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Latest case studies

Supporting mental health after flooding

Researchers from three NIHR Health Protection Research Units have found that flooding can have a significant negative impact on the mental health of people whose homes are flooded, as well as those whose lives are disrupted by flooding events. Their research has informed guidance for local authorities, policy makers and public health practitioners on planning for and dealing with the aftermath of a flood.

  • Published: 29 September 2022
Radiotherapy session

Shorter radiotherapy treatment benefits women with early-stage breast cancer

Breast cancer patients in the UK can now receive fewer radiotherapy sessions following surgery after the FAST-Forward trial confirmed that a one-week course was as safe and effective as the standard three-week course. The new treatment schedule is now being adopted internationally.

  • Published: 14 July 2022
Optimal care homes

Relational working key in delivering high-quality healthcare in care homes

The NIHR-funded Optimal study showed how care home and NHS services can work together to improve residents’ care. Its results have informed national policy and shaped changes to service delivery to improve the quality of life, health care and health planning for people living in care homes.

  • Published: 23 June 2022

Saving lives with new treatments for anorexia nervosa

A team at the NIHR Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre has developed a series of new approaches to improve treatment and support for patients with anorexia nervosa and their caregivers at all stages of the illness. Their evidence-based interventions and models of care have been integrated into NICE guidelines and widely adopted within the NHS.

  • Published: 24 May 2022
Children eating a school dinner

School-based intervention to tackle childhood obesity informs UK policy

A study of 6 to 7 year-old children carried out by NIHR-funded researchers found that school-based interventions alone are unlikely to improve childhood obesity. The results have informed the NHS and other public agencies about the most appropriate methods to prevent and manage childhood obesity.

  • Published: 17 May 2022

Using patients’ electronic health records to improve health and care

NIHR-funded researchers developed a data platform called CALIBER for more than 30 studies on the onset and progression of cardiovascular diseases. CALIBER has now expanded to provide access to linked data on more than 50 million patients and has supported over 100 research projects across a range of conditions, including COVID-19.

  • Published: 27 April 2022

Changing behaviour to combat tooth decay

A low-cost talking intervention has been shown to prevent tooth decay in children. NHS dental nurses are now offered training in the technique, and commissioners in the North West have committed to introducing the intervention into dental services.

  • Published: 18 April 2022

Preventing cancer by extending vaccination to boys

Evidence from NIHR-funded research contributed to a change in immunisation policy that made the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine available to boys as well as girls, potentially preventing more than 100,000 cancers over 50 years.

  • Published: 23 March 2022

Helping people stay warm at home in later life

NIHR researchers used interviews with older people in South Yorkshire to develop a website and other resources to help health and social care providers and organisations support vulnerable older people to keep warm and well during cold weather. Their resources have informed national and local support aimed at improving older people’s living conditions.

  • Published: 07 March 2022
On the bus with masks

Free bus travel keeps young Londoners socially connected

Free bus travel in London is a socially inclusive way for young people to access education, services and social activities without reducing their physical activity levels or displacing other age groups from bus travel.

  • Published: 10 February 2022
Sexual health promotion

Digital media for sexual health promotion

Interactive digital interventions (IDIs) are effective for sexual health promotion and HIV prevention. They could be rolled out much more widely to complement school sex and relationships education and sexual health services.

  • Published: 11 January 2022

Improving cancer diagnosis in primary care

NIHR researchers have shown that early cancer diagnosis rates can be improved in primary care by increasing symptom awareness and reducing referral delays. Their research has contributed to national guidance developed to support GPs’ decision making and improve cancer survival rates in the UK.

  • Published: 24 November 2021
flu vaccination GP

Improving flu vaccination rates in general practice

A study identifying key strategies to improve the influenza vaccination rate among people at risk of serious disease has informed guidelines used by general practitioners to plan and deliver their annual vaccination programmes.

  • Published: 22 October 2021

Specialist cerebral palsy surgery helps young children to walk

NIHR researchers have shown that a surgical procedure for young children with cerebral palsy improves their mobility and quality of life. The procedure is now available to eligible children on the NHS as a result of this evidence.

  • Published: 25 August 2021