OPEN Fellowships support collaboration between researchers and policymakers to identify shared interests, strengthen networks, and generate benefits for research, policy, and the wider world. The programme enables Oxford researchers and policy professionals with a passion for improving public policy to better understand the relevance of research to policymaking at local, regional, national, and international levels.
Louise’s Fellowship focuses on one of the most pressing challenges facing health and care systems: how to better meet the needs of people living with complex health and social care needs, now and in the future. As populations age and multimorbidity becomes increasingly common, existing models of care too often struggle to provide coordinated, person-centred support, particularly for older people living with frailty, who have been among those most underserved by the current system.
Her work aligns closely with the ambitions of the NHS 10 Year Health Plan, which seeks to shift care out of hospitals and into communities through local health services. The three transformational areas of this plan - prevention; an increase in care provided within the community; and maximising the transformative impacts of digital technology – are also closely aligned with the three priorities in our Department Strategy, which will guide our work for 2025-30, as we continue our commitment to advancing health care that is high-quality, fair, and sustainable for everyone.
During her Fellowship, Louise will work with researchers in our Department to draw on evidence, data, and health economics to explore and evaluate different models of person-centred, integrated care. Her research will examine how health and social care services can work collaboratively to meet complex needs in ways that improve access to high-quality care, enhance patient outcomes and experience, and remain cost-effective and financially sustainable for both the NHS and local government.
Apostolos Tsiachristas, Associate Professor in Health Economics, who is working closely with Louise during her time in the Department, said: ‘ Louise’s Fellowship represents an important opportunity for the Department to strengthen institutional collaboration with the Department of Health and Social Care. By working closely with policymakers, we can align academic expertise with real-world policy priorities and co-develop evidence that directly informs the design and delivery of sustainable, integrated models of care for people with complex health and social care needs.”’
There will be a range of opportunities for Department members to connect with Louise during her Fellowship. Keep an eye out for her Guest Lecture and opportunities to share research and ideas.