We develop and host research studies with a focus on pre-hospital healthcare, injuries and emergencies, and other clinical specialities. We also explore non-clinical research opportunities involving the organisation and our workforce.
We serve a diverse population with a variety of healthcare needs. We are committed to improving the care and experience of all our patients by generating new evidence that will inform advances in the clinical care we provide.
We work together with a range of partners including the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), the National Ambulance Research Steering Group (NARSG), NHS organisations and academic institutions to engage in research that will improve the health outcomes of the population.
We are dedicated to building and sustaining an environment in which high quality research is undertaken so that as an organisation, we can successfully contribute to improving the health and wealth of the nation.
The Research and Development (R&D) Team is led by Consultant Paramedic, Steve Bell, and consists of Research Manager, Sandra Igbodo, Research Paramedic, Adam Wright , Research Paramedic, Michelle Waddington and Research Support Officer, Jesse Oliver.
Research approval and service evaluation registration
All research studies and service evaluation projects that involve our staff, patients, their tissue or information, equipment or other NHS resources must be submitted to R&D Team for review. This includes projects being undertaken by students as part of their educational qualification. Please contact [email protected] for information about the local approval process.
Research studies may only commence when written Confirmation of Capacity and Capability has been issued (for HRA Approval studies) or R&D Management Approval has been granted (for non-HRA Approval studies).
Service evaluation projects must be authorised by the manager for the service in which the evaluation is being undertaken and the Area Consultant Paramedic for the region in which the project is taking place. The completed service evaluation application must be submitted to the R&D Team who is responsible for registering the project and maintaining a central database of this activity.
Performance in Initiating and Delivering Clinical Research
The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) measures the performance of all providers of NHS services in initiating and delivering research, on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care. The government uses this information to ensure that clinical research in England is conducted efficiently and effectively.
The NIHR collects data from all providers of NHS services in England that undertake clinical research, including trusts that undertake NIHR-funded research and those that deliver studies on the NIHR Clinical Research Network (CRN) Portfolio. This is known as the Performance in Initiating and Delivering Clinical Research (PID) exercise.
North West Ambulance Service’s Performance in Initiating and Delivering Clinical Research can be viewed online.
Current Studies
The University of Warwick is working with ambulance services in this area to study how best to give people life-saving medications if their heart suddenly stops (they have a cardiac arrest).
If your family member had a cardiac arrest and was treated by the ambulance service, they may have been included in this study.
If you would like more information about this study, please contact:
- Telephone: 024 765 72905
- Visit: www.warwick.ac.uk/paramedic3
To view the research study poster, please click here.
The “ParAid” study, conducted by the University of Southampton, University of the West of England, and South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, aims to assess how registered paramedics in England provide end-of-life care. Through an anonymous online survey, the study seeks insights from HCPC registered paramedics working in NHS ambulance Trusts in England to improve the quality of care and support for individuals nearing the end of life and shape policy changes accordingly.
How can you get involved? You can get involved by filling out the online survey by using this link:
https://southampton.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0GJsDpe49czibbg
SWiFT is a research study that’s looking at what’s best to give people who are bleeding heavily because of an accident. The patients in SWiFT are being treated by an Air Ambulance team. Current best practice is to give a mixture of red blood cells and plasma (the yellowish liquid in your blood that helps with blood clotting). The SWiFT trial is comparing current best practice (red cells and plasma) with giving patients 2 units of whole blood. The whole blood contains platelets (small cells that help blood to clot) as well as red cells and plasma.
How to get involved?
This study is only open to the NWAA service, For more information or to contact us, please email the SWiFT team: email us at [email protected] or call by telephone 01223 588720 or visit the study website at: https://www.nhsbt.nhs.uk/SWiFT
The “SPEEDY Trial” is a randomized controlled trial aimed at evaluating a new pre-hospital pathway designed to enhance access to thrombectomy treatment. Thrombectomy is a time-sensitive surgical procedure that can significantly improve outcomes for stroke patients. However, this treatment is currently only available in larger regional hospitals, limiting its accessibility.
In the trial, some patients will receive care according to the new “SPEEDY” pathway, while others will continue to receive standard care. Ambulance stations and teams will be randomly assigned to either implement the SPEEDY pathway or continue with the usual standard of care. The trial is currently open in the WMAS region and is expected to expand to NWAS, SWASFT, and NEAS in the coming months. Its primary aim is to assess whether this new approach can improve access to thrombectomy treatment for stroke patients.
How to get involved?
For more information on this trial please message [email protected]
Contact information
For discussion and guidance about research proposals, finance, policies, new submissions, the approvals process, study amendments, Research Passports (including Letters of Access and Honorary Research Contracts), training and events, please contact [email protected]