Laura Simmons presents systematic review on sickness absence interventions

warwick2Laura Simmons, PhD student in CaHRU and the Lincoln Institute for Health, recently attended the Division of Occupational Psychology Annual Conference on the 10th-12th January in Stratford-upon-Avon.

The conference’s main theme surrounded the notion of “Evolution +/or Revolution”, focussing on the contribution of new research whilst strengthening existing evidence. LauraSimmons2Keynote speakers included colleagues with expertise in leadership (Dr Edwin A. Locke) and employee wellbeing (Professor Karina Nielsen). Speaking about his experience of using the P value in Psychology, Andy Field presented an interesting session on the use of research methods within Psychology. There were a mixture of oral presentations, discussions and symposiums on a wide range of topics focused on applying research to an organisational setting. Laura attended sessions on workplace resilience and adventurous training (Nicola Bass) and Schwartz Rounds as an intervention to support employee wellbeing (Imelda McCarthy).

warwick1Laura also presented the results of the review, which was conducted alongside her colleagues Prof Christopher Bridle, Prof Niro Siriwardena and Dr Arwel Jones. The review focused on synthesising evidence on interventions that aimed to reduce sickness absence among healthcare workers. The poster was received well among delegates and sparked conversation regarding the applicability to healthcare systems within the United Kingdom.

Lincoln Institute for Health wins team achievement award for enterprise

LIFH-logo-web2The Lincoln Institute for Health (LIH), of which the Community and Health Research Unit is a constituent group, was judged winner in the University of Lincoln team award for achievement in enterprise. Profs Nick Blagden (left) and Steve McKay (right) pictured below received the award on behalf of the LIH. The LIH is the first cross-college interdisciplinary institute at the University of Lincoln and developed through discussion between a members of the Colleges of Science and Social Sciences with support from Pro Vice Chancellors and heads of the College of Social Sciences and Science, Profs Sara Owen and Andrew Hunter and the executive including Prof Mary Stuart and Prof Ieuan Owen.

LIHaward2014750Academics realised through that through their common interest in health-related research they had a unique opportunity to develop the an Institute where researchers and clinicians could better understand the healthcare needs of patients and populations; work closely with patients, public, and health and social care partners locally, regionally and nationally to find solutions to address these needs in a way that would be more relevant; test these solutions with patients and professionals enabling them to maximise future uptake and impact of our research.

B0008077 Blood clot forming in arterial plaqueThe Institute connects research from ‘cell to community’, from researchers working on cellular mechanisms of disease, through design of new drugs and drug delivery methods, novel tests and treatments using computers and engineering, health prevention and promotion through sport and exercise, right through to developing and testing drugs and interventions in health settings in primary care, ambulance services and hospitals.

caring handsThe research groups involved are Molecular Basis of Disease (MBOD), Drug Design and Delivery (DDAD), Laboratory of Vision Engineering (LOVE), Lincoln Centre for Social Computing (LiSC), Perception and Cognition (PAC), Health Advancement Research Team (HART), Policy Studies Research Centre (PSRC), and CaHRU. Other groups are likely to join the Institute including from the College of Art, Architecture and Design. The institute hasĀ also had strong support from health service partners: United Lincolnshire Hospitals, East Midlands Ambulance Service, Lincolnshire Community Health Services, and Lincolnshire Partnership Foundation NHS Trusts. The new director of the Institute, Professor Chris Bridle, will start at the university in January 2015.