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Academic Primary Care Research Themes

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Digital Primary Care

Primary care settings globally are increasingly making use of digital tools and routes of access for patients to schedule and receive care, and this use has increased with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. In the digital primary care team we conduct research that critically evaluates the development, implementation and use of digital tools and routes of access in primary care settings. Our team utilises both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. We collaborate nationally and internationally with digital health researchers and our research has a direct impact on patient care and policy.

Research Theme Lead: Dr Helen Atherton

Women, Families and Primary CareLink opens in a new window

Our research spans women’s health needs throughout their life course from adolescent, preconception and perinatal health to longer-term heath including around the menopause transition. Within this theme we also include research around the health needs of children and their carers and the wider family including the needs of older adults. Work incudes prevention, diagnosis management, support and access to care.

Research Theme Lead: Dr Sarah HillmanLink opens in a new window

Quality and Safety in Primary CareLink opens in a new window

We conduct research which answers important quality and safety questions in primary care. Our research aims to improve primary care systems to produce meaningful impacts on patient care and health policy. Educating professionals through the UAPC is a key part of safer systems. Our novel research on educating patients is important to close safety loopholes and we support this through our PPI-E networks. We also have existing links with Warwick Business School to support this theme by providing human factors and NHS management expertise.

Research Theme Lead: Dr Rachel SpencerLink opens in a new window

Life-limiting conditions and dying in the communityLink opens in a new window

The Unit’s research focuses on the experiences of living and caring for people with life-limiting conditions in the community. Our work moves between primary and specialist palliative care and uses quantitative and qualitative methodologies to explore the clinical and social issues of dying. We collaborate closely with Marie Curie West Midlands Hospice in Solihull, local Clinical Commissioning Groups and hospital trusts, as well as other academic researchers around the world. We are also a co-founding unit for BRHUmB - Building a Research Hub for Palliative Care in Birmingham and the West Midlands – an initiative that links us to palliative care researchers across the region.

Research Theme Lead: Dr John MacArtneyLink opens in a new window