P-110 Research and innovation – the importance of collaboration

Abstract

What did we do? In 2020/2021, the hospice established a research and innovation subcommittee bringing together experts from a range of organisations across Central Lancashire including our acute and community NHS trusts and local university. The overall aim was to progress the hospice’s desire to be more actively involved in research and innovation, to improve the care of patients and their families.

Why did we do it? Whilst the hospice had been involved in research, this had historically been fragmented, with limited strategic or focussed direction. We had a desire to improve and recognised that this would only be achieved by bringing together expertise and collaboration. The importance of research and innovation to the improvement in care and experience of patients and families, is unquestioned, and is a core component of the hospice’s five-year plan.

What have we achieved?

A quarterly research and innovation subcommittee chaired by the Pro-Vice Chancellor from our local university, has been established.

A robust governance framework has been developed.

A research and innovation three-year strategy has been agreed.

The subcommittee has overseen the delivery of the hospice’s Equity of Access project, funded by Hospice UK and the Masonic Charitable Foundation.

The hospice has been selected as a recruitment site for an NIHR portfolio study.

A collaborative PhD, between the hospice and university has been developed and commenced, focused on how technology can support patient care.

Agreed to support a PhD student undertaking a project exploring biophilic design.

Confirmed support for a service evaluation project examining patient/carer/family feedback in palliative and end of life care.

Monitoring of research related budgets.

What are our plans for the future? The subcommittee is a formal part of the hospice governance structure. We will continue to progress the research agenda to deliver our strategy including developing a research dashboard, exploring opportunity for further doctoral students and developing our research infrastructure.