Digital health technologies are transforming the healthcare landscape, offering opportunities to enhance patient outcomes whilst promoting environmental sustainability. This article examines how innovative digital health initiatives can be leveraged to improve care delivery and access, prevent medical errors, empower patients for self-care, enable data-driven personalised treatments, and optimise clinical interactions - all while reducing the carbon footprint of the healthcare system.
\n \n\n \n \nDespite recent improvements in cancer survival in the UK, there has been little reduction in equalities in accessing care or in alleviating causes attributed to socioeconomic factors. \r\n\r\nHere, researchers from the NDPCHS Cancer Theme Group discuss nationwide initiatives, research and approaches which all aim to reduce the ongoing inequalities in cancer care.
\n \n\n \n \nThe TOGETHER 2 study, run by NDPCHS researchers in collaboration with the Universities of Exeter and York, aims to evaluate the implementation, impact and cost-effectiveness of video and hybrid group consultations compared to individual care. Here, the researchers Gary Abel, Claire Reidy, and Chrysanthi Papoutsi, discuss high-level findings from their scoping survey, assessing to what extent group consultations are carried out and in what formats.
\n \n\n \n \nThe MSc in Global Healthcare Leadership (MGHL) programme welcomes diversity with open arms, including Nigerian participants who bring unique perspectives and experiences to the cohort. Written by members of cohort 2, this piece celebrates the rich cultural tapestry and academic excellence that our Nigerian students contribute to the MGHL community.
\n \n\n \n \nIn recognition of Social Prescribing Day, Thursday 14 March 2024, Stephanie Tierney from the Centre for Evidence Based Medicine, University of Oxford reflects on a study that has recently finished on the implementation of the link worker role, and on another that is in progress on this topic.
\n \n\n \n \nAs part of our MSc student blogs series, we hear insights from students on our MSc in Global Healthcare Leadership programme, run in collaboration with the Said Business School. They share their experiences of running an immersive student event and celebrating their shared passion for coffee.
\n \n\n \n \nNational no smoking day, held this year on the 13 March, is a day dedicated to spreading awareness of the destructive impacts of smoking, inspiring individuals to give up smoking and promoting healthy ways of life and a smoke-free environment. \r\n\r\nTo mark the day, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences researchers Dr Jonathan Livingstone-Banks and Dr Nicola Lindson, discuss ongoing research into the impact of e-cigarette flavours and the international policy implications of the findings.
\n \n\n \n \nOn International Women\u2019s Day Dr Anne-Marie Boylan discusses approaches to new research on improving communication about menopause for women from South Asian backgrounds living in England.
\n \n\n \n \nTo mark Endometriosis Action Month, in a collaboration between the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences and The Endometriosis Care Centre, Dr Sharon Dixon and Dr Tatjana Gibbons discuss research projects taking place to improve understanding, diagnosis and support for endometriosis patients.
\n \n\n \n \nStudents from our courses have diverse and interesting backgrounds. Olukayode Fasominu shares his insights on how his quest for making real change, and joining the MSc in Global Healthcare Leadership course has served to help him to connect and make friendships along the way.
\n \n\n \n \nTo mark International Day of Women and Girls in Science, Dr Sophie Roberts, a graduate medical student who spent time working in the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences during her course, shares her experience of studying science at school, completing a PhD in molecular biology and joining the graduate medicine course at the University of Oxford.
\n \n\n \n \nIt is with the very heaviest of hearts that we share the sad news that our colleague and friend, Dr Oghenekome Gbinigie (Kome), died on Saturday 28 January 2024 after a short illness.
\n \n\n \n \nMore than one thousand people receive a cancer diagnosis in the UK each day, making early detection and intervention critical for improving outcomes for patients. The majority of patients are first diagnosed after presenting cancer symptoms to their GP. This puts primary care in a unique and critical position to drive forward research that closes the cancer care gap \u2013 the theme of this year\u2019s World Cancer Day.
\n \n\n \n \nSue Duncombe shares her experience of Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement. After her husband died of prostate cancer, Sue wanted to support research in the hope other families wouldn't experience the same loss.
\n \n\n \n \nCervantee Wild was a 2022 recipient of the OPEN Leaders award to stimulate policy engagement activities within the Department of Primary Care Health Sciences. Here she talks about her recent experiences convening a series of talks for early- and mid-career researchers, and encourages other EMCRs to apply for a 2024 award.
\n \n\n \n \nThe United Kingdom relies on a substantial number of foreign-trained doctors, each with unique medical training and experiences. A recent study investigates the drug prescription behaviours in English GP practices, exploring whether the origin of a GP's training influences the medications prescribed.
\n \n\n \n \nAshley Murray shares perspectives from her educational path spanning a master's degree in Applied Digital Health to beginning doctoral studies focused on Primary Care.
\n \n\n \n \nDr Isabel Hanson recently completed her MSc in Translational Health Sciences. Here she discusses her experience of the course and where it will lead her next.
\n \n\n \n \nRebecca Smith and Georgina Miles presented the preliminary research findings of their systematic review on the representativeness of UK trials on lifestyle interventions for diabetes mellitus at the British Geriatrics Society 2023 Autumn Meeting on 24 November in Birmingham.
\n \n\n \n \nThis Disability History Month Lucy Cureton, the Athena Swan CTU Rep, shares the importance that active inclusivity and workplace adjustments make to her experience at work.
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