developments arising, in part, from recognition that cancer survival in the UK lagged behind that in other industrialised countries and the adoption of models of chronic disease management from North America. The scope for learning from international experience is increasing rapidly, with senior politicians and their advisers participating in events such as for a hosted by the Commonwealth Foundation or in the EU High Level Reflection Process. However there remains a need for a mechanisms by which ministers and their advisers can obtain up to date, contextually framed information on developments elsewhere. This proposal seeks to meet that need.


Research activity codes: 8.3 POLICY, ETHICS AND RESEARCH GOVERNANCE
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE
Title: Diagnosis of Cause of Death in Adults by Post Mortem Imaging: A Validation Study
Funder: Department of Health (England)

Abstract: Background Of the various alternatives to traditional invasive autopsy, post-mortem imaging offers the greatest potential for diagnosing cause of death without dissection, but has not been validated. Aims of study: to define the strengths and limitations of post-mortem MRI/CT, to optimise application of imaging, and to improve accuracy by combination with aspiration of fluids and needle biopsy. Subjects and methods: Deaths reported to HM Coroners, Manchester and Oxford, will undergo whole body MRI/CT scan followed by full invasive autopsy. The imaging will be reported independently by 5 radiologists and compared to full autopsy, in order to determine the diagnostic accuracy and inter-observer variation. Unselected adult deaths in the following groups will be included: sudden unexpected deaths (n=200), drug-related (n=30), traumatic (n=30) and forensic deaths (n=40). For a further 40 sudden deaths imaging will be combined with targeted needle biopsy, in order to assess the potential of minimally invasive techniques. By a system of regular review and detailed analysis of images in the light of autopsy findings, the accuracy and application of post-mortem imaging will be improved. Aims HISTORIC PROJECT - Entire abstract transferred from the previous database into the [Scientific summary background] field of this database. Plan of Investigation HISTORIC PROJECT - Entire abstract transferred from the previous database into the [Scientific summary background] field of this database. Potential Impact HISTORIC PROJECT - Entire abstract transferred from the previous database into the [Scientific summary background] field of this database. Policy Relevance There is increasing public pressure to reduce the high autopsy rate in England and Wales by introduction of less invasive methods of ascertaining cause of death. This study will determine the accuracy of post mortem imaging and how these techniques can be best applied to post-mortem diagnosis. This is an essential first step in the application of imaging to routine practice; it is not appropriate to expand the use of post-mortem imaging without validation. The study will focus on adult deaths that have been reported to the Coroner, which account for the great majority of autopsies. Introduction of less invasive techniques in this group has therefore the greatest potential to reduce autopsy rates.


Research activity codes: 4.2 EVALUATION OF MARKERS AND TECHNOLOGIES
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE
Title: Evaluation of the Personal Health Budgets Pilots
Funder: Department of Health (England)

Abstract: Background Personalisation in an important new policy direction for health care in England. The piloting of personal health budgets (PHBs) is being viewed as the central feature of this policy. However, this new way of delivering health care represents a major cultural shift within the health care service. To assess whether PHBs offer a better way of supporting people, an evaluation will be carried out (incorporating a controlled trial without randomisation) to compare outcomes between those receiving PHBs and those receiving health services in the conventional way. The evaluation will also explore the processes, impact and consequences of personal health budgets on organisations, health professionals and the wider health and social care system. Aims The overall aim will be to explore whether PHBs ensure better health and social outcomes when compared to conventional service delivery. The seven specific aims can be found in Section 9. Plan of Investigation A controlled trial (without randomisation) will be used to make comparisons between the new and conventional support arrangements. The evaluation will include 20 sites focussing on implementing personal health budgets among people in need of NHS continuing care and/or among people with long term health conditions. A total sample of 3,000 will be recruited with the aim of reaching an overall sample of 2,000 individuals. The design aims to recruit 1,000 patients in the personal health budget group and 1,000 patients in the comparison group in 12 months starting in 2010. Potential Impact The implementation of personal health budgets could represent a route for personalisation in the health service. They could promote choice and control for individuals in deciding the services that best meet their needs. For the organisation, personal health budgets could be cost effective both for health and social care outcomes - they could produce better outcomes for the costs incurred, compared with conventional care. However, the implementation of personal health budgets could potentially compromise the equity principles of the NHS.


Research activity codes: 8.1 ORGANISATION AND DELIVERY OF SERVICES
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE
Title: Modelling Work for the Risk from Effusive Volcanic Eruptions
Funder: Department of Health (England)

Abstract: H55 is one of the highest priority risks in the National Risk Assessment (NRA). Currently, we do not fully understand the extent to which the UK would be affected by such an eruption and the duration of disruption. Initial modelling work produced by the University of Leeds and the Met Office suggested that further work was needed, in particular to understand more about the potential impacts on public and animal health, aviation and the environment in the UK. The H55 Project Board, of which you are members, has agreed that a more detailed modelling proposal should be funded, and that this will be led by the Met Office in partnership with other partners (for example the British Geological Survey and the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology). The modelling will be based on the reasonable worst case scenario as set out in the NRA and will provide more robust estimates as to the impact of this scenario were it to occur now. It will produce the Deliverables as specified in Annex A: Project Deliverables, on the dates as outlined in this annex and in Annex B: Project Timetable. These deliverables will be used to inform response planning across several Government departments. The total cost of the modelling will be £93,500 excluding VAT and is due for completion by 30th June 2014. The Cabinet Office has agreed to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Met Office for the purposes of delivering this modelling work and will pay the Met Office the full sum of £112,200 including VAT (£93,500 excluding VAT) by 31 March 2014, provided it has been assured of the progress of the Deliverables by 10 March 2014. Each Department has agreed to pay the Cabinet Office their respective amounts within 30 days of receipt of an invoice from Cabinet Office and within this financial year. The Cabinet Office has agreed to act as the main point of contact for any queries or variations to this work. However where necessary individual Departments may liaise directly with the Met Office to ensure its requirements of the modelling are met. As outlined in both Annex A and Annex B, individual Departments will also have the opportunity to raise any additional requests as to the precise nature of the Deliverables in the mid-term meeting in January.


Research activity codes: 2.2 FACTORS RELATING TO PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE
Title: Midlife sleep patterns as predictors of stress and functional health in older people
Funder: The Dunhill Medical Trust

Abstract: There is increasing evidence of the importance of sleep for human health and functioning. However, a lack of available data has resulted in a dearth of research that has examined the evolution of sleep patterns with age and their associations with stress, functional status and health in older people. Our proposal will address this gap in knowledge using new and existing data from a large, longitudinal study. Stress will be measured based on cortisol levels, a product of the stress pathway (the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis), using an innovative technique that overcomes the challenges of current methods. We will describe age-related trajectories of sleep; examine the associations of adverse sleep patterns with subsequent cortisol, physical functioning and cause specific mortality; examine the extent to which factors such as social position or life events explain these associations; and study whether contextual factors such as retirement and bereavement influence these associations.


Research activity codes: 1.1 NORMAL BIOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT AND FUNCTIONING;1.2 PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIOECONOMIC PROCESSES
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE
Title: Influence of dietary nitrate supplementation on blood pressure, walking economy, functional physical capability and cognitive function in healthy older adults
Funder: The Dunhill Medical Trust

Abstract: Nitric oxide (NO), produced in a reaction catalyzed by nitric oxide synthase (NOS), is a physiological signalling molecule that is involved in a variety of functions including the regulation of vascular tone, neurotransmission, and skeletal muscle contractility and respiration. NOS activity declines appreciably in older age and contributes to increased morbidity and reduced functional/exercise capacity in this population. It is now recognized that: 1) NO can also be produced by the reduction of nitrite; and 2) that circulating plasma nitrite can be significantly increased if a diet high in inorganic nitrate (i.e., green leafy vegetables) is consumed. This raises the possibility that dietary nitrate supplementation could compensate for NOS dysfunction in older adults. Greater NO bioavailability might reduce blood pressure, improve tissue oxygenation, and enhance skeletal muscle and cognitive performance. We propose to investigate the influence of nitrate supplementation on indices of mental and physical health and performance in older adults.


Research activity codes: 1.1 NORMAL BIOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT AND FUNCTIONING
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE
Title: Using Mindfulness for Anger and Aggressive behaviour- with people with Learning Disabilities (UMAA-LD)
Funder: Division for Social Care and Health Research (Wales)

Abstract: Approximately 10-20% of adults with learning disabilities (LD) engage in challenging behaviours (aggression, destructiveness, and self-injury), which are often accompanied by feelings of anger. The inability to manage anger can reduce quality of life (QoL), and aggression is a strong predictor of out-of-area placements, and a risk variable for abuse. Recent research suggests that mindfulness-based therapies (specifically, Singh's Soles of the Feet meditation: SoF) can help people with LD manage angry emotions, with resultant reductions in challenging behaviour. However, previous studies have focused on few individuals, and no group studies have been published. We will develop a UK protocol based upon Singh's SoF manual in consultation with groups of people with LD and carers. Our UMAA-SoF UK protocol will be specifically designed for use within NHS clinics by Clinical Psychologists, and will be tested with 12 adults with LD and identified problems with anger control. Patient benefit is the core of this intervention. Based on extensive service-user feedback, we will decide the best ways to measure the effects of the UMAA-SoF UK protocol, and whether it leads to reductions in aggressive behaviour. We will look at the participants quality of life, anxiety, depression, and use of support services (medication, hospital appointments etc). These will be measured at three time points; 1) just before the intervention (baseline), 2) immediately after the 6 session intervention, and 3) six months after baseline measure To gain a richer understanding about how people experienced the UMAASoF intervention, we will interview the participants, their carers, and the therapists who delivered the intervention. We will use this information to finalise the UMAA-SoF UK protocol and work out if a larger, Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) is feasible, and develop a protocol for an RCT to test the UMAA-SoF UK protocol on a larger group of adults with LD.


Research activity codes: 7.1 INDIVIDUAL CARE NEEDS
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE