NIHRDataInsights/HRCSData huggingface dataset:
Title: EITP Workstream 2: An Evaluation of the Early Intervention Support Service in Northern Ireland.
Funder: Health and Social Care Research and Development Division (HSC R&D) of Public Health Agency, Northern Ireland

Abstract: This study will evaluate the effectiveness of the Early Intervention Support Service (EISS) by analysing outcomes measured in the five pilot areas located in the five Health and Social Care Trusts where it is currently being delivered in Northern Ireland. It is proposed that outcomes data be collected and analysed from a total of 200 parents receiving the service at two time points: at the beginning of their involvement and at the end. A matched control group of 200 parents selected proportionately from areas across the five Trusts not covered in the pilot will be used for purposes of comparison. The fit of EISS, and its component elements, to the local geographical and stakeholder context, will be explored through 25 semi-structured qualitative interviews with relevant stakeholders from each of the five pilot areas. An indicative sense of the experience of parents taking part in EISS, and their journey travelled, will be explored through semi-structured interviews with two parents from each of the five pilot areas (10 parents in total). These will be selected to reflect a range of parenting needs and types of intervention provided. The study will involve parents being interviewed at the end of their involvement in the EISS programme and will focus on them providing retrospective account of their experience from beginning to end. The proposed study (option 1) falls within the original budget (£100k). A second option is also set out and costed that would provide an additional, detailed qualitative process evaluation (option 2).


Research activity codes: 8.1 ORGANISATION AND DELIVERY OF SERVICES
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE
Title: EITP Workstream 3: Using the voluntary sector to support children and families with complex needs - what are the potential benefits and risks?
Funder: Health and Social Care Research and Development Division (HSC R&D) of Public Health Agency, Northern Ireland

Abstract: This research proposes to examine the potential risks and benefits of using the voluntary sector to deliver services to families with complex needs in Northern Ireland. More specifically, it will seek to answer the following questions: 1. What are the main issues with the commissioning, governance and delivery of services by the voluntary sector? 2. What is currently known about how services provided by the voluntary sector can influence family outcomes and does this differ depending on the model of delivery and/or governance used? 3. Does the voluntary sector supplement, hinder or substitute statutory social work services? 4. Are there any gaps in our knowledge, policies, and/or data collection which may need to be addressed in order to develop an effective, efficient and economic model of service provision in this area? The research will consist of three stages. Stage One will involve rapid review of relevant literature. Stage Two will consist of a knowledge-to-action cycle in which the findings emerging from stage One will be used to inform ongoing evaluations of projects funded under work stream 3. Lastly, in Stage Three, the findings emerging from the project evaluations in Stage Two, will be synthesised and compared to the findings emerging from the rapid literature review in Stage One. This will allow the experience of using the voluntary sector to deliver services to families with complex needs in Northern Ireland to be compared and contrasted with the international experience. In this way, both international and local experiences of using the voluntary sector to deliver services to families with complex needs can be drawn on to inform the development of policy and practice in this area in Northern Ireland.


Research activity codes: 8.1 ORGANISATION AND DELIVERY OF SERVICES
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE
Title: Ulster's Connected Health Living Lab
Funder: Health and Social Care Research and Development Division (HSC R&D) of Public Health Agency, Northern Ireland

Abstract: As we witness an increased prevalence of smartphones within society coupled with a surge of health apps becoming available, the challenges and complexities of making these mHealth services mainstream continue to grow. Central to these challenges are issues surrounding unregulated content, lack of user engagement in both design and evaluation phases and lack of adoption from the Health Service for integration with current models of healthcare provisioning. Ulster University has an extended track record in the development of mHealth solutions, driven by the Institute of Nursing and Health Research (INHR) and the Computer Science Research Institute (CSRI). In an effort to build on this knowledge base and to support both current and future research in this area INHR and CSRI have consolidated their efforts through plans to establish an mHealth Laboratory at Ulster which would provide the necessary resources for engaging with users in the co-creation of mobile health solutions and PPI related events. INHR and CSRI have witnessed a significant increase in the requirements to support this type of activity and taking into consideration market predictions, it is anticipated that this will only increase in the future.


Research activity codes: 4.5 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (DETECTION);7.4 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (DISEASE MANAGEMENT)
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE
Title: 2015 Doctoral Fellowship: Role of Active Deresuscitation After Resuscitation (RADAR-2): a systematic review and pilot randomised controlled trial
Funder: Health and Social Care Research and Development Division (HSC R&D) of Public Health Agency, Northern Ireland

Abstract: Intravenous fluid administration is a common intervention to improve tissue oxygen delivery in critical illness, although the potential harms are poorly understood. Capillary leak, together with fluid and sodium retention, frequently leads to such patients having a persistently positive fluid balance. Although most apparent as peripheral oedema, there is evidence that oedema of organs such as kidneys results in increased diffusion distance between capillaries and cells, and that this contributes to tissue hypoxia, organ dysfunction and death. We hypothesise that in stable critically ill patients over 72 hours following admission, a deresuscitation strategy aimed at achieving a neutral fluid balance improves organ function and reduces the risk of death. We intend to undertake: 1. A systematic review of the literature, with meta-analysis if possible, to address the question “Is a strategy of fluid restriction or active de-resuscitation associated with better clinical outcomes than standard care or a liberal fluid strategy in critically ill patients?” and to refine our deresuscitation strategy. 2. A pilot randomised controlled trial of a deresuscitation strategy to assess feasibility, safety and efficacy of deresuscitation in comparison to standard care. Our primary outcome will be net fluid balance at day 4, but we will also assess a range of safety, feasibility and clinical measures, as well as microcirculatory function, cardiac function, kidney injury and inflammation. Our aim is to inform the design of a large, multi-centre trial of deresuscitation in the critically ill, powered to detect differences in clinically relevant outcomes when compared with standard care.


Research activity codes: 6.1 PHARMACEUTICALS
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE
Title: 2016 Doctoral Fellowship: Development and testing of a supportive intervention to meet the needs of older male carers looking after a spouse/partner with a long term condition: a feasibility study
Funder: Health and Social Care Research and Development Division (HSC R&D) of Public Health Agency, Northern Ireland

Abstract: Family carers play a crucial role in supporting people living with long term conditions at home. Whilst strategic direction in Northern Ireland emphasises the importance of care in the community, this is dependent on the care provided by carers and the level of support they receive for their role, which can be insufficient. Evidence indicates that the number of men undertaking caregiving is increasing, that they adapt differently to their role as a carer, and that they are less likely to access support. Few interventions seeking to target their needs have been developed.This study aims to develop and test a supportive intervention for older spousal/partner male carers looking after someone with a long term condition. A mixed methods study design informed by the MRC Framework will be undertaken and will involve four phases. Phase 1 is a systematic review of the liteature on carer interventions and a postal scoping of current provision for male carers with voluntary organisations in NI (n=20). Phase 2 will explore the support and information needs, through focus groups and 1:1 interviews, using a purposive sample of male carers (n=30). The third and fourth phases will include the development, implementation and testing of this intervention with a convenience sample male carers (n=20) from one geographical area in a health care Trust in NI. Evaluation of carer outcomes will be assessed using predefined tools such as the SF12 and other indices to measure carer satisfaction, difficulty and management (CAMI/CASI/CADI). Acceptability and feasibility will be assessed using foucs group interviews with participants. Data analysis will include a description of the characteristics of the sample and descriptive analysis of uptake and attrition to the intervention, and group differences over time. Anticipated outcomes include an increase in carer knowledge about caregiving, more effective coping strategies and increased carer wellbeing.


Research activity codes: 7.1 INDIVIDUAL CARE NEEDS
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE
Title: iMPAKT: Implementing and Measuring Person-centredness using an App for Knowledge Transfer
Funder: Health and Social Care Research and Development Division (HSC R&D) of Public Health Agency, Northern Ireland

Abstract: The problem/need: A large amount of information is currently collected within health and social care focusing on different areas of practice. This information, however, is mostly about counting incidences, which are often negative in nature e.g. number of patients who fall whilst in hospital or number of complaints. The focus of this project attempts to address the need to understand the care experience in order to improve it, using different methods to collect information that rely on feedback from patients and/or families. Knowledge exchange objectives: The focus of this knowledge exchange project is a unique set of nursing indicators and a framework for producing information that can demonstrate person-centredness in practice. Some examples of the indicators include: nurse’s understanding of what is important to the patient and their family; and patient involvement in decisions made about his/her nursing care. The overall aim of this project is to develop and test an APP to enhance knowledge transfer of the person-centred KPIs and the measurement framework. The specific objectives are to: 1) develop an APP for implementation of the person-centred KPIs 2) test the feasibility of using the APP across a range of healthcare settings to collect, manage and analyse data 3) assess the quality of the outputs from using the APP (data reports) 4) explore nurses’ experience of using the APP. Likely impact of the project: The research that is the focus for this project continues to be tested across a range of clinical areas within several healthcare organisations internationally. The Paediatric International Nursing Study (PINS) is one example of ongoing work within children’s hospital services. This study provides evidence of the potential impact through the improvements that all nursing teams have been taking forward in response to the information generated by the KPIs and measurement framework. To date, more than 50 improvements have been undertaken during the course of PINS focusing on different areas of practice e.g. ward orientation for patients and families and parent education and information. The outcomes so far have highlighted that nurses (at all levels) value the information generated by the KPI work and want to support this into the future. There are, however, concerns relating to the resources required for data collection and analysis. The APP is set up to make this process easier so that the information can be more accessible and used to improve experience of care


Research activity codes: 8.1 ORGANISATION AND DELIVERY OF SERVICES
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE
Title: Medicines Optimisation Innovation Centre
Funder: Health and Social Care Research and Development Division (HSC R&D) of Public Health Agency, Northern Ireland

Abstract: The overall aim of the Medicines Optimisation Innovation Centre (MOIC) is to work towards better patient outcomes by initiating, developing & sharing best practice with regards to medicines use. During 2015/16 the centre was established on the Antrim Site of the NHSCT. Key aims for the centre are: To initiate the development of a regional programme for innovation in medicines optimisation to support both the roll out of existing solutions across the HSC and develop new solutions to include. A baseline assessment of the evidence for regional solutions in medicines optimisation to be utilised for Knowledge Transfer. Develop methodology for the translation of existing (and new) solutions within the HSC. To initiate the development of a prioritised programme of research and service development to develop and test new solutions. To develop a plan for EU engagement and collaborative working to include. A programme for commercialising, promoting and marketing NI solutions in EU. A host programme in medicines optimisation for EU countries. An evidence base for European Innovation Partnership (EIP) 4 star reference site status bid. To project Manage the NI component of the EU funded Simpathy Research Project. Establish links to other innovation hubs in NI, UK and EU.


Research activity codes: 8.5 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (HEALTH SERVICES)
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE
Title: Enabling Research Award: Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Music Therapy in Improving the Quality of Life of Palliative Care Patients: a randomised controlled pilot study
Funder: Health and Social Care Research and Development Division (HSC R&D) of Public Health Agency, Northern Ireland

Abstract: Aim. To establish the feasibility of and pilot a definitive (phase III) randomised controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of music therapy in improving the quality of life of palliative care patients. Background. The aim of palliative care is to promote the physical and psychological comfort of patients with life-limiting progressive conditions, thereby improving their quality of life. Music therapy is increasingly being used as a palliative therapy. In consonance with the goals of palliative care, the primary aim of music therapy is to improve people’s quality of life by, inter alia, addressing their psychological needs and facilitating communication. To date, primarily because of a paucity of robust research, the evidence for its effectiveness is positive but weak. The targeted NETS-funded research will make a significant contribution to the evidence base concerning the contribution of music therapy to palliative care. The proposed pilot research will involve a collaboration between the School of Nursing and Midwifery, QUB, the Northern Ireland Music Therapy Trust (NIMTT), and Marie Curie Cancer Care Belfast. The QUB team have experience of working with both of these organisations in the conduct of RCTs, while NIMTT has previously provided music therapy to Marie Curie patients. As a result, the team is both robust and well-focussed. Design. A pilot randomised controlled study, supplemented by qualitative data collection, to test procedures, outcomes and validated tools, estimate recruitment and attrition rates, and calculate the sample size required for a phase III randomised controlled trial. The feasibility components will involve: Administering the McGill Quality of Life Questionnaire (MQOL) to ascertain if it constitutes an acceptable burden for participants. Assessing whether attrition rates affect the viability of an intervention of three weeks duration.


Research activity codes: 7.2 END OF LIFE CARE
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE
Title: A Unified Approach for Non-Invasive Assessment of Brain Blood Supply
Funder: Royal Academy of Engineering

Abstract: I have recently developed a novel time-resolved 3D imaging method that allows thevisualisation of blood flowing through the arteries and into the brain tissue. This isaccomplished within a single MRI scan without the need for an injection or exposure tox-rays. After further refinement and testing I hope this will allow doctors to quicklyidentify and monitor blockages, narrowings or malformations within the arteries alongwith the impact this has on blood flow to the brain, ultimately improving the diagnosisand treatment selection for patients with a variety of diseases including stroke,arteriovenous malformation and brain tumours.


Research activity codes: 4.1 DISCOVERY AND PRECLINICAL TESTING OF MARKERS AND TECHNOLOGIES
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE
Title: A Novel 3D, Non-Destructive Imaging Platform for Tissue Engineering
Funder: Royal Academy of Engineering

Abstract: Tissue engineering (TE) aims at producing ‘lab-grown’ organs by combining scaffolds and cells. This could potentially solve one of the biggest medical problems of our times: the shortage of donor organs. Waiting times for organs can currently exceed five years, and nearly 20% of patients die while on the waiting list [1]. Promisingly, TE has already shown considerable success for relatively simple structures (e.g. skin), but the challenge for the future will be to engineer highly functional complex organs (e.g. heart, liver, lung, gastrointestinal). Imaging is key to drive this research, but there is currently a lack of adequate imaging technology [2,3]. The ‘gold-standard’ (electron microscopy/histology) requires slicing/staining, only provides 2D information, and is incompatible with 3D analysis, longitudinal studies and in vivo follow-up. Established 3D, non-destructive techniques like MRI and micro-CT are also inadequate due to low spatial resolution and contrast, respectively. The latter limitation stems from the similar x-ray attenuation (the contrast mechanism in micro-CT) of scaffolds (collagen/bio-polymers) and cells. I will develop a new, highly versatile imaging platform based on phase contrast micro-CT: a 3D, non-destructive high-resolution method that exploits phase effects/refraction (instead of attenuation), which occur when x-rays travel through materials with different refractive indices. As refractiondifferences can be significantly larger than attenuation ones, much higher image contrast can be achieved [4,5,6]. This has already benefitted other biomedical disciplines, but the application to TE is still new and unexplored. I propose an ambitious research programme including the engineering of new hardware and the design and implementation of smart sampling schemes, which will enable microstructural, multi-scale analyses of scaffolds/cells, and in vivo studies. I will work with some of the best researchers in TE, whose expertise covers a wide range of aspects including advanced scaffold production for complex functional organs, cartilage engineering, and 3D-printing of bio-polymers.


Research activity codes: 1.5 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (UNDERPINNING);5.9 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (TREATMENT DEVELOPMENT)
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE
Title: Phonon Microscopy; a New Way to See Inside Living Cells
Funder: Royal Academy of Engineering

Abstract: I aim to develop a phononic microscope based on the ground breaking research I have performed during the last 5 years. This new imaging modality is the only demonstrated alternative to light microscopy for imaging inside living cells in three dimensions. This technique can image with higher resolution than optical microscopy because it can access smaller than optical wavelength phonons. Since its contrast is given by elasticity, It does not require the use of toxic chemicals and dyes so is label-free. As phonons carry significantly less energy than photons, this technology is also non-destructive. Any of these advances would be considered very significant in their own right and this totally new technique enabling all these at once is potentially world changing. Mapping the elastic properties of living cells at sub-cellular scales is a very challenging problem for which there is no adequate existing technologies. For example, scanning acoustic microscopy (SAM) lacks of the resolution to resolve most sub-cellular structures. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) cannot see inside a living cell without damaging it. In this project I want to develop phonon microscopy from its proof of concept stage through to maturity. To achieve that, I will design an instrument that can go faster, to see deeper, with higher resolution than any current phonon technology. All of that without damaging delicate living cells. Each of these improvements represents a significant technological challenge.The main goal of the developed technology is to image living cells to address questions in medicine and biology. Important areas of research such as stem cells, cancer and parasitology can benefit from this technology.


Research activity codes: 1.5 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (UNDERPINNING)
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE
Title: Engineering a new approach to biomedical imaging using sound and light
Funder: Royal Academy of Engineering

Abstract: The world health organisation state that in Europe alone, more than 25,000 infants are born at less than 28 weeks gestation eachyear. One in four of those who survive will grow up with cognitive and physical handicaps caused by insufficient oxygen deliveryto the brain. The only way to improve our understanding of the underlying processes and pathology, and to efficiently use scarceresources in targeted treatments, is through developing medical devices which can monitor blood volume, flow, andoxygenation status. These measurements are of such importance because they provide a direct route to understandingphysiological processes at a molecular level. In July 2015 I successfully imaged the optical properties of a millimetre sizedtarget embedded in several centimetres of tissue realistic phantom material, by a technique of my invention (figure 3). Thisresult significantly exceeds the capabilities of all other deep optical soft-tissue imaging methods in use today. My technique,'Quantitative Ultrasound-modulated Optical Numerical Tomography' (QUONT) can also recover the rate of blood flow and themechanical properties of the tissues. This can be achieved in real-time, and the technology is eminently suitable for continuousmonitoring at the bed-, or cot-side, or even in the ambulance. To produce the proof-of-concept image I present here, I acquireddata by modifying a fragile experimental platform at my collaborator’s institution. It is now the time to engineer a system toexplore, optimise, and demonstrate the capabilities of my modality using robust methods that will allow the technique toadvance from the laboratory setting. In this proposal I set out a plan to develop this exciting and potentially transformative newtechnology: moving quickly towards in-vivo demonstration, exploring potential applications in non-destructive testing, andattracting external funding to permit further development and commercialisation.


Research activity codes: 5.3 MEDICAL DEVICES
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE