RGU IHWResearch Flyers

PHARMACIST PRESCRIBING RESEARCH GROUP

The aim of the Pharmacist Prescribing Research Group is to conduct high quality, robust research focusing on all aspects of pharmacist prescribing. Led by Robert Gordon University and in collaboration with the University of Aberdeen and Monash University, Australia, we are one of the leading research groups in the field.

Contact: Dr Derek Stewart d.stewart@rgu.ac.uk Tel: +44 1224 262432

institute for health and welfare research Health: From Bench to Bedside

Our key research focus is the evaluation of pharmacist prescribing training and practice from the perspectives of key stakeholders. Key funding bodies are NHS Education for Scotland (Pharmacy), Community Pharmacy Scotland, Medicines Healthcare products Regulatory Agency and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society.

The work of the group crosses all themes of the Institute for Health and Welfare research.

CURRENT PROJECTS EVALUATING PRESCRIBING PRACTICE Research is being undertaken into the evaluation of pharmacist prescribing from the perspectives of patients who have experienced the service, members of the general public, prescribing pharmacists themselves and doctors. Using quantitative and qualitative approaches, findings have largely been positive and are shaping prescribing practice and policy. While research to date has focused on the process of prescribing (including consultation skills) we are now planning research into the impact on patient clinical outcomes. Â EXPLORING PRESCRIBING TRAINING Robert Gordon University is one of the key UK providers of pharmacist prescribing training. Current research focuses on the appropriateness of pharmacist prescribing training and the likelihood of pharmacists across the UK to consider participation in further training. In particular we are focusing on the intentions of newly registered pharmacists to undertake training and the place of prescribing training within the undergraduate curriculum. Â NON-MEDICAL PRESCRIBING AND PHARMACOVIGILANCE Pharmacovigilance relates to the detection, assessment, understanding and prevention of adverse drug reactions. The Yellow Card Scheme of the MHRA is the regulatory pharmacovigilance system in the UK. Research in this area focuses on pharmacist prescriber and nurse prescriber understanding and actions in relation to pharmacovigilance and the potential to further their contributions to this key area.

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ihwr@rgu.ac.uk

ABERDEEN CENTRE FOR TRAUMA RESEARCH (ACTR)

The mission of the Aberdeen Centre for Trauma Research (ACTR) is to conduct high quality trauma-related research, provide short training courses, and undertake consultancy. Recognised nationally and internationally as a centre of excellence in the field of trauma, much of our research is multidisciplinary in nature and embraces trauma-related issues within the clinical, educational, and occupational domains. Consequently, our research overlaps significantly with each of the Institute Themes.

www.rgu.ac.uk/ihwr/actr Contact: Professor David A Alexander (Director) d.a.alexander@rgu.ac.uk

institute for health and welfare research Health: From Bench to Bedside

Dr Susan Klein (Deputy Director) s.klein@rgu.ac.uk Tel: +44 1224 263102

Our key research focus is the development and evaluation of evidence-based practices in the trauma response management of military and emergency service personnel.

CURRENT PROJECTS POLICE (SPECIAL OPS) RESEARCH GROUP Recently established to undertake innovative research into various aspects of crisis management by the police service to ensure that policing operations and the training of officers are evidence-based (including hostage/crisis negotiators and Authorised Firearms Officers [AFOs]). Funded by the Scottish Institute for Policing Research (SIPR), related research is being undertaken on: (i) the “epidemiology” of hostage-related and other incidents to which police negotiators are deployed; (ii) the perceived value of their deployment, and (iii) resilience displayed by police officers in the face of “critical incidents”.

PSYCHOSOCIAL RESPONSE TO MAJOR INCIDENTS Commissioned by the Department of Health (DOH)/NATO, we provided an evidence-base for the psychosocial response to major incidents (including terrorist events) to which all NATO countries have now signed up. To develop further some of its recommendations, the DoH has commissioned a project team to define the appropriate skills for emergency personnel in relation to a psychosocial response. The ACTR is conducting an internal evaluation of the recommendations of the project team.

LONG TERM MANAGEMENT OF COMBAT-RELATED INJURIES Funded by the Headley Court Trust, the aims of this three year longitudinal case-control study are to identify in combat-injured personnel the: (i) durability of psychiatric and psychosocial gains from rehabilitation following combat-related injury, and (ii) impact of combat-related injury on the partners of military personnel in terms of mental health, psychosocial adjustment, and relationships.

BRITISH SOCIAL ATTITUDES TOWARDS THE MILITARY AND CONTEMPORARY CONFLICT Based on the outcome of a scoping review conducted by the ACTR and commissioned by the Scottish Government, we are working in collaboration with the Department of War Studies and King’s Centre for Military Health Research (King’s College London), on a two-year ESRC-funded study to explore public attitudes towards Service and ex-Service personnel (veterans) and their views on the recent conflict in Iraq and the ongoing campaign in Afghanistan. The work involves the development and evaluation of a new topic module of questions within the 2011 British Social Attitudes Survey (BSA); an annual survey conducted under the aegis of the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen).

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ALLIANCE FOR SELF CARE RESEARCH (ASCR)

The Alliance for Self Care Research (ASCR) is a multidisciplinary initiative comprising a number of leading researchers from nursing, midwifery and allied health, health services research, medicine, psychology and other social sciences. In working with and respecting the needs of patients, carers, and family members, the vision of the ASCR is to ensure that NMAHPs will use evidence-based practice to “maintain health, prevent and treat illness and manage its impact on everyday life�. www.rgu.ac.uk/ihwr/ascr Contact: Dr Sylvia Wilcock s.wilcock@rgu.ac.uk

institute for health and welfare research Health: From Bench to Bedside

Tel: +44 1224 262612

The establishment of the Alliance was made possible by funding from the Scottish Funding Coucil, Scottish Government Health Directive and NHS Education for Scotland. The ASCR is directed by Professor Sally Wyke at the University of Stirling.

As part of a consortium of six Scottish universities (Aberdeen, Abertay, Dundee, Robert Gordon, St Andrews, and Stirling) and their local NHS organisations, the ASCR has two main aims. First, it seeks to provide an evidence-base in respect of enhancing self-care by undertaking high quality research.

Second, it seeks to develop capacity and capability amongst Nurses, Midwives and Allied Health Professionals (NMAHPs).

CURRENT PROJECTS In fulfilment of the ASCR aims and, under the aegis of the Neurological and Mental Health theme of the Institute for Health and Welfare Research, collaborative research involving Robert Gordon University, the University of Aberdeen, and NHS Grampian is currently being developed in the following areas.

MENTAL HEALTH • Use and impact of special observation on the mental health and wellbeing of nurses working in acute mental health care settings.

• Optimising the health and wellbeing of individuals living with a chronic/ enduring mental illness with a focus on self-care within a mental health practice context.

CHRONIC ILLNESS • Self-management of chronic low back pain.

• Exercise prescription for musculoskeletal out-patients.

• Peer-support as an adjunct for the self-management of chronic conditions in the elderly.

• Development and evaluation of a complex intervention for the selfmanagement of individuals diagnosed with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

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ihwr@rgu.ac.uk

CENTRE FOR OBESITY RESEARCH & EPIDEMIOLOGY (CORE)

CORE aims to develop an integrated approach to research on obesity with a primary care, clinical and molecular focus. CORE collaborates with internationally recognised experts in obesity and its research portfolio encompasses: clinical management research, anthropometry & body composition, molecular aspects of obesity-related diseases, psychosocial aspects of obesity, physiology and behaviour, education in the healthcare system, nutrition drugs and drug development. www.rgu.ac.uk/ihwr/core Contact: Professor J Broom, Director; j.broom@rgu.ac.uk

institute for health and welfare research Health: From Bench to Bedside

Dr Arthur Stewart, Deputy Director; a.stewart@rgu.ac.uk Tel: +44 1224 262895

CORE owes its origins to a one year SHEFC funded feasibility study in 2005 aimed at developing a combined strategy to combat obesity based on inter-disciplinary research and an integrated approach in identifying the best structures to focus coordinated initiatives in Scotland. CORE has since increased and diversified its research activities.

CURRENT PROJECTS COUNTERWEIGHT PROGRAMME Initially funded by the Scottish Government, this is an obesity management programme which includes education and practice support in setting up obesity management clinics in primary care. Data collection and evaluation is integral to the programme’s continuous improvement methodology.

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT AND CARDIOVASCULAR RISK Through commercial sponsorship we are investigating the effects of varying dietary and behavioural therapies on weight management, cardiovascular risk and changes in signalling molecules which stimulate or suppress appetite and/or satiety.

BODY IMAGE We are currently engaged in a CSO-funded project to explore the value of 3D scanning in eating disordered patients.

OBESITY AND CO-MORBIDITIES Funded by Breast Cancer Campaign, we are investigating the molecular link between obesity, insulin resistance and increased risk of developing breast cancer.

EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES MSc OBESITY SCIENCE AND MANAGEMENT One of only two courses in the UK, and the first in Scotland, that provides postgraduate education and training for a wide range of health professionals dealing with patients for whom obesity is a key contributor to morbidity and mortality.

ANTHROPOMETRY TRAINING We provide professional anthropometry training courses on behalf of the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK).

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT CORE played a central role in the Royal Society’s 350th Anniversary Summer Science Exhibition with “Fat Body Slim: Shape Matters!”, in 2010. This is an interactive approach to educate young adults about the relationship between body shape, composition and health. With support from the Scottish Government we are now taking the exhibit to community centres/schools across Scotland. www.rgu.ac.uk/fatbodyslim OBESITY PORTAL An online weight management resource for matters related to weight loss in obese people www.obesityportal.org

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KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE

One of the Institute missions is to engage in close partnership working with industry and health care organisations. Our Knowledge Exchange activities involve both transferring knowledge to business and industry through training events and working in partnership with businesses and health care organisations, using research findings to develop practice and products.

We believe that public engagement builds trust between the Research Institute and the community and contributes to informing the direction of our research programmes.We participate in a wide range of public engagement activities to keep the public informed about our research.

www.rgu.ac.uk/ihwr/kt Contact: Dr Sylvia Wilcock Knowledge Exchange Leader

institute for health and welfare research Health: From Bench to Bedside

s.wilcock@rgu.ac.uk Tel: +44 1224 262612

KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE ACTIVITIES SCOTTISH CENTRE FOR EVIDENCE-BASED MULTIPROFESSIONAL PRACTICE As a Joanna Briggs Collaborating Centre we work with health care providers to identify the implications of evidence for practice. This is achieved by systematic review of primary research; recognising best practice issuing from such systematic reviews; identifying audit criteria on the basis of the identified evidence; evaluating the impact of introducing specified evidencebased practice into service delivery; and embedding this into organisational practice. In addition to the methods of the Cochrane Collaboration and of the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, tools and resources are provided for the systematic review of descriptive and qualitative evidence.

HELPING SME’S FIND TECHNOLOGICAL SOLUTIONS Through our relationship with Interface, the SFC-funded gateway aimed at matching academic expertise with the needs of industry, we participate in the Innovation Voucher scheme. Recent examples include the development of an E-Lab book and solving drug formulation problems.

CONSULTANCY/CONTRACT RESEARCH With our breadth of research skills across a wide range of disciplines we provide a bespoke service to organisations requiring a specific piece of research to be undertaken.

TRAINING COURSES We provide a number of training courses relevant to the needs of business/ industry, e.g.: • Crisis Management • Anthropometric assessment • Lifestyle management RECENT PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES • Twenty Ten and Beyond: 350 years of excellence in science: The Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition, June 2010. “Fat Body Slim: Shape matters!” Presented by Giovanna Bermano, Marie Goua, Ioannis Agouris, Mandy Plumb, Arthur Stewart, Iain Broom and Cherry Wainwright.

• Through a Science Engagement grant from the Scottish Government, the “Fat Body Slim: Shape matters!” exhibit is being taken “on the road” to community centres throughout the North and North East of Scotland. The aim is to engage local communities, especially teenagers and young adults, in raising awareness of the health issues associated with obesity in particular and the importance of science and biomedical research in general.

• The Institute has also • Exhibited at Techfest and Satrosphere science fairs • Held public lectures by high profile speakers on topics of public interest (e.g. Edi Stark on “Suicide in young men”) • Contributed to schools across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire during School Science week

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NEUROLOGICAL & MENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH

Our research is dedicated to the enhancement of lifelong mental health and wellbeing from a multidisciplinary perspective. We embrace an evidence-based approach to informing policy initiatives, clinical practice, and the education and training of healthcare professionals.

www.rgu.ac.uk/ihwr/nmh Contact: Dr Susan Klein s.klein@rgu.ac.uk

institute for health and welfare research Health: From Bench to Bedside

Tel: +44 1224 263102

BEREAVEMENT CARE Suicide Early pregnancy loss Post-mortem practice ANTE-NATAL CARE Alcohol screening and intervention PROMOTION OF HEALTHY AGEING Physical activity Mobility Medication management MENTAL HEALTH POLICY Development and evaluation (e.g., formulation and policy enactment strategies including Scottish Cleanliness Champions Programme on Clinical Practice) SELF CARE INTERVENTIONS Chronic conditions (e.g.,lower back pain and COPD) Medicines management and the role of the Pharmacist CLINICAL CARE PROVISION FOR ETHNIC MINORITY GROUPS Sickle cell disease and beta thalassaemia major TRAUMA CARE Military and emergency service personnel Obesity MENTAL HEALTH AND FORENSIC NURSING PRACTICE Special observation Our Key Contact People Bereavement Care/ Mental Health Policy Dr Colin Macduff c.macduff@rgu.ac.uk Dr Valerie Sheach Leith v.m.sheach-leith@rgu.ac.uk Ante-natal Care Dr Katrina Forbes-McKay k.e.forbes-mckay@rgu.ac.uk Healthy Ageing/Trauma Care Dr Susan Klein s.klein@rgu.ac.uk Professor David A Alexander d.a.alexander@rgu.ac.uk

www.rgu.ac.uk/ihwr

Self Care Interventions Dr Kay Cooper (Lower Back Pain) k.cooper@rgu.ac.uk Dr Sheelagh Martindale (COPD) s.martindale@rgu.ac.uk Dr Derek Stewart (Medicines Management) d.stewart@rgu.ac.uk Ethnic Minorities Dr Winifred Eboh w.eboh@rgu.ac.uk Mental Health/Forensic Nursing Practice Dr Mary Addo m.a.addo@rgu.ac.uk

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ihwr@rgu.ac.uk

CARDIOVASCULAR & METABOLIC DISEASE RESEARCH

Our primary aim is to better understand the pathology of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases at the cellular level, so that we can develop new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches that will ultimately be translated into clinical practice.

www.rgu.ac.uk/ihwr/cvmd Contact: Dr Giovanna Bermano g.bermano@rgu.ac.uk

institute for health and welfare research Health: From Bench to Bedside

Tel: +44 1224 262885

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE AND DIABETES: Protective role of nutrient supplementation in atherosclerosis.

Oxidative stress in vascular complications in diabetes.

ISCHAEMIC HEART DISEASE: Influence of cholesterol on cardiac remodelling in vivo.

Role of cannabinoids in atherosclerosis, restinosis and acute myocardial ischaemia.

OBESITY AND CO-MORBIDITIES: Clinical management of obesity and patients with cardiovascular-related disorders by dietary and behavioral therapies intervention.

Role of obesity, insulin resistance, and antioxidant status in cancer development/progression.

Body composition and body image in patients with eating disorders.

NEPHROPATHIC CYSTINOSIS: Design, synthesis and determination of efficacy of novel anti-cystinotic prodrugs that avoid the unpleasant side effects associated with existing therapies.

DRUG DISCOVERY, FORMULATION AND DELIVERY: Anti-cancer therapeutics and synthetic antioxidants for cardiovascular diseases and septic shock.

Novel PUFA-based compounds for prevention of atherosclerosis.

Development of amphiphilic polymers to facilitate oral protein delivery.

Our Key Contact People Cardiovascular Disease & Diabetes Dr Rachel Knott r.knott@rgu.ac.uk Ischaemic Heart Disease Professor Cherry Wainwright c.wainwright@rgu.ac.uk Nephropathis Cystinosis Professor Donald Cairns d.cairns@rgu.ac.uk

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Obesity & Co-morbidities Professor Iain Broom i.broom@rgu.ac.uk Dr Arthur Stewart a.stewart@rgu.ac.uk Dr Giovanna Bermano g.bermano@rgu.ac.uk Drug Discovery, Formulation & Delivery Professor Paul Kong Thoo Lin p.v.s.kong-thoo-lin@rgu.ac.uk

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ihwr@rgu.ac.uk

GRADUATE SCHOOL

The aim of the Graduate School is to motivate, equip and monitor our research student community in order to facilitate a positive student experience. In so doing we aim to produce graduates who are equipped with the necessary generic and specific skills that will empower them to follow their chosen career path.

www.rgu.ac.uk/ihwr/gs Contact: Dr Rachel M Knott Graduate School Leader

institute for health and welfare research Health: From Bench to Bedside

r.knott@rgu.ac.uk Tel: +44 1224 262524

THE RESEARCH STUDENT JOURNEY

The research student journey The Graduate School Board is responsible for the management of all of the Research students within the Graduate School. You will be provided with some funds for your study and you may apply for help to aEend a conference to present your work.

There are opportuniBes to receive training in qualitaBve and quanBtaBve methods at different stages throughout your PhD.

MRES or MSC students will exit here.

36 months The PhD should be completed, the final thesis bound, and sent to examiners. You will asked to defend your thesis in an oral exam.

12-­‐15 months At this stage the student will have completed a Postgraduate CerBficate in Research Methods and be ready to communicate in oral and wriEen forms their project design, the evaluaBon of any data and to demonstrate the novelty of their study.

Mini conferences will be held to provide you with an opportunity to present your work.

First 6 months

Research degree co-­‐ ordinators will look aKer all School based needs and your progress will be monitored with the help of an independent assessor to ensure that you are keeping on track for the compleBon of your studies.

Each research student has a supervisory team who will guide and direct the student through their study. The student will have opportunity to receive training in research methods and will be required to produce a literature review and a project outline.

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The literature review provides an opportunity to pull together the current literature in your research area, to develop key wriBng skills and to help you to define your research quesBon.

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ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH RESEARCH

Our research employs cutting edge techniques to address health problems that are presented both within the environment and the workplace.

www.rgu.ac.uk/ihwr/eoh Contact: Professor Cherry Wainwright c.wainwright@rgu.ac.uk

institute for health and welfare research Health: From Bench to Bedside

Tel: +44 1224 262450

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH Development of novel semi-synthetic flavonoids against MRSA Triclosan as an antibacterial agent Development of novel antibacterial wound dressings Tracking the diet of the Scottish population in relation to the Scottish Dietary Targets OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH Use of gait analysis to understand chronic back pain Assessment of tendon properties and adaptation in patients and athletes Self-management of chronic conditions Exercise and physical activity in Physiotherapy, Movement analysis to aid diagnosis & outcome measurement in Physiotherapy Medical evacuation procedures from oil rigs Our Key Contact People Antimicrobial Research Dr Andrew Lamb a.lamb@rgu.ac.uk Wound Dressing Technology Dr Kerr Matthews k.matthews@rgu.ac.uk Environmental Nutrition Dr Wendy Wrieden w.wrieden@rgu.ac.uk Movement Analysis & Physiotherapy Dr Kay Cooper k.cooper@rgu.ac.uk Assessment of Tendon Properties Dr Katherine Burgess k.burgess@rgu.ac.uk Medical Evacuation Dr Sylvia Wilcock s.wilcock@rgu.ac.uk

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