IRIS+ programme extends the health care response to domestic abuse

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Expanding the IRIS (Identification and Referral to Improve Safety) domestic abuse programme to include men and children and young people is both feasible and potentially cost-effective, University of Bristol researchers have found.

Shot of a little girl looking unhappy as her parents argue in the background.

Success in identifying women affected by domestic abuse through IRIS — a specialist domestic violence and abuse (DVA) training, support and referral programme for general practices — is growing. However, men and children and young people are rarely identified and referred for specialist support. Recognising this gap, a study by researchers from Bristol’s Centre for Academic Primary Care has looked at the feasibility of expanding the scope of support to include them.

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NIHR SPCR Primary Care Clinicians Career Progression Fellowships

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Applications for these part-time awards are invited from primary care clinicians with a strong academic record and a commitment to a career in academic primary care.

Two men and a woman standing and chatting in front of a University building.

The one-year fellowship provides clinicians the opportunity to further develop their academic track record in preparation to apply for and conduct a PhD.

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Patients face uncertainty during diagnostic process for coeliac disease

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Patients experience uncertainty when following the traditional diagnostic pathway for coeliac disease, according to a study published in the British Journal of General Practice (BJGP).

Close up of person having stomach pain

The study team from the Centre for Academic Primary Care, University of Bristol and NIHR ARC West suggested that GPs could improve this by:

  • keeping coeliac disease in mind as a possible diagnosis
  • sharing information on blood tests.

Researchers also discussed how the uncertainty patients experience during testing for coeliac disease needs to be addressed when considering diagnostic pathway changes, such as a move towards using only blood test results for diagnosis.

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International acclaim for tobacco-themed drama inspired by University of Bristol research

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A four-part audio-drama, Tobias and Syd, launched earlier this year and inspired by University of Bristol and Durham University research, is currently ranked second in the Audio Fiction World Cup and is the top UK podcast.

Poster for Tobias and Syd, the play, with a colourful, artist-drawn image of a man and woman together surrounded by curls of smoke, alongside screen grab of Audio Fiction World Cup rankings, October 2023.

The drama, sub-titled ‘an alluring time travel romance’, tells the story of Tobias and Syd, how they meet, the role seduction plays in bringing them together, and how their relationship spirals, through a series of time-travel episodes, into smoke-filled darkness, exploitation and addiction.

Written and directed by multi-award nominated Elspeth Penny (Silva Lining’s Care Plan), and made by award-winning, Bristol-based 2BU Productions, the play gathers original research with a lot of surprising history and a cast of compelling characters.

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Germ Defence study shows how an intervention can be rolled out rapidly during a pandemic

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A newly published randomised controlled trial (RCT) used an innovative trial design to rapidly roll out a behavioural intervention aimed at reducing infections during the COVID-19 pandemic. Though the trial’s results, published in Implementation Science, found the Germ Defence website did not appear to reduce infections during the pandemic, they do show how trusted research environments (TREs) can be used to evaluate new treatments safely and quickly.

Germ Defence website.

This was the first RCT where follow up was conducted entirely within a TRE. The study’s novel design meant GP practices and patients did not have to return any data, as all analysis was conducted via the OpenSAFELY TRE. OpenSAFELY TRE gives researchers access to 40% of the English population’s anonymous health records.

Germ Defence is a behaviour change website that gives practical advice on how to reduce the spread of infection in the home. It was found to be effective in reducing the spread of seasonal and swine flu in a previous RCT.

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RCGP Fellowship awards for CAPC researchers

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The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) has awarded Fellowships to three Centre for Academic Primary Care (CAPC) researchers: Professor Katrina Turner, Dr Jessica Watson and Dr Ciaran Conway.

Professor Katrina Turner, Dr Jessica Watson and Dr Ciaran Conway.
Professor Katrina Turner and Dr Ciaran Conway (standing). Dr Jessica Watson (inset).

RCGP Fellowships are the highest grade of membership, and a mark of excellence and recognition of distinguished contribution to general practice.

The awards were presented at a ceremony in London on 17 November.

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New treatment intervention for male urinary problems shown to reduce symptoms

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A new intervention for men with urinary problems trialled across GP practices has shown a sustained reduction in symptoms. Findings from the University of Bristol-led Treating Urinary Symptoms in Men in Primary Healthcare (TRIUMPH) study, involving over 1,000 participants and 30 GP practices, have been published in the BMJ. The study was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).

Sign with figure symbols for ladies and gents toilets mounted on concrrete wall.

The severity and prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms [LUTS] in men increases with age (up to 30% in men over 65 years), with greater numbers likely to be affected as the population ages. Symptoms can have a substantial impact on quality of life but can also influenced by lifestyle factors.

Current therapies recommended by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) include bladder training, controlling fluid intake and lifestyle advice. However, there is a lack of evidence on their effectiveness, and provision by GP practices varies.

Bristol Medical School researchers sought to trial whether a new intervention, comprising a healthcare professional consultation and an information booklet providing conservative and lifestyle guidance, could be more effective than usual care.

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Professor Matthew Ridd awarded transformative NIHR award

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Six outstanding researchers have been awarded National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Research Professorships, including Professor Matthew Ridd from the Centre for Academic Primary Care, University of Bristol. They will carry out research which aims to positively impact people across the UK.

The six researchers who have been awarded NIHR Professorships.
The awardees from left to right: Professor Samuel Cortese, University of Southampton; Professor Daniela Ferreira, University of Oxford; Professor Shonit Punwani, University College London; Professor Matthew Ridd, University of Bristol; Professor Reecha Sofat, University of Liverpool; Professor Angela Wood, University of Cambridge;

The NIHR Research Professorships scheme funds and supports research leaders of the future. It aims to strengthen and benefit health, public health and care research leadership.

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Trauma-informed approaches in healthcare: piecemeal implementation needs UK-wide leadership, strategy and evidence

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The implementation of trauma-informed approaches in UK healthcare requires policy commitment, leadership support and a solid evidence base. According to a recent study by researchers at the University of Bristol, these approaches can prevent re-traumatisation in services and improve experiences and outcomes for both patients and staff. The results of the study, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research Bristol Biomedical Research Centre (NIHR BRC), have been summarised for policy makers in a new PolicyBristol report.

Illustration showing a change cycle reading: modfy-transition-transform-shift-adjust.

Traumatic experiences resulting from childhood adversities, domestic abuse, violence, and social injustice can lead to mental and physical illnesses, homelessness, drug and alcohol use, and imprisonment. In England, nearly half of adults have experienced at least one childhood adversity, and up to 29 per cent of women and 13 per cent of men have experienced domestic abuse during their lifetime, costing the UK economy £14 billion annually.

A trauma-informed approach in healthcare recognises that any patient and healthcare staff member may have been affected by trauma. It involves organisational changes that incorporate knowledge about the prevalence and impacts of trauma into healthcare policies and practices. This approach aims to create safe environments, promote physical and emotional safety for all, and prevent re-traumatisation.

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