Radiotherapy research activity and radiographer involvement in the UK

2009 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 105-110 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie Davies ◽  
Christine Rawlings
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Standards Of Care ◽  
Service Development ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Research Activity ◽  
Local Initiatives ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Further Development

AbstractIn the UK, radiotherapy research is being conducted at national and international levels which include multi-centre clinical trials. Local initiatives and trials are also ongoing where work is being performed to develop techniques or protocols for new technologies and service development. Active participation within these studies is now leading to a culture change with radiographers (radiation therapists) becoming an integral part of the research process. There are currently 70 radiographers in the UK participating in research. This accounts for 2.5% of the UK profession. With the extension of role diversification, research radiographers are undertaking many new roles; however, there is still scope for further development. The therapists’ role in working within this research environment is to ensure improved standards of care focussed on evidence-based practice.

scholarly journals Medicinal Plants and Mushrooms with Immunomodulatory and Anticancer Properties—A Review on Hong Kong’s Experience

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (8) ◽  
pp. 2173
Author(s):  
Grace Gar-Lee Yue ◽  
Clara Bik-San Lau ◽  
Ping-Chung Leung
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Immune Modulation ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Medicinal Mushroom ◽  
Immunomodulatory Effects ◽  
Anticancer Properties ◽  
Further Development ◽  
Insight Into

The immune modulating effects of selected herbs deserve careful studies to gain evidence-based support for their further development. We have been working hard on many items of medicinal herbs to gain insight into their immunomodulatory effects relevant to cancer treatment in particular, while infection control is not excluded. Nine of them have been selected to give the results of our exploration on their biological, particularly immunomodulatory activities. Since Hong Kong people especially favor one medicinal mushroom, viz. Coriolus versicolor, a number of clinical trials using Coriolus for cancer-related studies are included in this review. While immune modulation platforms are being built for relevant studies, a brief account on the research targets and related procedures are given.

Acute wards: problems and solutions

2003 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 108-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susannah Rix ◽  
Geoff Shepherd
Keyword(s):  
Organisational Change ◽  
Quality Of Services ◽  
Service Development ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Problems And Solutions ◽  
South East England ◽  
Further Development ◽  
Made In

Aims and MethodTo develop an evidence-based approach that supports the improvement of front-line delivery of adult acute in-patient services. Key factors of effective organisational change were identified from the literature. These were adopted as part of an ‘evidence-based service development’ programme. This approach was used by the Health Advisory Service in a project with an NHS Trust in south east England.ResultsSignificant progress was made in improving the quality of local acute in-patient services.Clinical ImplicationsFurther development and evaluation of this approach should be undertaken, since it seems to offer significant opportunities to deliver real improvements in the quality of services.

scholarly journals Acute wards: problems and solutions

2003 ◽  
Vol 27 (03) ◽  
pp. 108-111
Author(s):  
Susannah Rix ◽  
Geoff Shepherd
Keyword(s):  
Organisational Change ◽  
Quality Of Services ◽  
Service Development ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Problems And Solutions ◽  
South East England ◽  
Further Development ◽  
Made In

Aims and Method To develop an evidence-based approach that supports the improvement of front-line delivery of adult acute in-patient services. Key factors of effective organisational change were identified from the literature. These were adopted as part of an ‘evidence-based service development’ programme. This approach was used by the Health Advisory Service in a project with an NHS Trust in south east England. Results Significant progress was made in improving the quality of local acute in-patient services. Clinical Implications Further development and evaluation of this approach should be undertaken, since it seems to offer significant opportunities to deliver real improvements in the quality of services.

scholarly journals Promoting inclusion in clinical trials—a rapid review of the literature and recommendations for action

Trials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Danielle H. Bodicoat ◽  
Ash C. Routen ◽  
Andrew Willis ◽  
Winifred Ekezie ◽  
Clare Gillies ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Cultural Competency ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Healthcare Delivery ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Rapid Review ◽  
Advisory Panel ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Recommendations For Action

Abstract Background Without inclusion of diverse research participants, it is challenging to understand how study findings will translate into the real world. Despite this, a lack of inclusion of those from under-served groups in research is a prevailing problem due to multi-faceted barriers acting at multiple levels. Therefore, we rapidly reviewed international published literature, in relation to clinical trials, on barriers relating to inclusion, and evidence of approaches that are effective in overcoming these. Methods A rapid literature review was conducted searching PubMed for peer-reviewed articles that discussed barriers to inclusion or strategies to improve inclusion in clinical trial research published between 2010 and 2021. Grey literature articles were excluded. Results Seventy-two eligible articles were included. The main barriers identified were language and communication, lack of trust, access to trials, eligibility criteria, attitudes and beliefs, lack of knowledge around clinical trials, and logistical and practical issues. In relation to evidence-based strategies and enablers, two key themes arose: [1] a multi-faceted approach is essential [2]; no single strategy was universally effective either within or between trials. The key evidence-based strategies identified were cultural competency training, community partnerships, personalised approach, multilingual materials and staff, communication-specific strategies, increasing understanding and trust, and tackling logistical barriers. Conclusions Many of the barriers relating to inclusion are the same as those that impact trial design and healthcare delivery generally. However, the presentation of these barriers among different under-served groups may be unique to each population’s particular circumstances, background, and needs. Based on the literature, we make 15 recommendations that, if implemented, may help improve inclusion within clinical trials and clinical research more generally. The three main recommendations include improving cultural competency and sensitivity of all clinical trial staff through training and ongoing personal development, the need to establish a diverse community advisory panel for ongoing input into the research process, and increasing recruitment of staff from under-served groups. Implementation of these recommendations may help improve representation of under-served groups in clinical trials which would improve the external validity of associated findings.

scholarly journals Evidence-based practice education for healthcare professions: an expert view

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 103-108 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elaine Lehane ◽  
Patricia Leahy-Warren ◽  
Cliona O’Riordan ◽  
Eileen Savage ◽  
Jonathan Drennan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Professional Education ◽  
Evidence Based Practice ◽  
Clinical Care ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Pragmatic Approach ◽  
Healthcare Professions ◽  
Effective Development ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Further Development ◽  
Healthcare Professional Education

Internationally, evidence-based practice (EBP) is recognised as a foundational element of healthcare professional education. Achieving competency in this area is a complex undertaking that is reflected in disparities between ‘best EBP’ and actual clinical care. The effective development and implementation of professional education to facilitate EBP remains a major and immediate challenge. To ascertain nuanced perspectives on the provision of EBP education internationally, interviews were conducted with five EBP education experts from the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Definitive advice was provided in relation to (1) EBP curriculum considerations, (2) teaching EBP and (3) stakeholder engagement in EBP education. While a considerable amount of EBP activity throughout health profession education is apparent, effectively embedding EBP throughout curricula requires further development, with a ‘real-world’ pragmatic approach that engenders dialogue and engagement with all stakeholders required.

Getting started with research

2009 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 57-65 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heidi Probst ◽  
Rachel Harris
Keyword(s):  
Research Funding ◽  
Research Training ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Research Experience ◽  
Research Activity ◽  
Health Care Practitioners ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Professional Body ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Training And Support

AbstractDo you have an enquiring mind and an enthusiasm or thirst for knowledge? Do you want to get involved in radiotherapy research or develop your research expertise? Research should underpin the clinical and educational activities undertaken by Radiation Therapists. For many, research can seem a daunting process that is beyond their expertise or capabilities. All health care practitioners can use research evidence and some may want to undertake their own research but may feel unsure where to start.This article is aimed at novice researchers (or those with limited research experience) and those wanting to develop their research potential. The discussion should help practitioners identify the necessary skills required to undertake research, where to go for help, the research process (including where research ideas come from), and what to consider when putting together a project team or applying for research funding.The discussion concludes on the importance of research training and support (or mentoring) for novice researchers or those at the start of their research careers. The national professional body for therapists can play an important role in helping researchers to network with likeminded individuals. Some professional bodies (such as the College of radiographers in the UK) may also provide small research grants to help build research activity, and as such can be a useful starting point when considering research funding.

scholarly journals Clinical Trials [and Tribulations]: The Immediate Effects of COVID-19 on IBD Clinical Research Activity in the UK

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (12) ◽  
pp. 1769-1776 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nurulamin M Noor ◽  
Ailsa L Hart ◽  
Peter M Irving ◽  
Subrata Ghosh ◽  
Miles Parkes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Clinical Pathways ◽  
Clinical Care ◽  
Ethics Committees ◽  
Recovery Phase ◽  
Research Activity ◽  
Care Services ◽  
The Uk

Abstract There have been immediate and profound impacts of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 on health care services worldwide, with major consequences for non COVID-19 related health care. Alongside efforts to reconfigure services and enable continued delivery of safe clinical care for patients with IBD, consideration must also be given to management of IBD research activity. In many centres there has been an effective shutdown of IBD clinical trial activity as research sites have switched focus to either COVID-19 related research or clinical care only. As a result, the early termination of trial programmes, and loss of potentially effective therapeutic options for IBD, has become a real and worrying prospect. Moreover, in many countries research activity has become embedded into clinical care—with clinical trials often providing access to new therapies or strategies—which would otherwise not have been available in standard clinical pathways. This pandemic has significant implications for the design, conduct, analysis, and reporting of clinical trials in IBD. In this Viewpoint, we share our experiences from a clinical and academic perspective in the UK, highlighting the early challenges encountered, and consider implications for patients and staff at research sites, sponsors, research ethics committees, funders, and regulators. We also offer potential solutions both for now and for when we enter a recovery phase from the pandemic.

scholarly journals Identifying Disparities in the Management of Hip Fractures Within Europe: A Comparison of 3 Health-Care Systems

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 215145931987294 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cliodhna E. Murray ◽  
Andreas Fuchs ◽  
Heide Grünewald ◽  
Owen Godkin ◽  
Norbert P. Südkamp ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Hip Fracture ◽  
Hip Fractures ◽  
Care Pathway ◽  
Health Care Systems ◽  
Standards Of Care ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Care Systems ◽  
The Uk

Introduction: This study investigates the management of hip fractures in a German maximum care hospital and compares these data to evidence-based standard and practice in 180 hospitals participating in the UK National Hip Fracture Database (NHFD) and 16 hospitals participating in the Irish Hip Fracture Database (IHFD). This is the first study directly comparing the management of hip fractures between 3 separate health-care systems within Europe. Methods: Electronic medical data were collected retrospectively describing the care pathway of elderly patients with a hip fracture admitted to a large trauma unit in the south of Germany “University Hospital Freiburg” (UHF). The audit evaluated demographics, postoperative outcome, and the adherence to the 6 “Blue Book” standards of care. These data were directly compared with the data from the UK NHFD and the IHFD acquired from 180 and 16 hospitals, respectively. Results: At 36 hours, 95.8% of patients had received surgery in UHF, compared to 71.5% in the NHFD and 58% of patients in the IHFD. The rate of in-hospital mortality was 4.7% compared to 7.1% in the NHFD and 5% in the IHFD. The mean average acute length of stay was 13.4 days compared to 16.4 days in the NHFD and 20 days in the IHFD. Reoperation rates are 3.3% compared to 1% in the NHFD and 1.1% in the IHFD; 50.5% of patients were discharged on bone protection medication, compared to 47% in the IHFD and 79.3% in the UK NHFD. Discussion: Despite uniformly acknowledged evidence-based treatment guidelines, the management of hip fractures remains heterogeneous within Europe. Conclusion: These data show that different areas of the hip fracture care pathway in Germany, England, and Ireland, respectively, show room for improvement in light of the growing socioeconomic burden these countries are expected to face.

scholarly journals Lessons Learned in Participant Recruitment and Retention: The EXCITE Trial

2006 ◽  
Vol 86 (11) ◽  
pp. 1520-1533 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Blanton ◽  
David M Morris ◽  
Michelle G Prettyman ◽  
Karen McCulloch ◽  
Susan Redmond ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Ethical Aspects ◽  
Recruitment Process ◽  
Participant Recruitment ◽  
Integral Role

Abstract Participant recruitment is considered the most difficult aspect of the research process. Despite the integral role of recruitment in randomized clinical trials, publication of data defining the recruitment effort is not routine in rehabilitation initiatives. The recruitment process for the Extremity Constraint-Induced Therapy Evaluation (EXCITE) trial illustrates obstacles to and strategies for participant accrual and retention that are inherent in rehabilitation clinical trials. The purpose of this article is to increase awareness of the multiple facets of recruitment necessary for successful clinical trials, thus supporting the continued development of evidence-based practice in physical therapy. The Recruitment Index is presented as a variable to measure recruitment efficacy. In addition, ethical aspects of recruitment are explored, including informed consent and the concept of therapeutic misconception.

scholarly journals Synthesis of qualitative research studies regarding the factors surrounding UK critical care trial infrastructure

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. e030815 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalie Pattison ◽  
Nishkantha Arulkumaran ◽  
Geraldine O'Gara ◽  
Bronwen Connolly ◽  
Sally Humphreys ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Critical Care ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Patient Care ◽  
Human Study ◽  
Qualitative Synthesis ◽  
Research Activity ◽  
Patient Consent ◽  
The Uk

Conducting clinical trials in critical care is integral to improving patient care. Unique practical and ethical considerations exist in this patient population that make patient recruitment challenging, including narrow recruitment timeframes and obtaining patient consent often in time-critical situations. Units currently vary significantly in their ability to recruit according to infrastructure and level of research activity.AimTo identify variability in the research infrastructure of UK intensive care units and their ability to conduct research and recruit patients into clinical trials.DesignWe evaluated factors related to intensive care patient enrolment into clinical trials in the UK. This consisted of a qualitative synthesis carried out with two datasets of in-depth interviews (distinct participants across the two datasets) conducted with 27 intensive care consultants (n=9), research nurses (n=17) and trial coordinators (n=1) from 27 units across the UK. Primary and secondary analyses of two datasets (one dataset had been analysed previously) were undertaken in the thematic analysis.FindingsThe synthesis yielded an overarching core theme of normalising research, characterised by motivations for promoting research and fostering research-active cultures within resource constraints, with six themes under this to explain the factors influencing critical care research capacity: organisational, human, study, practical resources, clinician and patient/family factors. There was a strong sense of integrating research in routine clinical practice, and recommendations are outlined.ConclusionsThe central and transferable tenet of normalising research advocates the importance of developing a culture where research is inclusive alongside clinical practice in routine patient care and is a requisite for all healthcare individuals from organisational to direct patient contact level.

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