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The Social Science and Systems in Health Unit employs research methods from social science and from systems science for understanding the health care system; how it works, how it could be improved, its impact on society and on social perceptions of health.
We undertake critical social science and systems research, and also provide methodological support for intervention evaluation in the Division of Health Sciences. Current research led by members of the Unit includes studies on patient safety, health care for the ageing population, tailoring patient interventions and tele-health care.
We are proud to have strong links with:
- The British Sociological Association
- The Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa
- The Department of Health
- NHS England
- The Joint Royal Colleges Ambulance Liaison Committee
- The National Institute for Health Research
- The Primary Care Research Network - Central England (West Midlands-South)
- The Royal College of General Practitioners
- The Royal College of Nursing
- The UK Clinical Ethics Network
- The UK Oncology Nursing Society
- The UNiversity/user Teaching and Research Action Partnership (UNTRAP)
- College of Emergency Medicine
We undertake research that provides evidence for improving the experience of health and health care for patients and citizens through tackling complex problems, with a particular emphasis on the interface of technology and health care.
We are known internationally for our innovation in research methodology for health science (social science, systems research, mixed methods, ethics) and for the application of innovative methodology from other disciplines to issues related to health and health care.
- A international study to identify the most serious threats to the health, independence and wellbeing of older people and to ensure that appropriate responses are made
- Developing decision support systems for primary care and their evaluation
- The development and evaluation of clinical ethics support and understanding health care practices around clinical, ethical dilemmas
- Investigating the process and effects of using predictive risk models in GP practices
- Understanding the relationship between the housing environment and health
- Evaluation of cancer-related rehabilitation and therapies
- Evidence basis for policy and organisational change in emergency care
- Production of national clinical practice guidelines for ambulance services and the development of decision support tools for ambulance services
- The identification and management of safety issues in health care
- The use of drama to stimulate and inform debate on health issues
- Understanding the role and value of experiential knowledge in decision making for health
- Understanding the impact of complex interventions
- Methodological research that extends our ability to understand complex health issues
Our research tackles a wide range of issues for healthcare:
- Spinal immobilisation after trauma
- End-of life care decisions
- Involving service users and carers in health research
- End of life care and bereavement
- The housing environment and health
- Predictive risk stratification for chronic conditions
- Patient safety
- Rehabilitation for cancer patients
- Health care issues for cancer survivors
- Pre-natal screening
- Evaluating complex interventions for health
- ‘Do not attempt’ cardiopulmonary resuscitation decisions
- Resilience and depression
- Reducing waits and delays in A&E and other emergency care
- Organisation of urgent and emergency care in primary and secondary care
- Assessment and measurement quality (including outcome, safety and experience) of emergency care to promote continuous improvement
We secure substantial research funding from a variety of sources including:
- Bayer
- Burdett Nursing Trust
- Economic and Social Research Council
- European Union
- Health Foundation
- National Institute for Health Research
- Pfizer Inc
- Warwickshire Primary Care Trust
- Wellcome Trust
- West Midlands (South) Comprehensive Local Research Network
- West Midlands Strategic Health Authority
- A prestigious ESRC Future Research Leaders Fellowship