Our healthcare researchers are working hard to find evidence based solutions to some of today's most pressing health problems. Our impact is fundamentally improving patient experience and driving NHS policy, below we feature our REF 2021 impact case studies that demonstrate some of the ways our research is making a difference.
Our research was ranked first for impact in REF 2014 out of 94 submissions across all disciplines from 83 institutions. Our research was judged in subpanel 3, which included nursing and allied health but also biomedical science, pharmacy and dentistry. 100% of our research was rated 4* for impact, the highest possible score for reach and significance.
Chronic skin wounds, such as pressure ulcers, are associated with a range of vulnerable individuals. They occur in a range of healthcare settings, contributing to an annual wound care cost of £5 billion in the UK.
The Health Work Research Group have exposed the risks of low nurse staffing levels on patient safety, leading to changes in UK guidelines and legislation, an estimated 1,760 fewer deaths per year in England, and global influence.
Research by the Bladder & Bowel Management Group has led to novel sustainable continence products, online support tools and industrial standards that have improved the lives of people with incontinence worldwide.
We have pioneered the use of ultrasound imaging for musculoskeletal assessment in podiatry and physiotherapy, leading to global uptake of these techniques and improved care pathways and guidance internationally.
Research by the Macmillan Survivorship Research Group has helped cancer survivors better manage the long-term impact of cancer on their health and wellbeing by informing strategies, standards and resources in the UK and abroad.
Our research on the nature social networks – including family, friends, colleagues, and any other regular acquaintances – has enabled the development of an intervention, and web-based tool, Genie, that helps people with the management of long-term conditions through mapping and reflecting upon their social network.