Research themes
Click on each theme to see examples of research projects undertaken by the HCRU.
We specialise in
- mixed methods research
- qualitative research (non-participant observation, interviews, focus groups)
- qualitative evidence synthesis
- participatory-based research
Using qualitative research with RCTs/process evaluations
Theme Lead
Projects
- Implementation of a home-based waking salivary cortisone test
IDAPO evaluation of day case for joint replacements.
- DECIDE-TAD research programme
Mixed methods co-design and evaluation of a Decision Support Tool to enable shared decision making for people who are considering cascade screening for Thoracic Aortic Disease. NIHR PGfAR £2.9m. 2024-2029.
Details to follow
- PREHAB-CARDIAC programme
The development and evaluation of two pre-habilitation interventions for patients undergoing elective and urgent heart surgery. NIHR PGfAR £2.6m. 2024-2029.
Details to follow
- DAMPEN-D project
Improving the Detection, Assessment, Management, and Prevention of delirium in hospices: A Cluster Randomised-Controlled Trial and Process Evaluation to evaluate and explain the effectiveness of the CLECC-Pal guideline implementation. NIHR HSDR £2.3m. 2024-2028.
Details to follow
- APPRAISE study
A Patient-reported outcome measure for PRolApse, Incontinence and meSh complication surgEry.
Visit the Leeds Beckett University website for more information- HighCALs research programme
A programme to develop and evaluate a complex intervention to improve nutritional management for people with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
- STOP-OHSS
A feasibility study and randomised controlled trial, with internal pilot, to assess the clinical and cost-effectiveness of earlier active management of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).
- ACTiF
Development and evaluation of an intervention to support Adherence to treatment in adults with Cystic Fibrosis (ACtiF).
- The QUART study
Maximising the value of combining qualitative research and randomised controlled trials in health research.
Learning disability
Theme Lead
Projects
- WILD
Modified a mainstream commercial weight loss programme for use with people with learning disabilities.
- EQUALD
A co-production of two toolkits of resources to promote EQUal Access to flexible support planning for Adults with Learning Disabilities (EQUALD).
Social care
Theme Lead
Projects
- NIHR School for Social Care Research
Details to follow.
Workforce
Theme Lead
Projects
- Retention of mental health staff (RoHMS)
Research project to investigate variation in, and determinants of, mental health care staff retention.
Find out more about the project here
Third sector organisations and social prescribing
Theme lead
- Voluntary sector workforce
Implementing professional support for the voluntary sector workforce: A multi-case action research study. NIHR HSDR £800k 2024-2027.
Details to follow.
- Implementing patient-reported outcome measures
Details to follow.
- Green social prescribing
Details to follow.
Palliative care
Theme Lead
Projects
- DAMPEN-D project
Improving the Detection, Assessment, Management, and Prevention of delirium in hospices: A Cluster Randomised-Controlled Trial and Process Evaluation to evaluate and explain the effectiveness of the CLECC-Pal guideline implementation.
Details to follow.
- NIHR clinical doctoral fellowship
What contributes to successful adult community palliative rehabilitation? An investigation into models of practice in the UK. Jane Manson. NIHR 2023-2026.
- ENCOMPASS
Details to follow.
- ECHO
Details to follow.
- The Yorkshire Palliative Care Research Network
Details to follow.
Developing complex interventions
Theme Lead
Projects
- Patient-centred abdominal aortic aneurysm study (PCAAAS)
A study to improve the quality of care for men who have regular screening to check on the growth of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).
- OPTIC
OPTimising the prevention, identification and management of ICU-Delirium. NIHR PDG £150k 2023-2024.
- CARDIAC PREHAB-UK
- Dr Maria Pufulete From University Hospitals Bristol is leading this NIHR Programme Development Grant to design a prehabilitation programme to support patients undergoing heart surgery and test whether it can be implemented in the pre-operative clinical pathway and whether it works.In order to achieve these aims, we need to spend some time exploring and reviewing the best way to get this done.
- Creative co-design, knowledge mobilisation and musculoskeletal physiotherapy
- WILD
Modified a mainstream commercial weight loss programme for use with people with learning disabilities.
- ACTiF
Development and evaluation of an intervention to support Adherence to treatment in adults with Cystic Fibrosis (ACtiF).
Methodological research
Theme lead
- Recording Harms in Behavioural change Intervention Trials (RHABIT)
A mixed methods study funded by the NIHR, which aimed to suggest principles or considerations for recording harms in behavioural change intervention trials.
- Learning from COVID-19 efficient trial adaptations
A sequential, mixed methods study funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), aiming to identify adaptations to trial recruitment and follow-up processes that have the potential to improve the efficiency of future clinical trials.
- IdentifyiNg and assessing different approaches to DEveloping compleX interventions (INDEX)
The aim of this study was to produce guidance for researchers on how to develop complex interventions to improve health or health care outcomes.
- The QUART study
Maximising the value of combining qualitative research and randomised controlled trials in health research.
Health literacy
Theme Lead
Projects
- Health literacy interventions
Identifying health literacy interventions that reduce the use of primary care and emergency services for minor health issues.
- Clear Conversations: Improving verbal health literacy
A project undertaken in partnership with Derbyshire Community Health Service NHS Foundation Trust and Derbyshire County Council.
Long-term conditions
Theme Lead
Projects
- RCTs in stroke
NIHR Development and Skills Enhancement Award
- Brain health
Identifying brain health and dementia research priorities with a Somali community and developing inclusive dementia research methods.
- NIHR Fellowships
- Three Schools Dementia Programme. Mild cognitive impairment. Dr Becky Field 2022-2023
- Development and Skills Enhancement award. Dr Cheryl Grindell 2025-2028
- Development and Skills Enhancement award. Dr Nat Jones 2024-2027
- Development and Skills Enhancement award. Dr Kate Fryer 2025-2027
- Clinical Doctoral Fellowship. Jane Manson 2023-2027
- Clinical Doctoral Fellowship. Carolyn Taylor 2024 -2028
- THIS Institute Fellowship
Exploring variation in adherence to clinical practice guidelines in rare diseases using ADPKD as a disease model to improve the quality and safety of healthcare.