Research Services
We collaborate with numerous universities and research institutes worldwide, and have developed an international reputation for delivery of quality research in the field of common health problems such as musculoskeletal problems. Many examples are available for download in the library section of this website.
A hallmark of our expertise is development of evidence-informed advice and policy. This includes devising funding (what to pay for) policy for insurers and other organisations, and how to operationalise this into current business strategies.
Our non-academic clients include government departments, healthcare providers, case management and rehabilitation providers, major insurers, and industry.
We offer advice and practical input on a range of research fields related to common health and musculoskeletal problems: biomechanics; clinical psychology; case management; clinical interventions (RCTs); epidemiology; ergonomics; health services; vocational rehabilitation. We have a strong track record in tailoring this advice and practical techniques into our client's regular business framework.
Research into Practice
We believe that conducting research is a 'good thing'. But, it is at it's very best when the output can actually be used to help people, organisations, and our society.
We also believe that it can always be said that 'we need more research', or to bemoan the quality of existing research. But, this should not prevent using the existing knowledge base to improve and extend current practices.
There is often a substantial lag between research knowledge becoming available and getting it out there, into the everyday world.
In these circumstances we find ourselves calling for a 'culture change'. In effect, this is because there is need to move from the existing paradigm (usually based on a traditional idea or approach) toward a newer and more effective approach. One of the best examples of this need for a tectonic shift in thinking has been the emphasis placed on remaining active when experiencing (most) musculoskeletal problems. For decades, people were advised to rest, and even take to their bed. However, scientific research has clearly demonstrated that this usually does more harm than good. Despite this, it is clear that the change in thinking continues to happen slowly.
There are many significant implications of this finding, and they are shared across all the common health problems (i.e. musculoskeletal, mental health, cardio-respiratory. One of the most important is the impact on work, and productive activity in general.
There is a strong business case for improving the ability of workers to be able to stay at or return to work, in addition to the beneficial health effects they will receive.
The most effective way to achieve this is a combination of work-focused healthcareand accommodating workplaces.
Both are necessary: they are inter-dependent and must be coordinated (Waddell, Burton & Kendall 2008).
- Structured programmes of investigation into causes, prevention and management of musculoskeletal problems at work
- Design and conduct of clinical trials (including RCTs)
- Design and conduct of surveys (clinical and workplace
- Choice and development of survey instruments
- Implementation of clinical audit, case management audit
- Design and conduct of funding applications (long or short term)
- Comprehensive and systematic literature reviewing
- Investigative methodology and statistics consultancy
- Reviewing grant applications
- Evidence-informed funding policy
Page updated 10/01/2012 9:17 am