NHS Research Time Award

Should I be successful in being awarded the NHS Research Time Award I would use this time to expand my remit, and potential opportunities, of women’s health research within a wider national framework.

As part of this I would like to develop the following projects;

1. HPV and STI Urine testing: Screening for cervical cancer has been revolutionised by the HPV test. However, there are still barriers to women accessing their cervical screening test which include embarrassment to attend clinic and time away from work to go to appointments. A novel urine sample which tests for HPV and potentially other STI has been developed although not yet commercially available. I have had a provisional meeting with representatives of the Life Science Hub Wales (LSHW) and Public Health Wales (PHW) to discuss adding this test to the current STI screening platform ‘Test and Post’ which send tests to people’s homes or other appropriate address via the mailing system. If awarded the NHS RTA I would look to developing a pilot project offering eligible women the opportunity to self-screen for HPV at home with a urine test. I would use time supported by the award to meet with colleagues in Manchester University who have been trialling the urine test for HPV. Also, meeting with other key stakeholders such as Cervical Screening Wales, meeting with patient and public groups to shape and develop the project as well as charities such as Jo’s Trust, and look for funding and grant opportunities.
    
2. Testosterone use in peri and post-menopausal women. There is currently no clinical standards around the use of testosterone for peri and post-menopausal women in the UK. Many women feel addition of testosterone to current HRT is beneficial, but the evidence is limited. The development of this research project would help to support the evidence around managing women to live well in the post reproductive period. If awarded the NHS RTA I would like to develop a trial around testosterone use in women using mixed methodology. I would use the time to carry out a literature review, engage with methodologists, apply for funding, and work with charities and PPI to develop the research methodology.

To support the above projects and to develop my career in research further I will also do the following with the time allowed within the NHS RTA;

Aims:

• To develop relationships with a network of colleagues in the field of sexual and reproductive healthcare interested in research, locally and across Wales and the UK
• To ‘build’ a portfolio of key research questions within women’s health, looking at themes such as ‘menstrual health’ ‘contraception’ and ‘menopause care’
• To collaborate with stakeholders within the NHS and patient groups and charities to develop these key research themes and build the research questions

Objectives:

• To attend workshops and online training courses to further my knowledge and skills needed to carry out research
• To bid for relevant funds/grants to support the development of these research questions
• To set up and lead own programme of research as Chief Investigator
• To raise the profile of research into Women’s Health issues in Wales and specifically West Wales.
• To engage with patient and public to help develop the breadth of research topics in Women’s Health
• To offer mentorship and training to junior colleagues

Benefits:

• To improve health outcomes for women in Wales and further afield
• To contribute to the discourse on equitable access to women’s health across the UK
• To build local capacity and skills
• To create opportunities for others aspiring to be involved in research locally
• To support the Research and Innovation Team within HDUHB