Many assume the pandemic is behind us, but there's a 'silent pandemic' happening of collective mental health challenges and burnout.
\n \n\n \n \nResearchers from our Cancer Theme recently attended this year's Cancer Research UK Early Diagnosis Conference in Birmingham, which focused on the theme 'Driving Evidence into Practice'. Here, Brian Nicholson, lead of our Cancer Theme, shares highlights from the event.
\n \n\n \n \nCancer in the under 50s, known as early-onset cancer, is on the rise but the reasons behind this are complex. Here, Dr Sharon Tonner from our Cancer Theme Group discusses the increase and outlines the teams work to identify non-invasive tests which could be implemented in primary care to diagnose cancer at an early stage, when the best treatment options are available.
\n \n\n \n \n2024 is the first year that NDPCHS held the Values Awards \u2013 a peer recognition scheme to recognise and reward staff and DPhil students who have exceptionally demonstrated the department values through their work, behaviour or projects and activities in the department.
\n \n\n \n \nTobacco remains a leading cause of death and disease globally. Yet, in the UK the least-advantaged groups in society are the most likely to be impacted, making tobacco use a significant driver of health inequalities across our population. \r\n\r\nThis World No Tobacco Day, researcher Annika Theodoulou, discusses her work examining different stop smoking interventions and trends in smoking behaviours.
\n \n\n \n \nThe COVID-19 pandemic has affected millions of children globally with major health, social and educational consequences. Vaccines are one of the first lines of defense against infectious diseases. However, the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination were less clear cut in children compared to adults. New research from NDPCHS explores the safety of the different COVID-19 vaccines for children and young people.
\n \n\n \n \nAdults with new-onset type 2 diabetes are a group at higher risk for pancreatic cancer. A study led by NDPCHS and funded by Pancreatic Cancer UK has developed a new risk model that could offer more nuanced risk estimates than current guidance and aid referral of people with newly diagnosed diabetes for further testing.
\n \n\n \n \nCommunity Pharmacy and General Practice have worked alongside each other for many years. Recent UK National Health Service policies have sought to encourage community pharmacies to increase services for patients. Many assume this will reduce GP workload, but this is not inevitable.
\n \n\n \n \nIn the wake of COVID-19 exposing vulnerabilities in pandemic preparedness globally, Nigeria is taking proactive measures to fortify its health security resilience through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). This piece, written by a current student provides an in-depth look at the innovative strategies and tailored approaches NCDC is implementing to address vulnerabilities.
\n \n\n \n \nIn celebration of International Nurses Day, Bernadette Mundy, a Senior Clinical Research Nurse in our Clinical Trials Unit, shares her career experiences from nursing in community settings to working in clinical research.
\n \n\n \n \nDigital 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.
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