Research group leads: Dr Susie Pearce and Dr Martha Paisi

This group spans different types of research and inquiry which shape, support and transform the delivery of health and (social) care across communities in the South West Peninsula, as well as nationally and globally.

Health and social care delivery research focuses on supporting the perspectives and experiences of patients, family, wider public, professionals and organisations – within teams, units of care and across wider systems of care. The group also undertakes research exploring geographical inequalities in health and care in different contexts to inform policy and service improvement.

The aim is to improve the outcomes and have positive impact for all (particularly patients, families and the workforce) who deliver care.

The South West Clinical Schools (SWCS) is a partnership which supports our health and care partners in the South West Peninsula. The SWCS supports the development of research cultures, research priorities to meet population need, and the nursing, midwifery and allied health professional workforce to develop research and alongside practice, all with the aim to improve the health and care of patients, families and professionals.

This is a broad group for all and will support all aspects of inquiry in the School of Nursing and Midwifery, integration with the SWCS, and links to all partners in health, social care, the charitable sector and beyond.

Our partners include NIHR ARC South West, a regional partnership focused on improving health and care through applied research, and Researchers in Palliative and End-of-Life Support (RIPELS) who aim to co-develop and conduct research to inform and support the delivery of dignified and compassionate care toward the end of one’s life.

One of the key studies currently taking place is the NIHR-funded: 'Care of people at the end of their lives in the rural and coastal communities of the South West Peninsula of England: A participatory realist evaluation'.