Topic
Date published
21/07/2021
The publication, ‘The legacy of the CLAHRCs 2014-19 – 5 years of NIHR-funded applied health research’ compiles key research projects from the NIHR Collaborations for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (CLAHRCs). Drawing together case studies from priority themes, the document demonstrates how the CLAHRCs conducted innovative research leading to improved outcomes for patients, better and more cost-effective services while challenging health inequalities.
Professor Kamlesh Khunti, Director of the ARC East Midlands, and Dr Kevin Quigley, also from ARC East Midlands, have been working to produce this document alongside Zoe Trinder-Widdess from ARC West.
The East Midlands study ‘Assessing QbTest Utility in ADHD: A randomised controlled trial (AQUA)’ is featured in the publication.
The study looked at a computerised test for diagnosing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children. The aim of the trial was to investigate whether the use of the computer test (QbTest) can lead to earlier ADHD diagnosis while remaining accurate.
According to the results, both the trial and a subsequent evaluation showed diagnosis taking place quicker and making substantial cost savings. After being selected as an AHSN national programme for 2020/21, QbTest has been implemented into practice for children 6 to 18 years old in 80 sites across 42 trusts in England. Since the start of the East Midlands demonstrator in Jan 2017, more than 38,000 appointments have been saved.
Dr Louise Wood CBE, co-lead NIHR, Director of Science, Research and Evidence at the Department of Health and Social Care, said: “The NIHR CLAHRCs increased the country’s applied health and care research capacity and capability, making this a key strength of the NIHR. These case studies are a fantastic demonstration of the CLAHRCs’ impact on improving services and outcomes for patients and the public, across a wide range of priority areas. Our Applied Research Collaborations continue to build on this legacy.”
To access the full document, click here.
Since October 2019, the NIHR Applied Research Collaborations (ARCs) have continued the work of the CLAHRCs. They deliver research relevant to the needs of their local populations, while contributing to nationally identified research priority areas.