News
United for Health: Films launched about involving minoritised communities in research
South Asian community group Dhek Bhal and the University of Bristol have launched United for Health, a collection of films about involving minoritised communities in health research. The films were funded by the Brigstow Institute and supported by the NIHR Bristol Biomedical Research Centre (BRC). It is important to include…
People living with obesity denied joint replacement surgery contrary to national guidelines
People with a high body mass index (BMI) are being denied joint replacement surgery, despite guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) saying decisions on whether to offer surgery should not be based only on a person’s BMI. These are the findings from a study involving…
Avoidable cancellation of knee replacement operations costs NHS millions and increases waiting times
Thousands of NHS knee replacement operations are cancelled at short notice every year, many for avoidable reasons, according to a new study published today [1 December]. This costs the NHS millions of pounds and increases waiting times for patients, many of whom are in severe pain. The study, led by…
Landmark gastric bypass trial presented to policymakers at Evidence Week
The By-Band-Sleeve trial, which recently found gastric bypass is the most clinically and cost-effective form of interventional surgery for people living with severe obesity, has been presented to policymakers at Sense About Science’s Evidence Week at Westminster. The week brings together parliamentarians and other policymakers with researchers to address…
Growing as a researcher: Insights from my summer internship in surgical research methodology
Maria Eze, a second year biological sciences student at the University of Edinburgh, completed an internship within the NIHR Bristol BRC and the Centre for Surgical Research at the University of Bristol. Her internship was funded through the NIHR Undergraduate Internship Programme. Here, she reflects on her experience. This…
Treatment plan for patients in pain after knee surgery has been implemented
A treatment plan for patients still experiencing pain 3 months after total knee replacement surgery has been successfully implemented at North Bristol NHS Trust. The study, led by BRC researchers, is published in Bone and Joint Open. The treatment plan is now part of standard care at Southmead Hospital.
International experts and patients unite to help ensure all patients are fully informed before consenting to new surgical procedures
Leading doctors, researchers, and lawyers have joined forces with patient representatives and created the first-ever information guide to better support and protect patients across the world who are considering pioneering, but also potentially risky, surgery. The comprehensive seven-step set of essential information, co-led by the National Institute for Health and…
Automated system to capture patients’ views on their involvement in decisions about their surgery is acceptable to patients and surgeons
Patients and surgeons have reported that a new, automated system to monitor patients’ views on how much they have felt involved in decision-making about their surgery is acceptable. The study, led by researchers from Bristol BRC, is published in BMJ Open. High-quality shared decision-making processes are essential to patient-centred…
Patients left in limbo: NHS hip and knee surgery prep lacks consistency, national survey finds
Patients across the UK waiting for hip or knee replacement surgery may be missing out on vital pre-operative support, according to a new national survey of NHS hospitals led by Bristol BRC researchers. Every year, more than 215,000 total hip and knee replacements are carried out in…