The IRH is a partner in an inter-disciplinary ‘dot.rural’ collaborative project that includes the University of Aberdeen, University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI), Newcastle University, and the University of Dundee. Led by the University of Aberdeen, the ‘dot.rural’ digital economy hub is funded through the Research Councils UK Digital Economy programme. Under the healthcare strand of ‘dot.rural’ the project consortium has been successful in securing funding for a three-year study – ‘New Technologies to Support Older People at Home: Maximising Personal and Social Interaction (TOPS)’. With rural case study areas in Scotland and Wales, the project seeks to determine the extent and nature of personal and social interaction between health and social care professionals and older adults with chronic pain in their homes; explore the impact of telecare and telehealth technologies on these personal and social interactions for older adults experiencing chronic pain; and integrate our understanding of social and personal interactions into the design and application of technologies for management of chronic pain.
This action research (commissioned by the Welsh Assembly Government under the auspices of the Rural Health Innovation Fund) will identify and outline measures to progress an appropriate mechanism through which to integrate and, as appropriate, develop care farming in Wales. The study investigates current care farming activity in Wales; explores the reported benefits of care farming in the Welsh context; identifies barriers hindering the progress of care farming in Wales; outlines potential next steps for the development of the care farming concept in Wales; and will produce an action plan to take forward care farming in Wales that accommodates and is integrated with existing models of community care.
This research study (funded by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board) seeks to further understand the relationship between rurality and place of death. The evidence base to inform palliative care policy and service development in rural settings is comparatively limited. This study examines available secondary UK data to explore urban/rural differences in place of death and discusses the potential influence of characteristics and situations, associated with rurality, on the place of death.
GPs spend a lot of their time dealing with health and work issues, return to work issues and signing fit notes.
Employment varies across Wales: in rural areas agriculture, fishery and forestry are important sectors. Construction is a common sector across Wales as is hospitality and tourism. Rural Wales is characterised by a high proportion of self employed people and also very small businesses. Larger employers often have their own welfare organisations and some may have GPs working with them on a part time basis.
It is recognised that the main causes of ill health linked to employment such as back pain or mental health issues for example may not necessarily be the main issues that GPs find challenging.
The aim of the project is to develop the case studies as learning tools for GPs. The project is funded by Cardiff University
The IRH Research Team is able to offer a range of services that use its expertise:
For more information please get in touch with the Research Team at .
In addition, the IRH can offer R&D Support to NHS organisations such as PCTs and LHBs which includes:
If you would like further information or the opportunity to discuss your requirements please contact: .