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This case study refers to research on British drinking cultures and alcohol policy carried out by James Nicholls, Reader in Media and Social Policy, Department of Film and Media Production/HCI (2004-September 2012). In this role, Nicholl's research and his public engagement contributed to shaping the UoA's research reference frame of cultural behaviour, cultural practice and public policy (see Ref5). Following the publication of his book, The Politics of Alcohol (2009) Nicholls developed as a specialist advisor involved in the analysis and planning of alcohol policy at national and regional levels. His work and influence has been cited in key policy documents (including the House of Commons Health Select Committee Report, Alcohol: First Report of Session 2009-10 HC151-1) in 2010. This work has subsequently helped to shape regional and national alcohol policy in both England and Scotland. This case study provides evidence of this impact in regard to the following areas:
This project achieved impact on cultural life through improved public understanding of domestic music making c. 1800; conserving, interpreting and presenting neglected musical sources in heritage properties and private collections; creating new public art works; influencing the practice of heritage curators, conservators, and volunteers at local and national levels; and enhancing heritage visitor experience. It achieved economic impact through concert, recording and film production and sales and by developing stimuli to national and international tourism. Beneficiaries include new national and international audiences such as heritage tourists and Austen fans, who do not generally listen to classical music or have knowledge of early music performance practice.
Bournemouth University (BU) has facilitated improvements to health and social care practice through cultural change in care provision. Researchers developed a practice development framework for implementing and assessing the delivery of evidence-based practice in 82 UK health and social care units during the impact period. Benefits to staff include better communication and team structure. Benefits to patients include higher standards of cleanliness, privacy and dignity, as well as a decrease in length of hospital stays and appointment waiting times. Delivery has extended to cover entire NHS Trusts serving a resident population of over 3.5 million, social services departments and third sector organisations across the south of England and beyond. The research has since been applied to develop a similar system in Australia.
Deborah Cameron's research focuses on the relationship between gender and language, using sociolinguistic evidence and contemporary theories of gender and identity to examine and challenge widespread beliefs about the differing verbal abilities and behaviour of men and women. Through broadcasting, public speaking and engagement with non-academic professional groups, including secondary school English teachers, Cameron communicates the results of her (and others') research to a broad audience in Britain and internationally. She has raised awareness of sociolinguistic approaches to gender, has provided resources for professionals concerned with issues of equality and diversity, and has contributed to the public understanding of science.
Theoretical and computational methods for optimising the design of gradient and shim coils with arbitrary shapes and topologies were developed in collaboration with Magnex Scientific as part of a CASE award (2004-07). The resulting software was licenced to Agilent (who now own Magnex Scientific), for whom it has opened up new market opportunities in the supply of novel magnetic resonance imaging systems, leading to £3.4M sales since 2009. The software has also been used by Paramed Medical Systems to improve their `open' magnetic resonance imaging systems, which are optimised for orthopaedic imaging, allow vertical subject posture, and facilitate image-guided treatment, as well as offering a better patient experience. Our work has thus resulted in impact in the economy and healthcare.
Human activities and manmade structures can negatively affect bird populations, but previously there was no robust method to quantify the impact. Bournemouth University (BU) researchers have applied extensive behavioural research to develop unique computer modelling techniques to predict how human activities affect coastal birds. These models have provided the evidence-base for coastal management schemes in 35 sites in Europe and one in Australia and include shellfisheries, wind farms, bridges, tidal barrages and nuclear power stations. In England specifically the technique has been applied to 812 km2 (29%) of protected coastal habitat.
With no other alternatives to quantify the risk to birds, this research is truly innovative. The method gives coastal managers the evidence to make informed decisions that weigh up the cost to birds with the benefits to society. This avoids the precautionary principle of banning human activities that are not in fact harming the birds.
Cardiff University research into the causes and triggers of bipolar disorder led to the development and verification of a first-in-class online intervention programme for patients with bipolar disorder. On-line delivery enabled the widespread availability of psycho-education, delivering patients and healthcare professionals insight into the illness, health behaviour, personal patient routines and attitudes towards medication. Shown to be safe, effective and resource-friendly, the package has been embraced by BipolarUK, components have been incorporated into the Wales Government Strategy for Mental Health and healthcare workers have been trained in its use in the UK, Northern Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand and Turkey.
Many hand surgical units worldwide have routinely used night-time splints in all patients after Dupuytren's contracture fasciectomy and dermo-fasciectomy, despite the lack of robust evidence to support its use.
Jerosch-Herold's programme of research identified that routine night-time splinting for all patients after fasciectomy or dermo-fasciectomy surgical treatments for Dupuytren's contracture is not beneficial. This finding is changing clinical practice, and informing guidelines and policies in the UK, New Zealand and the USA. As a result, health care organisations are ceasing to prescribe routine night-time splinting. This reduces inconvenience and discomfort for patients, relieves pressure on services and generates financial savings, all whilst maintaining equally good clinical outcomes.
The reach of the research findings impact is high, as Dupuytren's contracture is a common disorder of people of Northern European ancestry which results in surgical interventions for thousands of people annually (13,000 pa in the UK alone).
Professor Christopher Cook's research on the role of spirituality in psychiatric care has had a wide-ranging effect on professional debate, policy and practice amongst psychiatrists in the UK and beyond. His argument that psychiatry should undertake a constructive and nuanced engagement with spirituality, defined broadly, has sparked widespread debate within the profession. His work with an NHS trust since 2008 has produced a set of new clinical service initiatives, and his wider influence led the Royal College of Psychiatrists to commission him to produce its first formal policy statement on spirituality and religion, adopted in 2011.
Eutrophication results from excessive nutrient discharge to a water-body, reducing water quality. Eutrophication status must comply with the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (UWWTD). As part of a consortium, UHI developed, validated and researched a model (CSTT) capable of screening a water-body for eutrophication. The model was used to defend the UK in the European Court of Justice (2009), against proceedings brought by the European Commission alleging infraction of UK obligations under the UWWTD. The model proved that British waters were not harmfully impacted by eutrophication, sparing the UK government ~£6 billion to implement tertiary sewage treatment across England and Wales.