The Research Room

The DISC trial Part 2: Surgery vs Injection for Dupuytren's Contracture

It's time for part 2 of the DISC trial, and the big reveal of the results! We're back with Charlie Welch and Dr Puvan Tharmanathan to talk about the Dupuytren's Interventions: Surgery vs Collagenase Trial (DISC), PLUS Chief Investigator Professor Joseph Dias joins us to discuss the results and what they mean.
 
How do clinicians and patients choose the right path for treating Dupuytren's contracture? For a long time, the answer wasn't straightforward. We're taking a close look at the DISC trial and how its important findings are making that choice clearer. 
 
For more information about the DISC study visit https://www.york.ac.uk/healthsciences/research/trials/ytutrialsandstudies/trials/disc/ 
Read Charlie's Monograph here
Read the DISC clinical effectiveness findings paper here and cost effectiveness findings here
 
Music by Matthew Bailey

The DISC Trial Part 1: Surgery vs Injection for Dupuytren's Contracture

This week in the Research Room, we kick off a special two-part episode! We're joined by Charlie Welch and Dr Puvan Tharmanathan who walk us through the Dupuytren's Interventions: Surgery vs Collagenase Trial (DISC).
Dupuytren’s contracture is the fourth most common problem affecting the hand in the UK, but the most suitable course of treatment is often unclear. Join us to learn all about how the DISC trial aimed to tackle this issue, and the challenges they faced along the way.
Don't forget to join us next time for part 2 where Charlie and Puvan reveal the all important results!
 
For more information about the DISC study visit https://www.york.ac.uk/healthsciences/research/trials/ytutrialsandstudies/trials/disc/ 
 
Music by Matthew Bailey

Dr. Jihong Zhu: Transforming Healthcare with Robotics

Welcome back to the Research Room for a super special bonus episode! Today, we're thrilled to introduce Dr. Jihong Zhu from the Institute for Safe Autonomy here at the University of York. Ever wondered how robotics can get involved with assisted living? Dr. Zhu's work on robotic arms is not just science fiction; it's happening right now and it's fascinating!
We chat about his incredible Robot-Assisted Living Lab (RALLA), where he's developing robotic arms that mimic human dexterity. From tackling the challenges of dressing assistance to pioneering advancements in breast screening for those with mobility issues, Dr. Zhu's projects are a testament to the potential for robotics to enhance human care. So get comfy and join us for an exciting journey into the world of robotics and how they're set to make a significant difference in our lives!
 
Learn more about the Institute for Safe Autonomy and the Robot Assisted Living Laboratory
Find out more about Dr. Jihong Zhu and his projects here or get in touch jihong.zhu@york.ac.uk 
 
Music by Matthew Bailey
 

The FINCH Study: Forest Schools for Children's Mental Health and Wellbeing

This week in the Research Room we're exploring the world of Forest Schools with Dr. Hannah Armitt and Dr. Rachel Bottomley-Wise. Discover how their project Forest school INterventions for Children’s Health (FINCH) is supporting children's mental health and well-being.
Discover how getting kids back to nature isn't just about fun and games, it's a powerful tool for boosting mental health and well-being. Whether you're a parent, a teacher or just curious about the magic of outdoor learning, this conversation will leave you inspired and ready to head outside!
For more information about the FINCH study visit https://www.york.ac.uk/healthsciences/research/mental-health/projects/finch/ 
If you would like to collaborate, or would like to know more about FINCH, please contact the study team on 01482 301726 or HNF-TR.ResearchTeam@nhs.net or finch-trial@york.ac.uk
Music by Matthew Bailey

The MEASURE Project: Evaluating NHS Surgical Hubs and their Impact on Waiting Lists

Welcome back to The Research Room! Today we are focusing on The MEASURE Project, which is investigating a groundbreaking initiative aimed at reducing NHS waiting lists for routine, non-emergency operations.
We are joined  by Professor Joy Adamson and Karen Glerum-Brooks to explain their "Mixed Methods Evaluation of high-volume, low-complexity surgical hUbs pRogrammE". 
If you are curious about how these surgical hubs could reshape patient care across the NHS, you are in the right place. 
Resources & Links from this Episode
Find out more information on the MEASURE website: 
 
If  you want to get involved in research take a look at the  NIHR website People in Research, where health and care researchers publish opportunities for members of the public to get involved in research.
 
Take a look at the Involvement@York webpages to learn more about the University of York's commitment to public involvement. 
 
You can connect with the MEASURE Study on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7325625543557541888/

The ASSSIST 2 Trial: Supporting Autistic Children in School with Social Stories™

This week in the Research Room we are thrilled to have Dr. Kerry Bell and Dr. Jane Blackwell from the ASSIST 2 project!
Their trial, completed in 2022, explored whether Social Stories™ could be an effective way to support autistic children at school. We discuss the ins and outs of the trial, the challenges they faced, especially when COVID threw a curveball their way and, excitingly, they even have results to share!
 
Resources & Links from this Episode
For more information about the ASSSIST 2 project, email jane.blackwell@york.ac.uk or kerry.bell@york.ac.uk  
Find out more about the ASSSIST 2 on the project website: https://www.york.ac.uk/healthsciences/research/trials/ytutrialsandstudies/archive/asssist-2/
Check out the full trial findings here: https://acamh.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/camh.12740 
Watch the ASSSIST 2 trial come to life in this animation: https://youtu.be/NX0z6INrzdo?feature=shared 
Read the NIHR HTA report for the project here: https://www.journalslibrary.nihr.ac.uk/hta/JBTM8017 
 
 
Music by Matthew Bailey
 

BioDrive AFS: Transforming Antifungal Testing for Leukaemia Patients

This week in The Research Room, Lucy and Janine are joined by Professor David Allsup and Lydia Flett to discuss the BioDrive AFS study. We learn how the trial is tackling the tricky issue of fungal infections in blood cancer patients and exploring how biomarker-driven approaches coud revolutionise treatment. Plus, stick around to hear what awesome superpowers Professor Allsup and Lydia would pick!
Resources & Links from this Episode
Find out more about BioDrive AFS here: https://biodrive-rct.com/ 
To get in touch with the BioDrive AFS team, email: biodrive-group@york.ac.uk 
Music by Matthew Bailey
 

The IMPLEMENT SWATS Project: Improving Recruitment and Retention in Clinical Trials

Join Janine and Lucy in The Research Room with the Implement SWATS team - Dr Adwoa Parker, Camila Piccolo-Lawrance and Gloria Mongelli. We explore the complex world of recruiting participants for randomised controlled trials, and whether we can (or should) use money to encourage people to join trials and stay in them.
 
Resources & Links from This Episode:
Find out more about IMPLEMENT SWATs here www.implementswats.org 
The full list of prioritised recruitment and retention strategies is available at https://www.trialforge.org/2024/02/a-list-of-11-priority-recruitment-and-retention-swats/ 
To get in touch with the Implement SWATs team, email: swats-group@york.ac.uk
 
Music by Matthew Bailey

The BAY Trial: Behavioural Activation to Support Young People's Mental Health

Join us in The Research Room for our VERY FIRST episode! Lucy and Janine sit down with researchers Emma Standley and Alexandrea Wusu to find out all about the BAY Project. The groundbreaking study aims to support young people with depression using Behavioral Activation within Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHs), reducing waiting times and supporting families in crisis. We find out why the research is important, how the trial works and the importance of engaging young people in research. PLUS, don't miss our top research snacks!
 
Find out more about the BAY project here: https://bayresearchstudy.co.uk/about-our-research 
Get in touch with the BAY team: bay-project@york.ac.uk
 
Music by Matthew Bailey