Health research showcase - University of Bath

On the 17th June the Department of Health, University of Bath and the Royal United Hospital held an event, bringing together academics and practitioners in a celebration and sharing of their research. This series of short talks kept the audience engaged, with many interesting questions being asked of the speakers. Having attended all the talks, it was hard to choose a favourite area. So I've summarised the main ideas of each speaker below:

Immunity and breast cancer

Dr. Mark Beresford & Dr James Turner

Beresford began by giving the statistics on breast cancer prevalence, effecting 1 in 9 women and being more common in Western society. Survival rates have improved greatly due to earlier diagnosis, screening and better targeted treatments. Turner went on to explain the potential of neo-adjunct chemotherapy (prior to operation on tumour growth), and research regarding the natural anti-cancer immunity that healthy individuals seem to exhibit. 

When the drugs don't work: pain

Professor Chris Eccleston & Dr Jeremy Gauntlett-Gilbert

Eccleston began with some good news: people are living longer. This was followed by the bad news that the longer we live, the longer we live with painful disease. Treatment needs to involve learning to live with pain, and have a multitude of different treatment options for different people. Gauntlett-Gilbert stated that we need to ask the patient what works in treatment to make improvements in care.

Fighting diabetes with high intensity training

Dr Tony Robinson & Dr Niels Vollaard

Robinson began with some statistics on diabetes, with the cost of the disease being 10% of the NHS annual budget. Vollard focused on how no one is doing enough exercise, spending too much time in front of the TV, becoming 'couch potatoes' (Game of Thones anyone?). High intensity training has been advertised as a way to the same health benefits as sustained exercise in a shorter amount of time. However, due to rest and recovery periods in between bursts of energy, it doesn't quite work out that way! Research has found that all it takes is 10 minutes a week, of 2 intense sprints and recovery 3 times a week. This acts as an alternative to current exercise recommendations.

What is modelling and simulation and what can it offer the NHS?

Dr Carol Peden & Dr Chritsos Vasilakis

Peden noted that the worst time to be admitted to hospital is the weekend or late at night, due to the management of emergencies. However, the hospital system is complex and it is important to consider each step and pathway in the healthcare system. Vasilakis said this can be done using analytical models and computer simulation to conduct 'what if' analysis, to prepare the NHS for most scenarios. 

Does early intervention matter for arthritis?

Dr James Bilzon & Professor Neil McHugh

Bilzon states that sharing knowledge is like a fine wine. It's only useful if someone drinks it, not if it is stuck in a cellar. One of my favourite quotes about sharing research. McHugh then went on to talk about his research of exercise as a treatment for arthritis and also the importance of screening for undiagnosed psoriatic arthritis. 

Improving life for people with dementia and their families

Dr Denise Taylor & Professor Roy Jones

Taylor's research involves speaking to the families of those diagnosed with dementia, to find out their perspectives on medication. Families may see it as a 'cure' when it is not. However, medication may improve social relationships and increase awareness with the environment. Medication for dementia is more about stabilising the individual, rather than improvements. Jones then went on to talk about the research institute for the care of older people (RICE). Of the four drugs that are licensed for dementia, all were conducted in clinical trials at RICE. Taylor also talked about a focus on quality of life.