Citizen Scientist eBulletin #39 [July 2016]

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Welcome..

…to the latest edition of the Citizen Scientist eBulletin highlighting some of the recent studies that have been added to our website. 
 
We are constantly trying to improve our website and over the coming months will be looking to make it easier to find the research opportunities that are relevant to you.  We would be interested to hear your ideas on what changes to the website would make things easier for you – just reply to this email to give us your thoughts.
 
Our printed newsletter has had an image overhaul and is now available to read online at ISSUU.  While we have given the newsletter a fresh new look, we’re also aware that the days of printed newsletters are numbered!  We are committed to reaching all sections of the local population but as more and more people move their lives online the numbers we have to print continues to dwindle.  We would much rather the money spent on printing and postage went on care and research in the NHS… and we think you would too!
 
We share additional content related to research and local opportunities on our social media channels –join us on Facebook and Twitter.

Help BEAT Respiratory Disease

Help BEAT Respiratory Disease is part of the Research for the Future programme, encouraging people from across Greater Manchester to take part in local research opportunities. 
 
If you have a respiratory condition such as asthma, COPD or bronchiectasis, head over to our website where you can learn more about the project and get involved…

Dental RECUR

Removal of teeth under general anaesthetic is the most common planned admission to hospital for children under 11.  Children who have had teeth removed are at a greater risk of further decay in the future.  This dental study investigates a new service designed to help families face the challenges around looking after their child’s teeth following a tooth extraction.  

Find out more…

Mindfulness based cognitive therapy for depression (MBCT)

MBCT can reduce the risk of depression returning in people who have been depressed before.  Researchers from The University of Manchester are looking to talk with people who have experience of depression for this new study.

Find out more…

Prevention of foot ulcers in people with diabetes

Do you have diabetes?  Have you suffered with foot ulcers in the past?  This new study is looking at a different method of monitoring foot pressure with the expectation that this will help reduce the likelihood of developing foot ulcers. 

Find out more…

Exploring weight loss in Salford

Researchers from The University of Manchester are looking for people who have previously taken part in a weight loss programme run by the Health Improvement Service in Salford, to take part in this new study which aims to increase people’s commitment to long-term weight loss.

Find out more…

SPRING Study: The study of psychosis...

…and the role of inflammation and glutamate/GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid)
 
Have you been receiving NHS care for the treatment of psychosis?  Could you help researchers understand changes in the brain that might underline the experiences you have, such as hearing voices or having unusual thoughts?  By understanding the importance of chemicals such as glutamate/GABA in the brain, researchers hope to be able to develop new treatments to slow down or stop the development of psychosis.

Find out more…

FACTS (Food allergy and critical allergen threshold study)

As part of the world’s biggest food allergy study, researchers from The University of Manchester are seeking volunteers with a food allergy to tell them about their allergic reactions.

Find out more…

When2Go study

For certain symptoms that may be associated with more serious illness, it is especially important to provide people with enough information to help them decide when they should see a doctor.

A new tool has been developed to help people appraise their symptoms and to encourage them, when necessary, to see their GP.  This study aims to find out how people might use this tool and how effective it is.

Find out more…

Help improve research into patient safety in primary care

New members are currently being sought for the Research User Group (RUG) of the NIHR Greater Manchester PSTRC.
 
The Greater Manchester PSTRC (Primary Care Patient Safety Translational Research Centre) is a unique research partnership between The University of Manchester and Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust focusing on improving patient safety in primary care settings (eg GP surgeries and pharmacies etc). 

To get involved or find out more…

James Lind Alliance

The James Lind Alliance (JLA) Priority Setting Partnerships (PSPs) identify and prioritise treatments and uncertainties which they agree are the most important for research.
 
The JLA, which was established in 2004, brings patients, carers and clinicians together in these partnerships to ensure that researchers, and those who fund health research, are aware of what matters to both patients and clinicians.  It is funded by the NIHR (National Institute for Health Research).
 

Patient Safety in Primary Care

All patients are entitled to access safe and effective health care.  Avoiding errors, or identifying and correcting them are a high priority.  This PSP aims to influence the future patient safety research agenda by identifying the top 10 areas of uncertainty.  The NIHR Greater Manchester PSTRC invites you to take part by completing a short questionnaire…
 

Diabetes (Type 2) 

Diabetes UK is looking for the top 10 research priorities of people living with type 2 diabetes, carers and healthcare professionals.  They want to give you a louder voice in research.  Whether you’re a research expert or not, you can take part via the link…

Dentistry response to domestic violence and abuse

Researchers from The University of Manchester are developing a research bid looking at how dentistry can support survivors of domestic violence and abuse.  The event will take place in Manchester on Wednesday 27 July.  

For more information...

R+D gets pretty muddy!

Caring Salford Royal staff are braving a sea of mud to help find new ways to prevent and treat cancer.
 
A team from the Research and Development department will take part in the Manchester Pretty Muddy 5k, a muddy obstacle course through Heaton Park raising money for Cancer Research UK.
Oncology Research Nurse Kathryn Fry is one of those taking part on Saturday 16 July.
 
Kathryn said: “As an oncology research nurse, I see new treatments being given - treatments that initially are only available to patients as part of a trial, but then in time become available for all patients.  This is why I am running the Race for Life: so Cancer Research UK can fund more research, which will improve lives and outcomes for people living with cancer.”

Meet kidney patient advocate - Rob Finnigan

Kidney patient Rob Finnigan – one of the stalwarts of the Greater Manchester Kidney Information Network(GMKIN) – has started a new job as a Patient Advocate with the British Kidney Patients Association (BKPA).
 
He is helping patients to resolve issues and signposting them to sources of help in this new role. He will also continue to support GMKIN, including a new project funded by the BKPA to update patients’ digital skills and help them back into the workforce.
 
Meanwhile, GMKIN was named Innovation Champion for Use of Social Media, sponsored by the Innovation Agency, at the North West Adult Learners in Health and Care Awards.  The joint venture between the Hope Patient Kidney Association and the University of Salford, GMKIN was set up in 2013 using social media as a strategy to engage patients to create and share information.

For more information... 

Manchester is... European City of Science

Manchester is the European City of Science 2016 - recognition of its unique scientific heritage and contribution to scientific discovery, innovation and industry. 
 
A free week-long festival from 22-29 July will include more than 40 pop-up public events to bring science to life in the city centre. It will have its own app created by the University of Salford that tells people what’s on and where, using ‘walk-past’ technology.  It includes content about the city’s past and present achievements in science and technology which is presented through an exciting blend of audio, video and virtual reality. 

The Salford Way: new dementia app for Salford people

A new app can help people with dementia and their carers navigate their way around Salford. The Salford Way dementia app has been designed by Salford CVS to provide a guide to shops, services and businesses in the city that are dementia-friendly. It is accessible on IOS (Apple) and android platforms and can be downloaded for free by anyone who wants to know which organisations within Salford welcome people with dementia and have an understanding of the condition.
 
Each service or business can register for free and get its own information page with the organisation’s logo, as well as the option to list opening times, contact details, a map and directions. 
 
The Salford Way dementia app has been funded thanks to NHS Salford Clinical Commissioning Group’s (CCG) innovation fund.

For more information...