Wessex host annual event for research active GP practices
In October, over eighty members of primary care teams from general practices across Wessex gathered at Awbridge in Hampshire for their annual research meeting. There was representation from nearly forty research active practices.
The meeting was opened by CRN Wessex Research Delivery Manager, Martine Cross and Dr Anna Lalonde, GP Locality Lead, who facilitated the day. CRN Wessex were pleased to welcome Professor Nick Francis, newly appointed Chair of Primary Care and Population Science from the University of Southampton who talked around the challenges and solutions to conducting research in the care home setting, using the example of a trial of probiotics to reduce infections and antibiotic use in the elderly.
This was followed by a fascinating talk by Clinical Lecturer Dr Mark Lown, also from the University of Southampton, who fed back the findings of his study on the detection of atrial fibrillation using accurate and economical technology in order to avoid major complications such as stroke and heart failure. Three of the CRN Wessex nurse team helped to successfully deliver to time and target throughout 2017/18.
Professor Tony Kendrick talked through a workstream from relating to his research programme called REDUCE on prescribing practices relating to antidepressant use. Later in the morning, Professor Hazel Everitt reported on the significant findings from the Research for Patient Benefit (RfPB) funded ACTIB trial which assessed cognitive behavioural therapy in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Hazel also, importantly, highlighted the dissemination of the findings of the study into practice.
Following a delicious lunch, Beth Muldrew talked about the successful delivery of the BEST 3 study for the early detection of Barrett’s Oesophagus. Liz Chipchase, a study participant from Cambridge stole the day with her eloquent and informed talk outlining her amazingly positive experience of participating in the study and being referred on for successful treatment.
Martine said. ‘The event was buzzing with energy and interest and provided a rare chance for research active general practice staff, including GPs, research nurses and paramedics as well as management staff who provide a helping hand to facilitate research in-house, from across Wessex to network, chat and share best practice. Liz Chipchase provided the inspiration to carry on providing research opportunities to patients in ever challenging circumstances to continue to benefit the local population.
