Research from NIHR ARC Northwest London showcased in nationally significant applied health and care research publication

Two case studies showcasing research from NIHR ARC NWL have been featured in a newly released flagship document that demonstrates the impact of National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) funded applied research to transform health and care across England.

The Accident and emergency tracker (page 16) and My Medication Passport (MMP) (page 20) are both featured as examples of how applied health research from the CLAHRC partnerships programme made real world impact.

Accident and emergency tracker – Emergency care and acute illness theme

The project, aims to help people working in and experiencing the urgent and emergency care system to make better decisions based on the published A&E data. The team used Statistical Process Control (SPC) charts, as well as developing a web application, to provide SPC analysis of A&E data at national, regional and provider level. The application automates analysis of the volume of attendances and performance against the 4-hour standard for every trust in England, and every acute hospital in Scotland, and updates itself when new data is released.

My Medication Passport (MMP) - Management of long term conditions theme

My Medication Passport (MMP) is a passport-sized booklet designed by patients to help them manage their medicines and promote effective and up-to-date communication between patients and service providers. It is updated by the patient or carer and accompanies them throughout their patient journey. The booklet was launched in 2014 for general use and since then approximately 260,000 have been ordered across the UK.

“My Medication Passport (MMP) is a patient led solution, for patients who use many medicines.  MMP records the medicines that a patient is using in a small hand held document, enabling the quick transfer of information from patient to health care professionals, which is particular useful in a medical emergency or when the patient is experience high levels of pain.  Since 2014 over 260,000 MMP’s have been distributed worldwide, with patients at the forefront in advocating their use.  Sometimes the simplest solutions are the best”

Ganesh Sathyamoorthy, Assistant Director for Partnerships and Business Development

Collection of case studies

The publication, ‘The legacy of the CLAHRCs 2014-19 - 5 years of NIHR-funded applied health research’ compiles key research projects from the NIHR Collaborations for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (CLAHRCs). Drawing together case studies from priority themes, the document demonstrates how the CLAHRCs conducted innovative research leading to improved outcomes for patients, better and more cost-effective services while challenging health inequalities.

“The NIHR CLAHRCs increased the country’s applied health and care research capacity and capability, making this a key strength of the NIHR.  These case studies are a fantastic demonstration of the CLAHRCs’ impact on improving services and outcomes for patients and the public, across a wide range of priority areas.  Our Applied Research Collaborations continue to build on this legacy.”

Dr Louise Wood CBE, co-lead NIHR,  Director of Science, Research and Evidence at the Department of Health and Social Care

Read online

> Read the full document online

Since October 2019, the NIHR Applied Research Collaborations (ARCs) have continued the work of the CLAHRCs. They deliver research relevant to the needs of their local populations, while contributing to nationally identified research priority areas.