2021 – A year filled with life-changing research in Wales
Wales has again continued to be a hub of life-saving health and social care research in 2021. From studies into cancer and diabetes, to advancing children and adult’s social care, research has been improving lives this year.
With patients and the public at the heart, the Health and Care Research Wales research community has been working hard to develop new treatments and ways to care for people in Wales and beyond. Here are just some of the amazing research highlights of 2021:
Earlier cancer diagnosis
This year the Wales Centre for Primary and Emergency Care Research (PRIME Centre Wales) worked in partnership with Cancer Research Wales on a campaign asking people to take any changes in their body seriously and to make an appointment to see their GP.
In response to evidence showing less people were visiting their GP surgery due to COVID-19, the campaign encouraged those with potential cancer symptoms to seek help early.
Involving the public in research
The CASCADE Partnership has continued to grow its research advisory groups made up of young people and parents who have experience of social care, despite challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The research advisory groups help researchers develop their studies into children’s social care shaping research into topics such as young people leaving care, care and the COVID-19 pandemic - enabling those in care to take part in research.
Empowering people with COVID-19
Health and Care Economics Cymru (HCEC) worked with the Wales COVID-19 Evidence Centre to review health economic evidence around preventing and managing the spread of COVID-19.
With the findings of this review, HCEC aims to empower people affected by COVID-19 to make informed treatment decisions, and to support Wales in its preparation for future health emergencies.
Managing diabetes in young people
Despite challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic, Swansea Trials Unit finished recruiting to a study looking at the use of a drug, called Ustekinumab, to treat young people newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes this year.
Researchers hope this drug will help young patients to better manage their condition reducing the need for insulin or making them insulin free.
Improving young people’s mental health
DECIPHer partnered with The Wolfson Centre in 2021 to develop new ways of reducing anxiety and depression in young people, with DECIPHer leading a programme about how schools can raise awareness of mental health challenges.
This work helped Welsh Government develop a new approach to health and wellbeing in schools, with strong relationships at the heart of the guidance embedding a whole school approach to the mental health and wellbeing of learners and staff.
Better blood transfusion treatments
In 2021, the Welsh Blood Service began a study looking at cold platelet storage through the new Component Development and Research Laboratory which was opened this year.
This could mean a reduced risk of contamination, a longer shelf life, and better transfusion treatments for people desperately needing blood.
Helping older people use technology
Research found older people can struggle with a lack of knowledge around digital icons. In response to this, the Centre for Ageing and Dementia Research supported the creation of an icon book which gives insights into what icons are and what they mean.
The book, developed in collaboration with, Swansea University, CHERISH-ED, The Open University, Health & Wellbeing Research, Northumbria University, Digital Voice for Communities and Digital Communities Wales, will help to overcome barriers which have a negative impact on the way older people use technology.
Developing COVID-19 policy and practice in Wales
Over the last year, the Wales COVID-19 Evidence Centre has reviewed COVID-19 evidence on face coverings, infection prevention and vaccine equity.
These reviews were used to develop COVID-19 policy and practice in Wales, including Wales’ move to Alert level 0 in July 2021. The Centre has also provided evidence to show face coverings, along with hand hygiene, social distancing and ventilation should remain key elements of the strategy to control the impact of COVID-19.
Alongside these studies, a wealth of incredible health and social care research has happened across Wales this year. To catch-up on all the life-changing research you might have missed visit our news pages, and subscribe to our researcher or public bulletin to make sure you don’t miss out in 2022.