Research from the North West Coast region, when ARC NWC was CLAHRC NWC, has been featured in a newly released flagship document that demonstrates the impact of National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) funded applied research to transform health and care across England.

This includes the Care After Presenting with Seizures (CAPS) project.

Neurology outpatient appointment rates following an admission with seizures are low, worryingly so for those with no appointment in the previous 12 months. A nurse-supported pathway can improve appointment rates, but the effect is modest. Further service redesign is required, the impact of which should be rigorously investigated.

The “within three months” referral metric used in CAPS is being recommended as a key performance metric by the “Getting It Right First Time” (GIRFT) programme, designed to improve the quality of care within the NHS. The National Neurology Advisory Group recommended the algorithm for adoption by NHS England.

The publication, ‘The legacy of the CLAHRCs 2014-19 – 5 years of NIHR-funded applied health research’ compiles key research projects from the NIHR Collaborations for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (CLAHRCs). Drawing together case studies from priority themes, the document demonstrates how the CLAHRCs conducted innovative research leading to improved outcomes for patients, better and more cost-effective services while challenging health inequalities.

Dr Louise Wood CBE, co-lead NIHR, Director of Science, Research and Evidence at the Department of Health and Social Care, said: “The NIHR CLAHRCs increased the country’s applied health and care research capacity and capability, making this a key strength of the NIHR. These case studies are a fantastic demonstration of the CLAHRCs’ impact on improving services and outcomes for patients and the public, across a wide range of priority areas. Our Applied Research Collaborations continue to build on this legacy.”

Since October 2019, the NIHR Applied Research Collaborations (ARCs) have continued the work of the CLAHRCs. They deliver research relevant to the needs of their local populations, while contributing to nationally identified research priority areas.

Professor Mark Gabbay, Director of ARC NWC, said: “The booklet contains real world examples of how the CLAHRCs have made a difference. We have evolved some of the work streams even further into ARC NWC and look forward to seeing their impact.”