We develop and host research studies that focus on urgent and emergency care in the pre-hospital setting, and other clinical specialities. We also deliver non-clinical research opportunities involving the organisation and our workforce.
We serve a diverse population with a variety of healthcare needs. Our organisation is uniquely placed as a region-wide service that has the capability to effectively challenge and address health inequalities and improve patient outcomes across the northwest of England.
We work together with a range of partners including the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), the National Ambulance Research Steering Group (NARSG), NHS organisations, charities and academic institutions to support research that contribute to improving the health of the population, both locally and nationally. We are committed to improving the care and experience of all our patients by generating new evidence that will inform advances in the clinical care we provide.
We are dedicated to building and sustaining an environment in which high quality research is undertaken so that as an organisation, we can successfully contribute to improving the health and wealth of the nation.
The Research and Development (R&D) Team is part of the Medical Directorate and is led by Consultant Paramedic, Steve Bell. The R&D team includes Research Manager, Sandra Igbodo, Senior Research Fellow, Kieran Potts, Research Paramedics Adam Wright and Michelle Waddington, and Research Support Officer, Jesse Oliver.
Research approval and service evaluation registration
All research studies and service evaluation projects that involve our staff, patients, their tissue or information, equipment or other NHS resources must be submitted to R&D Team for review. This includes projects being undertaken by students as part of their educational qualification. Please email [email protected] for information about the review and approval process, or to apply.
Research studies may only commence when written Confirmation of Capacity and Capability has been issued for NHS Health Research Authority (HRA) Approval studies.
Service evaluation projects must be authorised by the service or directorate manager in which the evaluation is being undertaken or the Area Consultant Paramedic or Practitioner for the region in which the project is taking place. The completed service evaluation application form must be submitted to the R&D Team for review. Service evaluation projects may only commence when written confirmation of the project’s registration is issued.
Performance in Initiating and Delivering Clinical Research
The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) measures the performance of all providers of NHS services in initiating and delivering research, on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care. The government uses this information to ensure that clinical research in England is conducted efficiently and effectively.
The NIHR collects data from all providers of NHS services in England that undertake clinical research, including trusts that undertake NIHR-funded research and those that deliver studies on the NIHR Clinical Research Network (CRN) Portfolio. This is known as the Performance in Initiating and Delivering Clinical Research (PID) exercise.
Current Studies
The “ParAid” study, conducted by the University of Southampton, University of the West of England, and South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, aims to assess how registered paramedics in England provide end-of-life care. Through an anonymous online survey, the study seeks insights from HCPC registered paramedics working in NHS ambulance Trusts in England to improve the quality of care and support for individuals nearing the end of life and shape policy changes accordingly.
How can you get involved? You can get involved by filling out the online survey by using this link:
https://southampton.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0GJsDpe49czibbg
SWiFT is a research study that’s looking at what’s best to give people who are bleeding heavily because of an accident. The patients in SWiFT are being treated by an Air Ambulance team. Current best practice is to give a mixture of red blood cells and plasma (the yellowish liquid in your blood that helps with blood clotting). The SWiFT trial is comparing current best practice (red cells and plasma) with giving patients 2 units of whole blood. The whole blood contains platelets (small cells that help blood to clot) as well as red cells and plasma.
How to get involved?
This study is only open to the NWAA service, For more information or to contact us, please email the SWiFT team: email us at [email protected] or call by telephone 01223 588720 or visit the study website at: https://www.nhsbt.nhs.uk/SWiFT
The “SPEEDY Trial” is a randomized controlled trial aimed at evaluating a new pre-hospital pathway designed to enhance access to thrombectomy treatment. Thrombectomy is a time-sensitive surgical procedure that can significantly improve outcomes for stroke patients. However, this treatment is currently only available in larger regional hospitals, limiting its accessibility.
In the trial, some patients will receive care according to the new “SPEEDY” pathway, while others will continue to receive standard care. Ambulance stations and teams will be randomly assigned to either implement the SPEEDY pathway or continue with the usual standard of care. The trial is currently open in the WMAS region and is expected to expand to NWAS, SWASFT, and NEAS in the coming months. Its primary aim is to assess whether this new approach can improve access to thrombectomy treatment for stroke patients.
How to get involved?
For more information on this trial please message [email protected]
Contact information
If you’re interested in undertaking a research or service evaluation project with North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust, or would like guidance about research proposals, research governance, the application process, policies, procedures, research study amendments, HR arrangements (including Research Passports, Letters of Access and Honorary Research Contracts), training and events, please contact [email protected]