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Havi Carel's work on the experience of illness has had wide-ranging and significant impact on health professionals, patients and their families, policy makers and health researchers throughout the world. Her influential book, Illness, sparked a public debate on the importance of the first-person experience of illness. Consequently, through presentations, media coverage, public debates, academic-practitioner networks, educational activities and public workshops, Carel's influence on many people's perceptions of illness has been profound.
Our research has highlighted that exercise-induced asthma (EIA) and allergies are poorly diagnosed and managed in athletes by physicians. We have shown that a quarter of undiagnosed athletes do in fact have EIA and conversely half of previously diagnosed athletes do not have EIA. This has implications for both performance and health of the athlete. These findings have resulted in several professional sports teams implementing EIA screening programmes for all their athletes. Furthermore, we have identified a high prevalence of untreated allergies in athletes, which is a known risk factor for EIA. This research formed the basis for the Healthy Airways programme implemented by the British Olympic team.
The pioneering research carried out by Brookes' Movement Science Group (under the umbrella of the Centre for Rehabilitation) into the barriers and benefits of safe community led exercise for people with long-term neurological conditions, has significantly improved quality of life for many sufferers. Their research has raised awareness amongst healthcare and fitness professionals, and led to specific measures being put in place to facilitate and encourage exercise. These measures include the development of: clinical exercise and rehabilitation units, web-based physical activity support system, national occupational standards, and the only level 4 accredited exercise training course in the UK. The research has also led to the establishment of a registered charity that aims to increase exercise participation of people with long-term neurological conditions across the UK.
King's College London (KCL) researchers developed and disseminated the Camberwell Assessment of Need (CAN) which provides a scientifically rigorous and flexible approach to assessing the mental health and social needs of people with a wide range of disorders. Mental Health services around the world are striving to increase the patient-centeredness of their care. The CAN supports this needs-led care planning to help transform mental health policy and practice. KCL work has resulted in CAN being the most internationally recognised and researched assessment tool available. The CAN is widely used in mental health policies and locally adapted versions are routinely used in clinical practice within both statutory mental health services and nongovernmental organisations in the UK and around the world.
Research in the Centre of Evidence Based Dermatology at the University of Nottingham has improved the lives of children with eczema throughout the world. This has been achieved by improving the evidence base for clinical care through identifying treatments that work and those that do not, thus reducing the burden of disease for patients and reducing costs for patients and the NHS. Clinical care has been improved, economic benefits have been realised and Government policy informed.
Research at the University of Bath on highly structured materials for adsorbing and separating gases has created business and economic impact via:
[Comment: Although beyond the cut-off date for impact achievement, as at 31 October 2013 n-psl had been acquired by the FTSE 100 listed international engineering group, IMI plc.]
Brunel research evaluated the first UK adaptation of an innovative American model for managing child care proceedings in court cases of parental drug and alcohol misuse. This evaluation provided the UK evidence base for the `Family Drug and Alcohol Court model' (FDAC); this has created impacts with national significance and international reach. Impacts for health and welfare for families were demonstrated through improved health and welfare outcomes such as reduced parental substance misuse, higher family reunification rates or, if required, swifter alternative placement for children; impacts for practitioners and professional services were achieved for social workers, lawyers, children's guardians and judges through the development of new understanding, enhanced inter-professional working and the delivery of more integrated practice with potential cost savings; impacts on public policy, law and services were achieved through raising political awareness, legislative debate, as well contributing to the international adoption of the model.
Bone cement is widely used in joint replacement surgery, both for implant fixation and to enhance screw fixation in osteoporotic bone. Specific impacts include the development of two new orthopaedic cement systems by Summit Medical (Gloucester), also enabling that firm to obtain product approval and achieve significant new penetration of UK and international markets (UK bowl 70%; UK syringe 35%; US overall 15% — translating to total global sales 2009-2012 of £36M: 2012 = £9M).
Research outcomes have also impacted as a key element in the bid by Stryker Orthopaedics to obtain EU clinical approval and undertake US submission (ongoing) of injectable cements for augmenting bone screw fixation. Approval enabled the firm to establish Hydroset as a mainstream product with a cumulative total income of $180M since 2008 (income 2012 = $32M). The reach of these impacts also extends to improved clinical outcomes, resulting in improved quality of life and reduced healthcare costs.
Research by the University of Reading's Martin Parsons (Research Fellow 1990-date) on the separation of children from their parents during the Second World War is being used to inform organisations on how to deal with the anxieties experienced by children separated from their parent(s) following their military deployment. The research has gained wide recognition from the media, local authorities and policy makers and has already led one school to re-develop its pastoral and academic support systems, creating a successful learning environment for Service Children and paving the way for further trials of teaching materials geared towards such children both in the UK and overseas.