News
Improving how missing data is handled in studies
A new tool to help statisticians decide how to handle missing data in studies has been published by Bristol Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) researchers. In health research, it’s common to have missing information in study data, especially in large studies about the risk factors for disease. This missing data can…
Understanding mental health care across the whole system through linked data
Mental health records from a major trust in the South West are to be linked to other datasets to unlock new research, thanks to a new project. It has historically been difficult to make use of routinely collected mental health for research. Data about mental health is amongst the most…
Analysis of the equality, diversity and inclusion strategies at NIHR Biomedical Research Centres and Clinical Research Facilities
A new study provides the first systematic analysis of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) strategies across all NIHR Biomedical Research Centres (BRCs) and NIHR Clinical Research Facilities (CRFs). It maps how EDI priorities are expressed in the organisations’ objectives, action plans and success measures. The study was funded by Bristol…
Booster jabs reduce the risks of COVID-19 deaths, study finds
Booster vaccines reduced the risk of COVID 19–related hospitalisation and death, according to a new study of over 3 million adults who had the autumn 2022 vaccine in England. The research, led by the universities of Bristol and Oxford, provides further evidence of the effectiveness of booster vaccination against COVID-19.
Bristol BRC researchers awarded £2.3 million for follow-on research
Bristol BRC researchers have been awarded £2.3 million by NIHR to study whether prehabilitation can help frail patients having total hip or knee replacement, following a successful Bristol BRC feasibility study. The award will allow the researchers to perform a large randomised controlled trial…
Opportunities and challenges in qualitative research: Reflections from the BRC network meeting
The Bristol Biomedical Research Centre’s Katie Whale and Rachael Gooberman-Hill alongside Kirsten Bell from Imperial College London reflect on the recent Biomedical Research Centres (BRCs) Qualitative Social and Behavioural Science Network meeting. Our network met face to face in November, to discuss opportunities and challenges in qualitative research. Hosted by…
Review finds lack of risk calculators to predict long-term depression and anxiety
There are very few risk calculators to predict how symptoms of anxiety and depression will change over the course of a person’s life, according to a recent review of past research. This is the first systematic review of risk calculators for forecasting depression and anxiety over the course of life.
Sticking to a wholefood diet means you really can eat much more and be well-nourished but still consume far fewer calories, new research reveals
If you pledged to follow an unprocessed food diet as a New Year’s resolution, research shows you’ll naturally choose to eat a lot more fruit and veggies than higher calorie wholefood options – like rice, meat and butter – which could help with losing weight. The research, led by scientists…
Can Pain Science Education help people with osteoarthritis? A review of the research
A recent review of Pain Science Education for people with knee or hip osteoarthritis found it may be able to help with some of the psychological impacts of pain. The review, by Bristol BRC researchers, is published in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. Physical activity can improve pain and…