Topic
Date published
12/12/2024
In the 2023/2024 financial year, the organisation published 115 peer-reviewed journal papers and collaborated with 10 small and medium enterprises across the region.
With over 40 projects, ARC East Midlands is the lead ARC for:
- Research on multiple long-term conditions
- Promoting equality, diversity and inclusion of underrepresented groups.
Professor Kamlesh Khunti, Director of ARC East Midlands, said: “As we celebrated our fifth anniversary this October, I am delighted to present our latest annual report that showcases our key achievements and ongoing efforts to improve the lives of people in our region.
“Over the past year, we have continued to build strong partnerships with NHS Trusts, local authorities, universities, charities, industry partners, and most importantly, the public.”
He added: “This collaborative approach has enabled us to tackle complex health challenges and translate research findings into tangible improvements in clinical practice and patient care.
“At this point in our funding period, our priority is to implement project findings and change practice for the benefit of the NHS and patients.”
Through pioneering research, ARC East Midlands has been at the forefront of driving innovation and delivering meaningful improvements in health and social care.
Five transformative projects that demonstrate ARC East Midland’s commitment to improving health outcomes and enhancing care within its communities include:
Diagnostic Innovation | Making ADHD diagnosis easier
The Focus ADHD Programme uses the QbTest to assist clinicians in diagnosing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) quicker. This tool measures attention, impulsivity and activity levels, cutting the time needed for a diagnosis.
Health Promotion Programme | Empowering older adults through exercise
The Falls Management Exercise (FaME) Programme aims to help older adults improve their strength and balance and reduce the risk of falls. The programme has shown significant success in lowering fall rates and saving the NHS money.
Rehabilitation Service | Supporting children with brain injuries
The Children’s Neurorehabilitation service (BRILL Team) at Nottingham Children’s Hospital provides intensive neurorehabilitation, early supported discharge and ongoing support for children with brain and spinal injuries. An evaluation by Rachel Keetley, followed by her ARC East Midlands, University of Nottingham and Health Education England East Midlands funded PhD fellowship, highlighted the long-term rehabilitation needs of these patients.
Digital Health Tool | Helping women after gestational diabetes
The Babysteps Programme is a user-friendly web-app designed to support women with a history of gestational diabetes (GDM) in lowering their risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This initiative addresses gaps in education and care as the first-of-its-kind designed specifically for women with GDM history.
Safety Initiative | Reducing falls in care homes
The Action Falls Programme aims to reduce falls in care homes, which are a major cause of hospital visits for older adults. The programme has successfully reduced fall rates by 43 per cent, making care homes safer for residents.
These five initiatives tackle pressing health challenges through innovative approaches and collaborative efforts, demonstrating the organisation’s commitment to advancing patient care and improving lives.
Professor Khunti concluded: “As we move forward, we are in the process of finalising our suite of projects for the extension period.
“Additionally, we are preparing for the next round of NIHR ARC funding. This new cycle will start in 2026 after the end of the extension period. We will be sure to keep you updated as we plan for the future.”
To read the full annual report, click here.