DiARCH Powys — Diabetes Action Research in Care Homes Powys
This action research project (funded by the Foundation of Nursing Studies) is in collaboration with Powys LHB Diabetes Specialist Nurses and is well underway. The project is currently implementing the action plans in each of the three care homes involved in the project. Action is being taken on issues such as diet (removing 'diabetic' foods from the menu); establishing annual reviews for care home residents; and providing education sessions for staff. The aim is to evaluate the impact of the project and identify ways of working which are transferable to other care homes. The project is due to be completed by September 2009.
A proposal to identify the additional skills and knowledge required by rural GPs to work in rural Wales
This research (Funded by the Postgraduate Deanery of Cardiff Unversity) builds on the findings of the research undertaken to contribute to the development of a Rural Health Plan for Wales and also some early research undertaken by IRH, using a Delphi study, to reach consensus on the work load of rural GPs and a research project on the Nature of Rural General Practice.
The aim of this proposal is to identify the additional skills and knowledge required by a general practitioner in order to work in rural Wales and will address the following questions:
What are the perceived additional skills and knowledge required by rural GPs to work in rural Wales?
What impact does rurality have on GPs way of working?
How does the work profile and responsibilities of rural GPs differ from those in urban and less sparse areas?
What are the gaps in knowledge between under-graduate medical education and the knowledge required to work in rural general practice?
What are the skills required to be a rural GP?
The application of this information will be in development of CPD programmes and under-graduate and post-graduate training.
The research will involve a literature review and semi-structured telephone interviews. A final report will be available in the summer of 2009.
The IRH Research Team is able to offer a range of services that use its expertise:
Health Impact Assessment
Integrated Impact Assessment
Evaluation
Satisfaction surveys
Research support (see below)
Rural Proofing
For more information please get in touch with the Research Team at .
In addition, the IRH can offer R&D Support to NHS organisations such as PCTs and LHBs which includes:
Provision of advice and support to staff undertaking research in the NHS, in the design, implementation, management, and development of research projects. This support is available during all stages of a research project from proposal to publishing, including assistance developing the proposal, formulating the methodology, obtaining external funding, complying with research governance, undertaking fieldwork, writing a final report, and developing a dissemination package.
Sourcing external funding opportunities for research and development projects, and offering assistance with applications.
Organising and facilitating R&D Seminars on topics including critical appraisal, quantitative and qualitative research, research governance for managers, presentation skills, and dissemination.
Facilitating the development of links with potential partner organisations (e.g. academic institutions) for joint research activity.
Raising awareness of Research & Development Strategy across the organisation, working with staff to facilitate set up of new research projects under the research strategy, assisting with audit of projects to ensure compliance with approved research protocol.
Supporting the NHS local R&D Committees by, for example, identifying potential independent appraisers.
Communicating with NHS staff (e.g. through staff magazines, or a separate research and development newsletter) on training, potential research opportunities, and available funding streams.
If you would like further information or the opportunity to discuss your requirements please contact: .