News

GPs give advice on when to seek further help in around two-thirds of telephone consultations, but some patients struggle to remember it

GPs give patients advice about when, why, and how to seek further medical help in around two-thirds of telephone consultations – similar to the rate for face-to-face consultations - according to new University of Bristol research. However, this advice is not always documented in patients’ notes, given in writing, or recalled by patients afterwards. This type of advice, known as ‘safety-netting advice’, is an important part of helping patients know what to do if their symptoms change, worsen, or fail to improve.

Help shape future research priorities for care for people with multiple long-term conditions

A survey has been launched to get people’s views on how to improve care for people with more than one long-term health condition. The survey is open to anyone with relevant lived or professional experience. All responses will help shape future research priorities.

Insights into experiences of people with skin of colour living with common skin conditions

New research has revealed key insights into the experiences of people with skin of colour living with common skin conditions. The findings from the SOCX study, led by researchers from the Centre for Applied Excellence in Skin and Allergy Research at the University of Bristol, are published in the British Journal of General Practice today [19 May 2026].

Study questions usefulness of rapid microbiological point-of-care respiratory test

A rapid microbiological point-of-care test designed to help GPs identify whether a respiratory infection is caused by a virus did not lead to an expected overall reduction in same-day antibiotic prescribing, a University of Bristol-led study has found.

Applications open for NIHR funded Commercial Research Delivery Fellows

An exciting opportunity has arisen for National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Commercial Research Delivery Fellows within the South West Central Research Delivery Network (SWC RRDN) region.

New study launched to understand young people’s experiences of safety in public spaces

A new study to better understand how young people experience safety in public spaces and what trusted adults - including teachers, youth workers, police and doctors - can do to help prevent serious youth violence has been launched by researchers at the University of Bristol, University of West England, and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

Most COVID-19 cases linked to general practices during the pandemic were among staff, new study finds

Challenges in infection control highlight need for tailored guidance and improved infrastructure in future pandemics.

Applications open for NIHR School for Primary Care Research funded Nursing Commercial Research Fellowships

As members of the NIHR School for Primary Care Research (SPCR), we are pleased to offer one of 11 SPCR-funded Nursing Commercial Research Fellowships for 2026.

Online consultation tools should not be a mandatory first step to access primary mental healthcare

Online consultation tools are increasingly used by patients seeking support for common mental health conditions in primary care. New University of Bristol led research published in BMC Primary Care has found that significant concerns remain about their suitability, accessibility and impact on continuity of care.

10 key insights to better support families through care proceedings

Insights to better support families at risk of having children taken into care are part of a newly published report, funded by the NIHR Three Schools Prevention Programme.

Bristol part of new £50m consortium tackling one of UK’s biggest killers

NIHR launches £50m Inequalities Challenge Consortium to tackle inequalities in cardiovascular disease

Applications open for NIHR School for Primary Care Research-funded undergraduate summer internships 2026

We have two exciting summer internship opportunities for UK undergraduates, irrespective of degree discipline, who are interested in primary care research. These are a fantastic opportunity to get hands-on experience conducting primary care research with experts in the field.

Applications open for NIHR School for Primary Care Research PhD Studentship in Primary Care 2026

Applications are invited from individuals with a strong academic record who wish to develop a career in primary care research. Applicants must have a first degree in a discipline relevant to primary care research and will be expected to complete a Phd/DPhil during the award period.

Applications open for NIHR School for Primary Care Research Primary Care Clinical Fellowships

Applications are open for the National Institute for Health and Care Research School for Primary Care Research (NIHR SPCR) Primary Care Clinical Fellowships 2026.

New research highlights gaps and opportunities in physical health checks for people with severe mental illness

People living with severe mental illness (SMI) face a much higher risk of poor physical health and early death than the general population, often from preventable conditions. Physical health checks can play a vital role in catching problems early, but too few people with SMI receive them. A new study published in the British Journal of General Practice has examined what works to improve uptake of these important checks.

Applications open for NIHR School for Primary Care Research post-doctoral fellowships

Applications are open for The National Institute for Health and Care Research School for Primary Care Research (NIHR SPCR) post-doctoral fellowships to start in October 2026.  These awards provide funding to cover the costs of a 24-month fellowship at one of the nine SPCR member institutions. Applicants should have a strong academic record and wish to develop a career in primary care research.

Connecting communities and researchers to build lasting relationships for better health

Community drop-in events dates announced.

First NHS Domestic Abuse Awareness Day launched

Today (10 December) sees the launch of the first NHS Domestic Abuse Awareness Day (NHSDAAD). The day highlights the urgent need to recognise and respond to domestic abuse affecting NHS staff. It also recognises the unique barriers they can face seeking help.

14 new centres to bring commercial research into primary care

West Walk Surgery in Yate an awardee

New GP approach aims to boost HIV testing and prevention

A new initiative could transform how HIV is diagnosed and prevented in UK general practice, according to a National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) funded study published in the British Journal of General Practice.

Structural racism and cultural misunderstanding compound grief for Black British and Black Caribbean communities, study finds

Inequities in how bereavement is experienced and supported among people of Black British and Black Caribbean heritage in England has been revealed in a new study led by the University of Bristol. The research, published in Death Studies today [2 December], calls for widespread changes to improve bereavement experiences and access to support for Black British and Black Caribbean communities.

New tool helps GPs measure continuity of care

Researchers from the Centre for Academic Primary Care (CAPC) at the University of Bristol have launched a new ‘Bristol Continuity of Care Calculator’ to help general practices measure their continuity of care.

New study gives people with eczema freedom to choose how often to bathe

A major study has found that people with eczema are able to bathe either daily or weekly, without any impact to their symptoms.

New clinical trial to tackle street benzodiazepine use and drug-related deaths

A major new clinical trial has been launched aimed at reducing the use of street-sourced benzodiazepines among people receiving treatment for opioid dependency.

Evaluating a trauma-informed programme to support people facing multiple disadvantage

Cross-sector collaboration and long-term stable funding are key to making services more trauma-informed for people facing multiple disadvantage, according to a new study. The evaluation was conducted by University of Bristol and NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (NIHR ARC) West staff in collaboration with Changing Futures Bristol, and funded by the NIHR Three Research Schools Mental Health Practice Evaluation Scheme.

Organisational barriers and enablers to infant abuse prevention programme ICON

How healthcare managers and frontline staff influence the delivery and sustainability of a key infant abuse prevention initiative across the NHS has been revealed in a new study. The NIHR Applied Research Collaboration West (ARC West)-led evaluation of ICON, a UK-wide programme designed to reduce the risk of abusive head trauma (AHT) in infants, is published in BMC Public Health.

New pledge to create healthier places in Bristol and surrounding areas

Local authorities and health partners across the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care System (ICS) have come together to celebrate the launch of the Why Weight? Pledge for creating healthier places together. The event, held at St Michael’s Centre in Stoke Gifford on 6 October was a celebration of the commitment to a collective effort to create a future where everyone has the access and ability to eat well, feel well and be active.

NHS policies to improve care for people taking multiple medicines may not be effective

Current NHS policies designed to improve care for people taking multiple medicines may not be effective, according to new research.

Pilot study shows the challenges and achievements of conducting a clinical trial of mistletoe therapy for breast cancer patients in the UK

A pilot randomised controlled clinical trial of mistletoe therapy for breast cancer patients has shown that it is feasible to conduct a UK NHS trial. The Mistletoe and Breast Cancer (MAB) Study was led by researchers Professor Gene Feder and Dr Alyson Huntley from the Centre for Academic Primary Care, University of Bristol with NHS partners. A paper published in the journal Cancers describes the trial challenges and achievements.

Improving cancer care for people with disabilities and long-term conditions

A recent study has looked at ways to improve cancer care for people with disabilities and long-term conditions. It has highlighted improvements that can be made to ensure adjustments support the needs of these groups.

GPs need training to spot perimenopause-related mental health issues

GPs need training to spot mental health issues related to the perimenopause, according to new University of Bristol-led research published in the British Journal of General Practice.

New survey reveals hidden toll of domestic abuse on NHS healthcare workers

More than half of healthcare workers who responded to a survey at a major NHS trust have experienced domestic abuse, with many reporting serious impacts on their health, wellbeing and ability to work.

People with severe mental illness gain three times as much weight as peers, yet weight-management referrals do not increase

People with severe mental illness gain 4kg more weight than peers over 15 years but aren't offered more weight-management support, identifying crucial five-year intervention window.

Primary care holds the key to tackling obesity – but needs more support

A new review published in Clinical Obesity highlights the vital role that primary care services can play in helping support people with obesity – but also reveals the challenges that must be overcome.

Pharmacies could play key role in ending new HIV transmissions: new policy briefing

Community pharmacies should be at the heart of HIV prevention efforts by raising awareness of and providing access to PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), according to a new policy briefing from the University of Bristol. PrEP is a pill that prevents HIV transmission.

Mental health literacy found to be a key factor in how CBT for depression works

A new study from researchers at Bristol Medical School has shed light on how cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) helps people with depression, and it turns out that improving people’s understanding of mental health may be a big part of the answer.

Substance use services for sex industry workers must be flexible, non-judgmental, and responsive to complex needs

A critical review of relevant research suggests that substance use services for individuals working in the sex industry must be flexible, non-judgmental, and responsive to the complex needs of this group. The review, conducted by a team involving ARC West and University of Bristol researchers, is published in Health & Social Care in the Community.

Experts urge the medical profession to confront the global arms industry

New BMJ series uncovers the role of the arms trade in health and calls for more scrutiny of its health-harming activities and its unhealthy relationship with governments.

Discomfort as a catalyst for change: new research highlights the role of emotional challenge in domestic abuse perpetrator programmes

A new study led by researchers from the University of Bristol and collaborators across the UK and Finland has shed light on the critical role of psychological discomfort in promoting behavioural change among men participating in domestic abuse perpetrator programmes (DAPPs).

Remembering Jon Banks

Remembering our colleague Jon Banks, 1962-2025

How COVID-19 lockdowns affected access to GP services for vulnerable groups

Some of the most vulnerable people in society were less able to access GP care during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the general population, according to new research published in BJGP Open. The study, led by researchers from the Universities of Bristol, Oxford and Glasgow, also found those effects continued long after lockdowns ended.

New study will assess the use of live video consultations during 999 calls to aid emergency dispatch decisions

The Welsh Ambulance Service is leading on a study into the use of live video consultations to help decision making when deploying critical care teams in response to 999 calls. The project is a collaboration between clinicians and researchers across the Welsh Ambulance Service, West Midlands Ambulance Service, University of Warwick, University of Bristol, Imperial College, Aberystwyth University, the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service, and the Wales Air Ambulance Charity. 

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 NIHR Bristol Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) and the Centre for Academic Primary Care, is published in BMJ Open.

Life in a Coastal Town: New exhibition explores mental health and community through art

How does it feel to live in Weston-super-Mare when you are struggling with your mental health? What resources exist in the local community – and what barriers are there to accessing them? A new free exhibition coming to Weston Museum from Tuesday 8 to Thursday 17 July explores these questions through the creative storytelling of people who often feel excluded.

Breakthrough technology that saves lives by detecting dangerous synthetic drugs in real time wins chemistry award

A revolutionary handheld device that helps to save lives by detecting dangerous synthetic drugs almost instantly has won its creators - including researchers from the University of Bristol - a prestigious Royal Society of Chemistry Horizon Prize.

Understanding health services use among Chinese residents in Bristol / 了解布里斯托尔的华人居民如何使用医疗保健服务 / 了解布里斯托爾的華人居民如何使用醫療保健服務

Our study aims to understand UK Chinese residents’ views and experiences of accessing and using health services, with a focus on healthcare in relation to cancer screening and vaccinations, mental health and sexually transmitted infections, where there are known health inequities within the Chinese population. / 本研究计划了解在英华人在获取和使用医疗服务方面的看法与经历。研究将重点关注癌症筛查和疫苗接种、心理健康以及性传播感染等方面的医疗服务，华人群体在这些健康服务方面已面临不平等的情况。/ 本研究計劃了解在英華人在獲取和使用醫療服務方面的看法與經歷。研究將重點關注癌症篩查與疫苗接種、心理健康以及性傳播感染等方面的醫療服務；華人群體在這些健康服務方面已面臨不平等的情況。

New Friends and Family Handbook gives advice on how to support someone experiencing domestic abuse

A new Friends and Family Handbook, written by Dr Alison Gregory, an Independent Academic and Honorary Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Academic Primary Care, University of Bristol, has been launched by Women’s Aid Federation of England. The handbook provides practical support and information for anyone worried about someone who is or may be experiencing domestic abuse.

First ‘core outcome set’ for ear infection studies in primary and community care

Researchers have produced a standard set of outcomes that should be measured and reported in future studies involving common acute ear infections. This ‘core outcome set’ will allow future ear infection studies to be more consistent with each other, so evidence can be accumulated over time.

Breaking the cycle: supporting young boys in violent homes could prevent relationship violence, study suggests

Young men growing up around parents who are physically violent to each other are 43% more likely to carry out violence or abuse in their own relationships, new University of Bristol research has found.

NIHR SPCR General Practice Commercial Research Fellows opportunity

The National Institute for Health and Care Research School for Primary Care Research (NIHR SPCR) is offering up to 11 General Practice Commercial Research Fellowships, with positions available at various universities across the UK, including Bristol.

Primary care Academic CollaboraTive (PACT) Impact Report published

The Primary Care Academic CollaboraTive (PACT) has published its Summary & Impact Report 2019–2024, highlighting five years of collaborative research achievements supported by the NIHR School for Primary Care Research (SPCR).

New UK Centre hopes to change public attitudes towards grief

Grief affects everyone but is still very much a taboo subject in the UK. A new Centre - the first of its kind in the UK - hopes to shift public attitudes towards grief and create communities that are compassionate and connected in their support of people who are bereaved. The Centre for Grief Research and Community Engagement (Grief Centre) at the University of Bristol is launched today [24 April].

New research to support a thriving health and care workforce is launched

A new national research partnership will explore ways to support wellbeing and sustainability in the NHS and social care same day and urgent care workforce. Funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and led by UWE Bristol in collaboration with the University of Bristol and nine other institutions, the partnership will investigate the root causes of frequent staff shortages, high employee sickness rates and difficulties recruiting new staff with a view to finding solutions.

Relaxation techniques may help lower high blood pressure—at least in the short term

Relaxation techniques may help lower high blood pressure—at least in the short term—but the longer term effects are unclear, finds a pooled data analysis of the existing research. The study, led by the Universities of Bristol and Exeter and published and published in BMJ Medicine, is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).

Supporting people with heart failure who want to be physically active

New University of Bristol research on how healthcare professionals can support people with heart failure who want to be more physically active has been published in BMJ Open. The study recommends a personalised approach facilitated by health professionals focusing on both physical and mental health.

New documentary shines light on healthcare responses to violence against women

A powerful new documentary film, created through the Healthcare Responding to Violence and Abuse (HERA) study, captures the transformative potential of healthcare systems to support women affected by domestic violence. The film was created to amplify women’s voices, shed light on their experiences, and explore how healthcare providers in low-resource settings can better respond to domestic violence.

New guidance to help clinicians improve care for people with multiple long-term conditions

New guidance for primary care clinicians on how to conduct personalised annual reviews for patients with multiple long-term conditions has been developed by researchers from the Centre for Academic Primary Care, University of Bristol and NIHR Applied Research Collaboration West (ARC West). Patients with multiple long-term conditions need regular reviews to monitor their health, wellbeing and medications.

Professor Alastair Hay chosen for Senior Investigator role by National Institute for Health and Care Research

Three University of Bristol academics have been awarded Senior Investigator status by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), including Alastair Hay, Professor of Primary Care at the Centre for Academic Primary Care .

Applications open for NIHR School for Primary Care Research-funded summer internships 2025

We have two exciting summer internship opportunities for UK undergraduates, irrespective of degree discipline, who are interested in primary care research. These are a fantastic opportunity to get hands-on experience conducting primary care research with experts in the field.

Paramedics in GP surgeries may ease workload but not NHS costs, study finds

Paramedics working in GP surgeries help reduce GP workload but do not contribute to cost savings to the NHS, according to the first major study of the clinical and cost-effectiveness of paramedic compared with GP consultations.

Greater openness about the use of complementary and alternative medicines in UK dairy farming could bring benefits

Greater openness about complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) use has the potential to strengthen farmer-vet relationships, which may prevent potential unintended harm to animals, reduce antibiotic use and improve herd health management, new research has found. The study led by the University of Bristol is published today [26 February] in Frontiers in Veterinary Science.

Clinicians should be wary of a ‘one size fits all’ approach to communicating blood test results in primary care

Online access to test results is generally well accepted by patients, but reliance on electronic communication methods alone is not sufficient to meet the needs of different patients and different types of test result, according to University of Bristol led research published in the British Journal of General Practice today [25 February].

Adverse childhood experiences in firstborns associated with poor mental health of siblings

Children are nearly three-quarters (71%) more likely to develop mental health problems between the ages of five and 18, if the firstborn child in their family experienced adversity during their first 1,000 days, finds a new UCL-led study involving Bristol researchers.

Signposting children to weight management services could happen when parents attend an adult programme

Parents attending an adult weight management programme, who were worried about their child’s weight, would accept support and signposting to services for their child if it was offered, new research has found. The study is published today [21 January] in BMJ Paediatrics Open.

Patients’ understanding of shingles is poor with some blaming themselves for its onset, study finds

A study by researchers at the University of Bristol exploring patients’ understanding and experience of shingles has found that many had a limited understanding of the illness before diagnosis and were unprepared for the symptoms they experienced. Health care professionals highlighted stress as a trigger for shingles which led some people to blame themselves for its onset.

Patients to help set the agenda for food allergy research

Food allergies affect one in five children in the UK. To help set the priorities for future research, University of Bristol researchers are asking children and young people with food allergies, their parents, and health care professionals who care for them for their views.

Time to talk about death and loss – Good Grief Weston film launched

As Kim Leadbeater’s Bill on Assisted Dying enters debate in the Commons, it’s a timely moment to reflect on our attitudes to death and bereavement. 59% of adults in the UK believe society still doesn’t talk enough about death and dying (Ref 1), and many of us are unsure how to support someone who’s been bereaved (Ref 2).  

Intervention improves the healthcare response to domestic violence in low- and middle-income countries

Culturally appropriate women-centred interventions can help healthcare systems respond to domestic violence, research has found. HERA (Healthcare Responding to Violence and Abuse) has been co-developing and evaluating a domestic violence and abuse healthcare intervention in low- and middle-income countries for the past five years. This National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Global Research Group will report their findings, and publish a PolicyBristol report, at a conference in London today [27 November].

Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS) associated with small improvements in patient satisfaction

The Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS) is associated with a small improvement in patient satisfaction and perceptions of access, according to a new study published in the British Journal of General Practice (BJGP). However, the scheme did not improve outcomes in the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF).

Can theatre successfully disseminate messages about public involvement in research?

A play jointly developed and performed by public contributors and a community theatre team raised awareness of domestic abuse, according to a new paper published in Health Expectations. However, opinions were divided on whether it was also able to successfully disseminate messages about patient and public involvement (PPI) in research on sensitive subjects.

Community pharmacies could expand PrEP access to help prevent HIV

A new study has found that community pharmacies could play a significant role in expanding access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a highly effective pill for preventing HIV infection. The researchers found that pharmacies could provide a more convenient and discreet option for those who are underserved by the current model of PrEP delivery through sexual health clinics in England.

Found poem gives voice to patients’ experiences of blood tests

Having blood tests or getting blood test results can be worrying and sometimes confusing, especially if communication around them is poor. Dr Jess Watson, a GP and academic clinical lecturer at the Centre for Academic Primary Care, has been exploring how GPs and others working in general practice communicate with patients about blood tests to see if there might be ways of doing it better.

Study highlights the need for more awareness of Sexual Assault Referral Centres

More must be done to raise awareness of Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) according to a Coventry University-led study, conducted in collaboration with the Universities of Birmingham, Bristol, Leicester, Hertfordshire and University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust.

Psychosis risk prediction tool could help GPs detect risk of condition early

GPs could potentially use a psychosis risk prediction tool (P-risk) developed by researchers to detect whether their patients are at risk of experiencing psychosis. The University of Bristol team developed P-risk to help GPs identify at-risk patients as early as possible.

Community-led HIV programme Common Ambition Bristol wins national award

Pioneering local HIV programme Common Ambition Bristol has won the Commissioning for Patient Experience award at the 2024 Patient Experience Network National Awards.

Live wake to pop up in suburban home for seaside town's grief festival

Members of the public are invited to be part of a live Irish-style wake this week [Thursday 10 to Sunday 13 October] to explore how new digital technologies can influence the way we memorialise and remember loved ones.

RCGP Research Paper of the Year Award for IBS study

A trial that showed a cheap and widely available prescription drug can improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in patients seen in GP surgeries has been awarded Research Paper of the Year by the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP).

Exploring co-production to tackle health inequalities through primary care services

The Centre for Academic Primary Care/NIHR ARC West Bridging Gaps project and Liverpool’s Tackling Racial Inequalities in Health project are case studies in a new British Journal of General Practice (BJGP) paper. The analysis explores how people with lived experience can be centred and empowered in co-designing trauma-informed primary care services that address health inequalities.

Applications open for the NIHR School for Primary Care Research Primary Care Clinicians PhD programme

Applications for the 2025 NIHR School for Primary Care Research funded doctoral programme for primary care clinicians are now open.

Good Grief Weston: a Festival of Love and Loss returns this October

Following the success of last year’s inaugural Good Grief Weston, the festival returns to Weston-super-Mare in October for its second edition. This year’s event, taking place from 10 to 13 October, will also see the festival extending to communities in North Somerset in a varied, creative programme that aims to open up conversations around death and bereavement, with honesty, compassion, joy and sometimes with humour. 

Study reveals differences in victims’ and perpetrators’ experiences of domestic abuse during COVID-19

A new study by researchers at the University of Bristol has revealed differences in victims’ and perpetrators’ experiences of domestic abuse during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conducted as part of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) funded REPROVIDE trial, which is evaluating a group-based programme for domestic abuse perpetrators, the research involved interviews with male perpetrators and female survivors.

Professor Alastair Hay elected Honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians

Alastair Hay, a GP and Professor of Primary Care at the Centre for Academic Primary Care, University of Bristol, has been elected Honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP).

£1.4m award to develop test for antibiotic resistant urinary tract infections

A team led by the University of Bristol has been awarded more than £1.4m to develop a point of care test for antibiotic resistant urinary tract infections from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).

Study shows how patient safety could be enhanced through blood test management

Researchers from the University of Bristol and the Primary Care Academic Collaborative (PACT) reviewed how GPs action and communicate blood test results and found significant differences and gaps in how blood test results are managed in primary care across the UK. A new study published in BMJ Open Quality asked GPs from PACT to review the results of 2,572 patients who had had blood tests in April 2021.

Society for Academic Primary Care Annual Scientific Meeting 2024 – Welcome to Bristol!

From 3-5 July, we will be welcoming over 400 delegates from the UK and internationally to Bristol for this year’s Society for Academic Primary Care (SAPC) Annual Scientific Meeting. SAPC is the leading organisation championing academic primary care in the UK.

Festchrift for Professor Chris Salisbury

This week we celebrated the distinguished career of our esteemed colleague, Chris Salisbury, Professor of Primary Health Care at the Centre for Academic Primary Care (CAPC) and National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Senior Investigator, who will be retiring at the end of the month.

Professor Gene Feder elected to the Academy of Medical Sciences Fellowship

Professor Gene Feder OBE, Professor of Primary Care at the Centre for Academic Primary Care, University of Bristol, has been elected to the Academy of Medical Sciences’ respected and influential Fellowship. He joins 58 biomedical and health scientists selected for their exceptional contributions to the advancement of medical science.

Cash incentives drive weight loss in men

The Game of Stones research study offered men £400 for losing weight.

RAPID-Test trial completes recruitment early

A major clinical trial investigating whether GP use of rapid diagnostic tests for respiratory (chest) infections can reduce same-day antibiotic prescribing in primary care has completed recruitment early.

Call for submissions to Turning the Tide exhibition

As part of the programme for this year’s Society for Academic Primary Care Annual Scientific Meeting (SAPC ASM), which we are hosting in Bristol on 3-5 July, we are inviting submissions for an art exhibition on the theme of water and health. Successful submissions will be displayed at the conference and online. There will be prizes of £150 for outstanding entries. Anyone is welcome to make a submission, including delegates to the conference.

CHICO intervention helps GPs decide whether to prescribe antibiotics for children with respiratory infections

Clinicians have found the ‘CHIldren with acute COugh’ (CHICO) intervention valuable in supporting decision-making around antibiotic prescribing and facilitating discussions with carers about concerns and treatment options, according to University of Bristol led research published in the British Journal of General Practice.

New Centre for Applied Excellence in Skin and Allergy Research

The University of Bristol is home to a new Centre for Applied Excellence in Skin and Allergy Research (CAESAR), which has been established to improve the diagnosis and treatment of common skin and allergy problems in primary care.

Exploring health inequalities in primary care: ethnicity, antibiotics and respiratory health

First-year University of Bristol PhD student, Anna Pathmanathan, is exploring respiratory health outcomes and antibiotic prescribing trends among different ethnicities. She shared information about her project during one of the People in Health West of England’s researcher coffee catch-ups.

Exploring knowledge sharing approaches in NIHR research: a systematic review

Evidence on the effectiveness of knowledge sharing techniques and approaches in National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) funded research could be improved, according to a newly published systematic review, which was supported by the NIHR Dissemination and Knowledge Mobilisation team.

Registration open for the Society for Academic Primary Care Annual Scientific Meeting 2024

You can now register for this year’s Society for Academic Primary Care Annual Scientific Meeting (SAPC ASM) , which is being held at the University of Bristol on 3-5 July.

Call to reduce repeat ‘within-episode’ antibiotic prescriptions for respiratory tract infections in primary care

A new study exploring the use of repeat antibiotic prescriptions for the same respiratory tract infection (RTI) episode – known as repeat ‘within-episode’ prescriptions – in primary care has found high rates of their use in England, despite evidence that they are of little benefit. The study authors, from the Universities of Bristol and Bath, King’s College London, and University Medical Center Utrecht, are calling for a reduction in their use and to make them a target for antimicrobial stewardship interventions.

Improving access to healthcare for and with people with multiple disadvantage

General practice teams changed their services to better include patients with severe and multiple disadvantage (SMD) after facilitated collaboration with people with lived experience according to a paper published in the British Journal of General Practice. Implementing these changes brought joy and satisfaction to general practice staff and increased connections with patients and community organisations.

New cancer and domestic abuse toolkit launched

A new toolkit to support cancer professionals to identify and respond to signs of domestic abuse in patients with cancer and their carers is being launched today [26 March]. The toolkit has been developed in partnership with the University of Bristol, Standing Together Against Domestic Abuse, and Macmillan Cancer Support.

£2.2M for clinical trial to improve general practice response to men and children affected by domestic abuse

A new clinical trial of a general practice programme to improve the identification and referral of men and children affected by domestic abuse begins in May thanks to a £2.2 million National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) award to University of Bristol researchers, in partnership with Oxford University and the social enterprise IRISi.

Applications open for NIHR School for Primary Care Research post-doctoral fellowships

Applications are open for The National Institute for Health and Care Research School for Primary Care Research (NIHR SPCR) post-doctoral fellowships  to start in October 2024.  

NIHR School for Primary Care Research PhD studentship

Applications are invited from individuals with a strong academic record who want to develop a career in primary care research and are able to start a PhD September 2024. Applicants should have a first degree relevant to primary care research.

Applications open for NIHR School for Primary Care Research-funded summer internships 2024

We have two exciting summer internship opportunities for UK undergraduates who are interested in primary care research. These are a fantastic opportunity to get hands-on experience conducting primary care research with experts in the field.

Sharing prescription medications is common and a public health concern

Sharing prescription medications is common and a public health concern, according to researchers at the Universities of Bristol and Sheffield, whose study investigating the behaviour was published in the British Journal of General Practice (BJGP) today [20 February].

National partnership to tackle health inequalities in coastal communities awarded £2.4 million

Blackpool, Weston-super-Mare and Hastings are focus areas under the scheme.

‘Loneliness loop’ risks trapping young people in repeating cycle of abuse

A detailed study of intimate partner violence and abuse (IPVA) among young people in the UK has found that a ‘loneliness loop’ risks trapping young people in a repeating cycle of abuse. The University of Bristol-led research, which analysed survey data from 3,000 young people, recommends early intervention to prevent young people from experiencing IPVA.

IRIS+ programme extends the health care response to domestic abuse

Expanding the IRIS (Identification and Referral to Improve Safety) domestic abuse programme to include men and children and young people is both feasible and potentially cost-effective, University of Bristol researchers have found.

NIHR SPCR Primary Care Clinicians Career Progression Fellowships

Applications for these part-time awards are invited from primary care clinicians with a strong academic record and a commitment to a career in academic primary care.

Final call for Abstracts for SAPC ASM 2024

Updated 13 February 2024: Final call for abstracts for the Society for Academic Primary Care Annual Scientific Meeting (SAPC ASM) 2024. Deadline: 19 February 2024.

Patients face uncertainty during diagnostic process for coeliac disease

Patients experience uncertainty when following the traditional diagnostic pathway for coeliac disease, according to a study published in the British Journal of General Practice (BJGP).

International acclaim for tobacco-themed drama inspired by University of Bristol research

A four-part audio-drama, Tobias and Syd, launched earlier this year and inspired by University of Bristol and Durham University research, is currently ranked second in the Audio Fiction World Cup and is the top UK podcast.

Germ Defence study shows how an intervention can be rolled out rapidly during a pandemic

A newly published randomised controlled trial (RCT) used an innovative trial design to rapidly roll out a behavioural intervention aimed at reducing infections during the COVID-19 pandemic. Though the trial’s results, published in Implementation Science, found the Germ Defence website did not appear to reduce infections during the pandemic, they do show how trusted research environments (TREs) can be used to evaluate new treatments safely and quickly.

RCGP Fellowship awards for CAPC researchers

The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) has awarded Fellowships to three Centre for Academic Primary Care (CAPC) researchers: Professor Katrina Turner, Dr Jessica Watson and Dr Ciaran Conway.

New treatment intervention for male urinary problems shown to reduce symptoms

A new intervention for men with urinary problems trialled across GP practices has shown a sustained reduction in symptoms. Findings from the University of Bristol-led Treating Urinary Symptoms in Men in Primary Healthcare (TRIUMPH) study, involving over 1,000 participants and 30 GP practices, have been published in the BMJ. The study was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).

Professor Matthew Ridd awarded transformative NIHR award

Six outstanding researchers have been awarded National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Research Professorships, including Professor Matthew Ridd from the Centre for Academic Primary Care, University of Bristol. They will carry out research which aims to positively impact people across the UK.

Trauma-informed approaches in healthcare: piecemeal implementation needs UK-wide leadership, strategy and evidence

The implementation of trauma-informed approaches in UK healthcare requires policy commitment, leadership support and a solid evidence base.

RCGP Research Paper of the Year Award for Bristol-led childhood eczema study

University of Bristol-led research comparing the effectiveness and safety of different types of moisturiser for childhood eczema has won the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) Research Paper of the Year (RPY) Award 2022.

Amitriptyline helps relieve IBS symptoms

A cheap and widely available prescription drug can improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in patients seen in GP surgeries, new research presented today at United European Gastroenterology (UEG) Week 2023 has found.

Experiences of support for domestic abuse in UK general practice during the COVID-19 pandemic

The experiences of patients who sought help in general practice for domestic violence and abuse (DVA) during the COVID-19 pandemic have been revealed in a study by researchers at the Centre for Academic Primary Care, University of Bristol.

Applications open for NIHR School for Primary Care Research post-doctoral fellowships

The National Institute for Health Research School for Primary Care Research (NIHR SPCR) has launched its call for post-doctoral fellowships (previously known as launching fellowships) to start around April 2024.  

COVID-19 bereavement research shortlisted for prestigious impact award

A joint University of Bristol and Cardiff University study investigating experiences of end-of-life care and grief during the COVID-19 pandemic has been shortlisted by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) for the prestigious ‘Celebrating Impact Prize 2023’.

NHS resources saved following GP practice changes based on inflammatory marker testing research

Research into inflammatory marker testing has led to a reduction and rationalisation in their use by GPs in both Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG) and the South West Peninsula. In BNSSG alone, data suggests the research saved the local NHS nearly £115,000 and GPs more than 600 hours a year. Further savings will have come from avoiding follow-on appointments for thousands of false positives.

Few eligible patients get access to publicly funded weight management programmes in England

Primary care data on more than 1.8 million adults with overweight or obesity found that only about 3 percent were referred to weight management interventions.

Covid-19 grief disorder rates ‘higher than expected’

New research finds higher than expected rates of Prolonged Grief Disorder among the pandemic bereaved.

Bristol to host the Society for Academic Primary Care Annual Scientific Meeting (SAPC ASM) in 2024

The Society for Academic Primary Care’s Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) rotates around member institutions annually. The 2024 Conference will be hosted by the Centre for Academic Primary Care (CAPC) at the University of Bristol and will be held in the Wills Memorial Building on 3-5 July.

Patients more likely than GPs to raise ideas, concerns and expectations during consultations

Eliciting patients’ Ideas, Concerns, Expectations and whether their medical problem or associated treatment has an Effect on their daily activities (ICEE) is widely recommended in patient-centred consulting in primary care. A new study, led by researchers at the Centre for Academic Primary, University of Bristol and published in BJGP Open, has found that, while most GP consultations included at least one ICEE component (90.2%), most of these were raised by patients rather than GPs.

First-of-its-kind ‘Carry Naloxone’ app launches to help save lives

A new app to access naloxone, the life-saving medicine to prevent an opioid overdose, is launched in Somerset today on International Overdose Awareness Day [31 August]. The app, which is supported by University of Bristol research, is the first-of-its kind in England.

GPs at the Deep End Bristol network launch

GPs and academics at the University of Bristol have launched a new network to support GPs who work in the most deprived areas of Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG). The launch took place at an event at Engineers House in Bristol on 14 July.

Patients need better information on usefulness of blood tests finds new audit of UK primary care tests

An audit of blood tests in UK GP practices has found that 6.2% of test results led to a new diagnosis or confirmation of a diagnosis, and abnormal or borderline results were common with only around a quarter (26.6%) of patients having results in the normal range.

Bristol professor wins prestigious RCGP award

A University of Bristol Professor of Primary Health Care and an NIHR Senior Investigator has been awarded the George Abercrombie Award for his outstanding contributions to the literature of general practice.

Video captures the magic and meaning of Good Grief Weston – A Festival of Love and Loss

From 1 to 8 May 2023, Good Grief Weston filled the seaside town of Weston-super-Mare with over thirty workshops, performances and grassroot community activities which aimed to open up conversations around death and bereavement.

Tailoring co-production approaches for people who have experienced trauma: lessons learned from Bridging Gaps

Designing services with people who have experienced trauma can help make them more welcoming, accessible and supportive for those who might otherwise struggle to access healthcare, according to new research published in Health Expectations.

Major new research study to improve antibiotic prescribing for urinary tract infections in primary care

New research led by the University of Bristol aims to help GPs choose the best antibiotic for treating urinary tract infections (UTIs) and reducing antimicrobial resistance (AMR), thanks to a £3 million award by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).

Being upfront about public involvement in a primary care study – publishing a PPI protocol

The detailed plans for how patient and public involvement (PPI) will be embedded in a primary care study have been published in the journal Research Involvement and Engagement.

Testing the feasibility of a mindfulness intervention for women with post-traumatic stress disorder and a history of domestic abuse

Researchers from the Centre for Academic Primary Care at the University of Bristol supported by the NIHR Bristol Biomedical Research Centre have demonstrated that it is possible to conduct a full-size randomised controlled trial of a trauma-specific mindfulness course for women with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and a history of domestic abuse (DA).

More patients needed for study to stop long-term pain from shingles

Patients with newly diagnosed shingles are already taking part in the largest trial of its type in the world but even more patients are needed to help. The study, being run by the University of Bristol, wants to find out if the long-term pain caused by shingles that commonly persists after the rash has healed can be prevented.

Non-antibiotic oral treatment for acne proven to be effective

A study, led by Southampton University and involving researchers from the University of Bristol's Centre for Academic Primary Care, has shown that a cheap and readily available drug, used to treat high blood pressure, could help the thousands of women who suffer from persistent acne.

Evidence for trauma-informed organisational change programmes

Trauma-informed organisational change programmes may improve conditions for staff and patients in primary care and community mental healthcare, according to University of Bristol-led research published in Health & Social Care in the Community. Evidence was very limited and conflicting, but researchers found potential improvements to: staff readiness and sense of community, patient readiness for disease management and their access to services, staff and patient safety and some patient health outcomes.

Major study of food allergy in children with eczema launched

Parents of young children with eczema are being asked to consider taking part in a major new food allergy study run by researchers at the Universities of Bristol, Manchester, and Southampton.

Multi-faceted antibiotic stewardship intervention for children with respiratory tract infections liked by GPs but did not reduce overall antibiotic prescribing

A large randomised controlled clinical trial of a complex intervention aimed at reducing antibiotic prescribing for children with respiratory tract infections in primary care found that the intervention, liked by GPs, neither reduced overall antibiotic prescribing nor increased hospital admissions.

Bereavement researcher to attend Royal Garden Party

To celebrate The King and Queen Consort’s historic Coronation, Dr Lucy Selman will join a Garden Party held in the grounds of Buckingham Palace tomorrow [Tuesday 9 May]. A tradition dating back to Queen Victoria, the Royal Family’s annual summer Garden Parties came to be closely associated with the late Queen Elizabeth II during her 70-year-reign.

Good Grief Festival shortlisted for a Demystifying Death Award

Good Grief Festival, founded by Dr Lucy Selman, Associate Professor in Palliative and End of Life Care at the Centre for Academic Primary Care, University of Bristol, has been shortlisted for a Demystifying Death Award 2023. The Awards recognise pioneering work that shines a light on death, dying and bereavement.

Weston-super-Mare launches its first festival of love and loss

Good Grief Weston, Monday 1 to Monday 8 May 2023

Identifying and managing people with an at-risk mental state for psychosis

Clinical guidelines about providing early support to patients with an at-risk mental state for psychosis might not be being met, suggests research published in Early Intervention in Psychiatry. Researchers at the NIHR Bristol BRC and the Centre for Academic Primary Care at the University of Bristol identified high thresholds for accessing treatment and limited treatment availability as barriers to successful guideline implementation.

Primary Care Mental Health Research Conference comes to Bristol

We are delighted to be hosting the Primary Care Mental Health Research Conference in Bristol this year. This one day annual conference brings together researchers from academic primary care and mental health departments across the UK. This year, it will take place, in person, at Engineers’ House, Bristol, on 16 May.

Video recordings of ‘Boys at the Crossroads’ Conference now available

Video recordings of talks and workshops from the ‘Boys at the Crossroads’ Conference held in Bristol last October are now available to view online.

Chronic condition testing in primary care – your views needed

A group of doctors and researchers looking at which tests should be used for monitoring patients with long-term conditions want to hear the views of health professionals working in primary care. The conditions being studied are type 2 diabetes, hypertension and chronic kidney disease.

Good Grief Weston - a new festival about love and loss

A new festival that aims to open up conversations around death and bereavement will take place in May. Good Grief Weston will offer 30 workshops and events over eight days (Monday 1 to Monday 8 May) across more than 20 venues.

Applications open for NIHR School for Primary Care Research funded summer internships

We have two exciting summer internship opportunities for UK undergraduates from medicine, allied health professions or other disciplines who are interested in primary care research. These are a fantastic opportunity to get hands-on experience conducting primary care research with experts in the field.

Applications open for NIHR School for Primary Care Research PhD fellowship

Applications are invited from individuals with a strong academic record who want to develop a career in primary care research and can start a PhD in October 2023.

Applications open for NIHR School for Primary Care Research Primary Care Clinicians Career Progression Fellowships

Deadline: 1pm, 25 April 2023

Applications open for NIHR School for Primary Care Research post-doctoral fellowships

Deadline: 1pm, 25 April 2023

New study to improve referrals for patients with nerve swelling at the back of the eye

Guidelines to speed up the diagnosis and treatment of patients with nerve swelling at the back of the eye, known as papilloedema, are being developed by researchers at the University of Bristol.

New animation explains what trauma-informed healthcare is and the evidence for implementation in the UK

A new animation, co-produced by researchers at the University of Bristol, explains what a trauma-informed approach in healthcare is and how UK healthcare organisations can become trauma-informed to prevent re-traumatisation in services and improve experiences and outcomes for all.

We must learn from the group A Strep crisis, urges leading primary care academic

A GP and leading primary health care academic at the Centre for Academic Primary Care, University of Bristol has urged health leaders to review public messaging that contributed to health care pressures in the wake of an upsurge in group A Streptococcus infections in the UK this winter.

Dr Barbara Caddick one of 30 researchers selected to explore the power of digital

Dr Barbara Caddick, a Senior Research Associate at the Centre for Academic Primary Care, University of Bristol, is one of 30 researchers who have been selected to take part in the GW4 Alliance Crucible 2023 Programme.

New study will explore how general practices can become trauma-informed

A new University of Bristol led study, TAP CARE GP, will investigate the gaps, enablers and obstacles to implementing a trauma-informed approach to service provision in UK general practice.

New study to investigate the use of remote consultations for anxiety and depression

A new University of Bristol led study will investigate the benefits and challenges of remote consultations for patients with anxiety and depression in primary care.

Services must adopt anti-racist and holistic models of care to reduce ethnic inequalities in mental healthcare

The experiences of people from ethnic minority groups with NHS mental healthcare are being seriously undermined by failures to consider the everyday realities of people’s lives in services in the UK, reports a new study led by researchers at the University of Bristol and Keele University. The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) funded study is published in PLOS Medicine today [13 December].

Significant gaps and inequalities in the provision of specialist child weight management services in England, study finds

Over three quarters of acute NHS trusts in England (77%) do not have a child weight management service, despite being responsible for providing specialist services for the most severely obese, according to a study led by researchers at the University of Bristol and funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).

New trial to assess whether rapid tests reduce antibiotic prescribing for respiratory infections in primary care

A new randomised controlled clinical trial, led by the University of Bristol, will investigate whether rapid microbiological ‘point-of-care’ tests for respiratory infections could reduce antibiotic prescribing in primary care, thanks to funding of £1.6 million by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The tests, which are carried out in GP surgeries rather than sent to a laboratory, detect the presence of viruses and some bacteria, with results available on the same day.

Care home staff find the Recommended Summary Plan for Emergency Care and Treatment (ReSPECT) empowers residents

GPs and care home staff see the Recommended Summary Plan for Emergency Care and Treatment (ReSPECT) as positive and empowering for residents, according to an evaluation carried out by researchers at NIHR ARC West in collaboration with the Centre for Academic Primary Care, University of Bristol and West of England Academic Health Science Network (AHSN).

Researchers partner with local communities to tackle health inequalities across the UK

A new wave of research projects, including a consortium-building initiative led by the University of Bristol, has been announced to investigate the role of community assets such as parks, galleries and creative organisations in improving health outcomes.

Inequities in access to bereavement support in the UK persist, new research finds

New research has shown there continue to be inequities in access to bereavement support in the UK. In particular, even though minoritised ethnic communities were disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic overall, proportions of ethnically minoritised clients did not increase, according to bereavement services.

The unintended consequences of giving patients online access to their health records

Giving patients online access to their GP health records has unintended consequences that can limit its usefulness, an ARC West and University of Bristol Centre for Academic Primary Care (CAPC) study published in the British Journal of General Practice (BJGP) has shown.

Call for effective regulation of blood testing companies

Clinical academics at the University of Bristol have called for the effective regulation of private companies who sell blood tests directly to patients.

Applications for 2023 GP Academic Clinical Fellow posts now open

Closing date: 2 November 2022

Applications open for an NIHR School for Primary Care Research post-doctoral fellowship

Deadline: 27 October 2022

Findings from one of the largest consultations on UK bereavement support published

New findings from one of the largest ever consultations on bereavement support in the UK have been published today by the UK Commission on Bereavement (UKCB).  The research, which involved University of Bristol academics, shows around 750,000 excess bereavements occurred during the pandemic in the UK.

New study to investigate the impact of domestic abuse on healthcare professionals

Confidential online survey open

Good Grief Festival announces a new programme and the launch of its Grief Channel on YouTube

Since its launch in 2020, the virtual Good Grief Festival, founded by Dr Lucy Selman, Associate Professor in Palliative and End of Life Care at the Centre for Academic Primary Care, University of Bristol, has reached over 25,000 people. Speakers and participants have come from all walks of life, including academia, journalism, medicine, sport, politics and the arts, united in sharing their knowledge and experiences of grief.

Continuity of care associated with improved prescribing for patients at risk of heart disease

People at risk of heart disease are more likely to be prescribed relevant medications if they see the same GP over time (known as continuity of care) but not more likely to take their medications (known as adherence), according to researchers at the University of Bristol.

Adverse health outcomes associated with long-term antidepressant use

Regular review of treatment plans for patients on long-term antidepressants, recommend researchers

Looking after people with multiple long-term conditions in primary care - what needs to change?

Free webinar: Wednesday, 9 November 2022, 12-1pm, via Zoom

Trauma-informed health care in the UK needs top-down support and evidence-informed policy, strategy and commitment from the government and NHS

While a trauma-informed approach in health care is being endorsed in government and NHS policies, its implementation has been driven by trauma experts at the level of organisations and local authorities, finds a new study led by the University of Bristol’s TAP CARE Study team. A coordinated, evidence-informed government and NHS position statement, guidance, and explicit commitment are needed alongside UK evidence on the effectiveness and acceptability of trauma-informed approaches in health care.

Join us for the Research in Emergency Care, Avon Collaborative Hub (REACH) annual showcase

Online: 17 October 2022, 1:30-4:30pm

NIHR funds trial to evaluate the use of food allergy tests for eczema control

The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) is funding a definitive follow-on trial to TEST (Trial of Eczema allergy Screening Tests), which investigated the feasibility of evaluating the use of routine food allergy tests for the control of childhood eczema.

New guidance published to help researchers conduct more inclusive research

The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) INCLUDE project found that many groups in the UK are under-served by clinical trials. To help address this, Dr Shoba Dawson from the University of Bristol and Professor Shaun Treweek from the University of Aberdeen, in collaboration with colleagues in other UK and Irish universities (for a full list, see below), have produced guidance on recruiting and retaining people from ethnic minority groups in randomised clinical trials.

How can we end male violence? Bristol conference invites contributions from professionals working with boys and young men

Researchers from the University of Bristol, in partnership with Bristol Young Men’s Network, are inviting professionals working with boys and young men to contribute to a conference around masculinity, violence and mental health.

Poor communication of test results poses risk for patients

A lack of clear systems for communicating test results in primary care can lead to confusion, frustration and anxiety for patients and potential delays in diagnosis and treatment, according to research published in the British Journal of General Practice today [12 July 2022].

Dr Jessica Watson joint winner of the SAPC Doctoral prize 2022

Dr Jessica Watson, NIHR Clinical Lecturer in General Practice at the Centre for Academic Primary Care, is joint winner of this year’s Society for Academic Primary Care (SAPC) Doctoral prize.

Building community leadership in health research with under-served communities

A new project to build community leadership among communities that are often under-represented in health research has been given a £10k boost.

Hard Evidence goes on tour and secures evaluation funding

Hard Evidence, a performance piece about two women affected by domestic abuse, their journey of mutual support, newfound confidence, and the empowering effect of public involvement in research is going on tour in Bristol. It has also secured evaluation funding from the National Institute for Health and Care Research Bristol Biomedical Research Centre (NIHR Bristol BRC) Director’s Fund.

New project to evaluate how more trauma-informed support can be provided to people who experience multiple disadvantages

A newly funded project, led by the Centre for Academic Primary Care and NIHR ARC West, will evaluate how Changing Futures in Bristol can provide more trauma-informed support for people with multiple disadvantages.

Child sex abuse victims reveal barriers faced in new ‘Keeping Secrets’ report

Child sex abuse victims whose cases are going through the criminal justice process, are going through the trial alone or faced with on average a two and a half year wait to access pre-trial therapy, according to one of the findings from a new Home Office-funded report led by University of Bristol researchers.

Launching Common Ambition Bristol - working with African and Caribbean heritage communities to reduce HIV stigma and infections

A major community-powered project in Bristol is set to launch an outreach programme to address HIV stigma and increase testing among people of African and Caribbean heritage.

Professor Sarah Purdy awarded OBE in Queen's Birthday Honours

Professor Sarah Purdy is one of two University of Bristol academics to receive awards in the Queen's Birthday Honours list which recognises the outstanding achievements and service of people across the UK, in celebration of Her Majesty’s unprecedented 70 years of service.

Hospital database of serious injuries can be used to identify domestic violence and abuse, finds study

Domestic violence and abuse (DVA) could be identified in the future using an already established national database of serious injuries, according to new University of Bristol-led research. The pilot study, published in Injury Prevention [26 May], developed a method to identify DVA victim-survivors from hospital records.

The right moisturiser for children with eczema is the one that they like to use, study finds

The Best Emollients for Eczema trial has found that no one type of moisturiser is better than another. This study, the first in the world to directly compare different types of moisturisers, highlights the importance of patient education and choice when deciding which moisturisers to use for children with eczema. The results from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) funded study are published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health and British Journal of General Practice today [24 May].

New festival to support survivors of childhood sexual abuse

Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) affects half a million children and young people every year. In Bristol alone, it is estimated that 13,000 children and young people are currently living with experiences of sexual abuse. In the first event of its kind, University of Bristol researchers and The Green House, Bristol’s only specialist provider of therapeutic support, are collaborating to stage a Festival to support survivors. The Beyond Therapy Festival of Activism Against Child Sexual Abuse will be held on Thursday 19 May at the Watershed.

Inhaled antibiotics could help reduce antimicrobial resistance

Using inhaled antibiotics to treat lower respiratory tract infections could help reduce antimicrobial resistance, according to researchers from the University of Bristol and University of Bath.

Just three per cent of adults with a recording of overweight or obesity in primary care in England are referred to weight management programmes

New University of Bristol-led research presented at the European Congress on Obesity (ECO) in Maastricht, the Netherlands (4-7 May), has found that just three per cent of adults with a recording of overweight or obesity in England are referred to weight management programmes by their GP.

Children could find it easier to reach a healthier weight if their parents are addressing their own weight

New research presented at the European Congress on Obesity (ECO) in Maastricht, the Netherlands (4-7 May), has found that many parents attending commercial weight management programmes would be happy for their child, if overweight, to also receive support to reach a healthier weight.

Prescribing for anxiety has increased in those aged under 35

Researchers from the University of Bristol have found that there have been increases in incident prescribing of most anti-anxiety medications (called anxiolytics) in recent years, which have been substantial in young adults (aged under 25).

Applications open for NIHR School for Primary Care Research funded summer internships

We have two exciting summer 2022 internship opportunities for UK undergraduates from medicine, allied health professions or other disciplines who are interested in primary care research. These are a fantastic opportunity to get hands-on experience conducting primary care research with experts in the field.

Preventing long-term pain from shingles

Researchers from the University of Bristol are recruiting patients with newly diagnosed shingles into a new study, to see if they can prevent the long-term pain which commonly persists after the rash has healed.

New research project aims to change how people talk about death and grief, thanks to National Lottery funding

Grief effects everyone but is still very much a taboo subject in the UK. A new research project - Good Grief Connects - led by the University of Bristol aims to change society’s attitude towards grief, death and dying thanks to funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest funder of community activity in the UK.

More research needed to understand the usefulness of mistletoe as a complementary therapy for cancer patients

Researchers at the University of Bristol’s Centre for Academic Primary Care have conducted a systematic review of the evidence for the use of herbal mistletoe as a complementary therapy. They found gaps, biases and weaknesses in the research but concluded that further research for its use in cancer patients is warranted.

Barnardo’s urges men to seek help to prevent domestic abuse this Christmas

Domestic abuse is expected to rise over Christmas and New Year, but men who worry the holiday season could trigger them to be abusive at home can now find help. Barnardo's, who are partners on the REPROVIDE study, are offering men a 23-week support programme designed to change abusive behaviour and make families happier, safer places.

Online consultations can disadvantage some patients and create more work for GP practices

Online GP consultations have unintended consequences that may put some patients at a disadvantage and create additional work for GP practice staff, a National Institute for Health Research (NIHR)-funded study at the University of Bristol has shown. The DECODE study, published in the British Journal of General Practice, examined the use of online consultations in primary care to improve how they will be used in the future.

Webinar: Good Grief: Co-creating a public engagement festival

Wednesday, 26 January 2022, 12:00-13:00, via Zoom

Guidelines may promote over-diagnosis of cow’s milk allergy in infants

International guidelines developed to help doctors diagnose cow’s milk allergy may lead to over-diagnosis, according to University of Bristol-led research published in the journal Clinical and Experimental Allergy today [8 December]. The study found that three-quarters of infants have two or more symptoms at some point in the first year of life which guidelines say may be caused by cow’s milk allergy, yet the condition only affects one in 100.

New project to examine blood tests in primary care

A new project will investigate why blood tests are requested in primary care and how the results are managed. The project, Why Test?, is a collaboration between the Centre for Academic Primary Care, University of Bristol, the Primary Care Academic Collaborative (PACT) and NIHR ARC West.

Pharmacies could play a crucial role in supporting victims of domestic and sexual abuse

Pharmacies could play a crucial role in identifying and referring victims of domestic and sexual violence and abuse to specialist services but need ongoing training, support and adequate funding to do so, according to researchers from the Centre for Academic Primary Care, University of Bristol and National Institute for Health Research Applied Research Collaboration West (NIHR ARC West).

Parent-collected nose swabs are as good as nurse-collected nose swabs at detecting respiratory infections in children

Nose swab samples collected by parents are as good as those collected by nurses at detecting respiratory infections in children, according to a study by researchers at the University of Bristol published in the journal Microbiology Spectrum today [10 November].

Hard Evidence: Raising awareness of domestic abuse and financial control

Next week (9 and 12 November) sees the premiere of a new theatre piece written by two women with experience of domestic abuse, supported by Ingrid Jones from acta community theatre in Bristol. The performance is a collaboration with researchers from the National Institute for Health Research Bristol Biomedical Research Centre (NIHR Bristol BRC) and the Centre for Academic Primary Care at the University of Bristol.

Can portable air filters prevent respiratory infections and COVID-19 in care homes?

A major new randomised controlled trial will investigate the effectiveness of air filtration systems in preventing respiratory infections (such as coughs, colds and flu) and COVID-19 among care home residents in England. The AFRI-c (Air Filters to Prevent Respiratory Infections including COVID-19 in Care Homes) study, which received funding from the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), is led by researchers at the University of Bristol.

Call for abstracts: Sexual Violence and Health Research Day

The research day will be held on 29 November 2021, 9.30-4.30, in person at Engineer's House, Bristol BS8 3NB.

Region’s top football clubs back new #ChangeChampions domestic abuse campaign

Bristol Rovers, Bath City FC and Newport’s County In The Community, three of the region’s leading football clubs and charitable organisations, are teaming up with University of Bristol researchers to back #ChangeChampions — a new domestic abuse campaign aimed at supporting men who want to change their behaviour in relationships with women.

Study that demonstrated the effectiveness of the IRIS domestic violence and abuse programme wins RCGP Research Paper of the Year award

A study that demonstrated the ‘real world’ effectiveness (outside a clinical trial) of IRIS, a specialist domestic violence and abuse training, support and referral programme for general practice teams, has won the 2020 Royal College of General Practitioners’ Research Paper of the Year award.

CAPC co-authored paper wins RCGP Paper of the Year award in the Medical Education category

Professor Trevor Thompson, Head of Primary Care Teaching at the Centre for Academic Primary (CAPC) Care, Bristol Medical School, is co-author of the winning paper in the Royal College of General Practitioners’ 2020 Paper of the Year Medical Education category.

Staying on long-term antidepressants reduces risk of relapse

When people stop taking antidepressants after a long period of use, just over half (56 per cent) experience a relapse within a year, compared to 39 per cent of those who stay on medication, finds a new study led by UCL and involving researchers from the universities of Bristol, Southampton, York and McMaster University in Canada.

Largest trial of antibiotic amoxicillin for treating chest infections in children finds little effect

The largest randomised placebo-controlled trial of the antibiotic amoxicillin for treating chest infections in children, one of the most common acute illnesses treated in primary care in developed countries, has found it is little more effective at relieving symptoms than the use of no medication. The study, published in The Lancet, was led by researchers from the University of Southampton and supported by centres at the Universities of Bristol, Oxford and Cardiff.

Dr Natalia Lewis awarded research fellowship by the NIHR School for Primary Care Research

Dr Natalia Lewis has been awarded a National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) School for Primary Care Research (SPCR) post-doctoral fellowship of £145K. Natalia is a Research Fellow in the Centre for Academic Primary Care, University of Bristol and part of the influential Domestic and Sexual Violence and Abuse and Health group led by Professor Gene Feder.

Ruby Wax to headline Good Grief Festival

Good Grief Festival returns this October 30th and 31st with a packed programme of 30 free events. The ‘virtual festival of love and loss’ explores the universal human experience of grief through panel discussions, conversations and workshops. The festival that started just one year ago has already attracted over 20,000 people to its events.

Invitation to join the Research in Emergency Care Avon Collaborative Hub (REACH) first anniversary showcase and future focus event

The event is online on Monday 18 October 2021, from 1-4pm. It's open to anyone interested in hearing about REACH or contributing to the future of urgent and emergency care research.

New research shows impact of grief during the pandemic as two thirds of bereaved people report experiencing social isolation and loneliness

New research has highlighted the experiences of those who were bereaved during the pandemic and found that two thirds (67%) experienced social isolation and loneliness, with bereaved partners and people bereaved due to Covid-19 at particular risk of social isolation and loneliness. Those bereaved due to Covid-19 were also less likely to be involved in care decisions and be well supported by healthcare professionals after the death of their loved one.

Introducing Hard Evidence: a performance piece about survivors of domestic abuse and public involvement in research

Hard Evidence, a new theatre production developed in collaboration with acta, shines light on how getting involved with research empowered women who have experienced domestic abuse to support others.

Personalising care for people with multiple health needs - invitation to study launch

GP practices working in areas of deprivation in Bristol are warmly invited to a webinar to launch the MaPP Study (MaxWELL in Pilot Practices) on 12 October 2021 from 18:30 to 19.30.

How did GPs manage face-to-face appointments during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic?

General practices creatively and rapidly adjusted the way they operate during the COVID-19 pandemic to continue face-to-face contact for patients who needed it most, research by the Centre for Academic Primary Care and NIHR ARC West at the University of Bristol has shown.

Gap between what is said and what is documented in GP consultations could have medico-legal implications

GPs frequently do not document spoken safety-netting advice – advice given to patients about what to do if symptoms change or worsen – according to researchers from the University of Bristol’s Centre for Academic Primary Care. This could lead to higher medico-legal risk in the event of an untoward incident, they warn.

New study to investigate if amitriptyline can prevent shingles pain

A new study called ATHENA will find out if a medicine called amitriptyline can prevent pain after shingles.

Is remote consulting compatible with personalised care or does something have to give?

Personalised care, which aims to give people more say in their healthcare, and Digital First Primary Care, a move towards remote consulting, are both important NHS England policies, but they can be in tension. A new report aims to explore this tension and understand how remote consulting could be best set up to support personalised care. The report was commissioned by the NHS Personalised Care Institute and was conducted by researchers from the National Institute for Health Research Applied Research Collaboration West (NIHR ARC West) and the Centre for Academic Primary Care (CAPC) at the University of Bristol.

GP consultation peer review may help reduce unnecessary variation in how patients are treated

Continuous, risk-based peer review of out-of-hours GP consultations may help identify and reduce unnecessary variation in how patients with the same problems are treated, a new study published in the British Journal of General Practice (BJGP) has found.

University of Bristol showcases high impact domestic violence and abuse research

The University of Bristol has featured the work of the Domestic Violence and Health Research Group at the Centre for Academic Primary Care on its new multimedia platform showcasing research that has had significant social impact.

Exploring trends in recording anxiety symptoms in UK primary care

The way GPs record anxiety in patient records could be leading to a reduction in formal anxiety diagnoses, new research from the University of Bristol has found. Anxiety disorders are common in the UK, with the level of anxiety symptoms being recorded by GPs increasing between 1998 and 2008. However, studies have shown that the recording of anxiety disorders decreased in the same period.

Major new research consortium on violence, health and society announced

Funded with a £7 million UKPRP grant, the five-year data analysis project aims to reduce harms caused by violence.

£3.6M funding for research into the link between physical and mental health problems

A research team led by the MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics (MRC CNGG) at Cardiff University and involving researchers from the University of Bristol has received significant funding for an international collaborative project.

Applications open for NIHR School for Primary Care Research funded summer internships

We have three exciting 4-week internship opportunities for UK undergraduates from medicine or other disciplines who are interested in primary care research this summer. These are a fantastic opportunity to get hands-on experience conducting primary care research with experts in the field.

Applications open for an NIHR School for Primary Care Research PhD Fellowship

We welcome applications for this year's National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) School for Primary Care Research funded PhD Fellowship here at the Centre for Academic Primary Care, University of Bristol.

Can you help us? New video explains how patients and public can help shape our research

Primary care is the first port of call when we have a health problem or concern. It includes GPs, pharmacists, dentists and opticians. At the Centre for Academic Primary Care, University of Bristol, we want to make primary care better for everyone through our research. To do this we need members of the public to help us shape our research. We’ve launched a new animated video that explains what primary care is and how you can get involved.

New guidance published to help GPs interpret Lateral Flow Device test results

New guidance for GPs and other health professionals on how to interpret and communicate results from Lateral Flow Device (LFDs) tests based on the current understanding of the tests’ performance is published in the BMJ. Researchers from the Universities of Bristol, Cambridge, and Trinity College Dublin have devised a calculator which aims to help doctors, who are increasingly asked by patients what they should do after receiving their results, to better advise patients on what their LFD test result means.

Friends and family found creative ways to support women experiencing domestic abuse during COVID-19

In usual times, women experiencing domestic abuse reach out to those around them for support, but the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated social restrictions have made this more difficult to do. New research has found friends, family, neighbours and colleagues (informal supporters) used creative ways to keep in touch with and continue offering support to domestic abuse survivors.

Major £2.8 million UKRI research programme to explore mental health outcomes for care-experienced young people

A significant new research programme will investigate factors linked to the mental health and wellbeing of care-experienced young people during two transition periods: moving from primary to secondary school and moving from adolescence into adulthood.

New research shows UK faces post-pandemic bereavement crisis and lasting legacy of grief

New research has highlighted the difficulties and distress people experienced when trying to get support after the death of a loved one during the pandemic, with more than half of people (51%) experiencing high or severe vulnerability in their grief and those seeking support facing long waiting lists or being told they are ineligible.

Study launched to investigate whether paramedics can ease GP workload

The READY study, launched today, will evaluate how paramedics support GPs and whether they can help reduce GP workloads.

‘Game of Stones’ study to help men lose weight

Researchers at the University of Bristol are looking for men to take part in a National Institute for Health Research funded study that uses text messages to help men lose weight and keep it off.

Patient reporting of possible cancer symptoms to GPs fell during first wave of pandemic

The number of patients aged over 50 reporting possible cancer symptoms to their GPs fell during the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, a study at the University of Bristol has found. The reduction in reporting was most pronounced for common symptoms, which rarely indicate cancer. It was also significant for ‘alarm’ symptoms, which are more likely to indicate cancer in older age groups, though most of the time they don’t.

Dr Shoba Dawson wins RCGP/SAPC Outstanding Early Career Researcher Award

Dr Shoba Dawson, a Senior Research Associate at the Centre for Academic Primary Care, has won a Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP)/Society for Academic Primary Care (SAPC) Outstanding Early Career Researcher Award.

Considerable gap in evidence around whether portable air filters reduce the incidence of COVID-19 and other respiratory infections

There is an important absence of evidence regarding the effectiveness of a potentially cost-efficient intervention to prevent indoor transmission of respiratory infections, including COVID-19, warns a study by researchers at the University of Bristol.

New antimicrobial stewardship out of hours e-learning programme

Health Education England e-Learning for Healthcare (HEE e-LfH) in partnership with the Centre for Academic Primary Care at the University of Bristol, University of Southampton, University of Oxford, and University College London are delighted to launch a new antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) out of hours e-learning programme.

Refreshed NIHR School for Primary Care Research to strengthen whole primary care research sector

The NIHR has announced the fourth phase of the School for Primary Care Research (SPCR), with a refreshed membership and a new focus on supporting the full spectrum of primary care research and building research capacity. The Centre for Academic Primary Care at the University of Bristol has been confirmed as one of the nine member institutions.

Domestic abuse increased globally during pandemic, say researchers

Incidence of domestic abuse may have doubled in some countries during the COVID-19 pandemic, suggests a British Medical Journal (BMJ) editorial by Prof Gene Feder from the University of Bristol, colleagues in Brazil and Nepal, and the CEO of IRISi, a social enterprise in the UK domestic violence sector. The editorial highlights the need for improved access to support services and ‘safe spaces’ due to the global rise in calls to domestic abuse hotlines and in police incident reports.

Germ Defence rolled out through GP practices across England to help reduce household COVID-19 infections

Even though COVID-19 vaccines are being rolled out, it is still important to try to reduce the spread of infection in the home. During restrictions, infections are most likely to be transmitted in households. Research has shown people who follow the advice from the Germ Defence website are less likely to catch flu or other viruses and less likely to pass it on to members of their household.

Rap artist, comedians and children’s author announced to take part in Good Grief Festival

Children's author Michael Rosen, rap artist Guvna B, and comedians James Acaster, Seann Walsh and Ed Gamble are just some of the speakers and artists who will take part in this month's Good Grief Festival [Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 March].

Rapid point-of-care test for respiratory infections liked by GPs and may reduce antibiotic prescribing

A rapid microbiological point-of-care test to diagnose respiratory infections has proved popular with GPs and could reduce antibiotic prescribing in primary care, according to a National Institute for Health Research funded study by researchers at the Centre for Academic Primary Care and NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation, University of Bristol.

Professor John Macleod awarded NIHR Senior Investigator status

Professor John Macleod, joint Head of the Centre for Academic Primary Care at the University of Bristol and Director of the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) West, is one of 31 academics in the UK to be awarded Senior Investigator status by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) in 2021.

PACT research collaborative announces winning grassroots project idea in RCGP Dragons’ Den

Marta Lewandowska, a deputy practice manager from Leicester delivered the winning pitch in the Primary Care Academic Collaborative (PACT) Dragons’ Den at the Royal College of General Practitioners’ (RCGP) ‘Fresh Approach to General Practice’ conference in February.

Embed Germ Defence behaviours at home to reduce virus spread now and in the future

As COVID-19 vaccines are rolled out, and a roadmap for unlocking Britain is announced, new research which looked at data from over 28,000 users of the website 'Germ Defence' since May 2020 highlights the continued, critical importance of breaking chains of virus transmission within our homes.

Researchers to explore the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on domestic abuse referrals in primary care

A new study, led by researchers at the University of Bristol’s Centre for Academic Primary Care in collaboration with colleagues in Queen Mary University of London, UCL, University of Oxford and IRISi will explore whether and how GP referrals to domestic abuse services have changed during the coronavirus pandemic.

Bristol researchers to collaborate on national study to understand long COVID

What is long COVID and how can diagnosis be improved? Using data from electronic health records at a national scale alongside information from thousands of participants in the UK's population-based cohort studies, these and other questions will be tackled following today's [18 February] announcement of a nationwide long COVID study led by University College London (UCL). The study will include Bristol’s Children of the 90s health study, based at the University of Bristol.

Good Grief Festival marks one year since first COVID-19 lockdown

Good Grief Festival - a virtual festival exploring the many faces of grief - will return to our screens next month [Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 March]. The festival has a programme of over 70 speakers and 50 free online events to help the many thousands of people in the UK and across the world who are grieving.

The IRIS ADViSE programme launch: Assessing for domestic violence and abuse in sexual health services

The Centre for Academic Primary Care in partnership with NIHR ARC West and IRISi are launching IRIS ADViSE programme and commissioning prospectus (PDF) on 24 March 2021 at a webinar at 10-11am. IRIS ADViSE (Assessing for Domestic Violence and Abuse in Sexual Health Environments) is an initiative that supports sexual health staff to identify and respond to patients affected by domestic violence and abuse (DVA), helping to refer them on to specialist services.

How GPs coped with the rapid shift to remote consultations to reduce the risk of COVID-19

One of the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the rapid move to telephone, video and online GP consultations. In a National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) funded study, researchers from the Centre for Academic Primary Care at the University of Bristol and NIHR ARC West found that while the rapid shift to remote GP consulting was successful and maintained a focus on vulnerable patients, it was driven by necessity and may have risks.

GPs need training to spot patients at risk of psychosis

GPs are in a good position to identify patients who are at risk of developing psychosis. However, it is not always easy for them to do so. In a recent study of the possible barriers, researchers at the University of Bristol’s Centre for Academic Primary Care and Centre for Academic Mental Health found that not all GPs were familiar with the concept of being ‘at risk of developing psychosis’ and some felt they would benefit from further training in identifying patients who might fall into this group.

New way to measure complexity in primary care

Many GPs believe that their consultations are increasingly complex and demanding, thanks to changes in the population and greater expectations of what GPs should do within a 10-minute consultation. Researchers at the University of Bristol’s Centre for Academic Primary Care and the University of Oxford have developed and validated a new measure of complexity in primary care, which could help with allocating resources based on the practice population’s level of need.

DUSSK study reveals the challenges of designing a tailored drug treatment service for street sex workers

Street sex workers may require trauma treatment in combination with specialised drug treatment groups, a Bristol study has suggested. Trauma treatment is not usually readily available to sex workers, but the feasibility of offering this as part of a drug treatment service designed specifically for them was tested in the University of Bristol and NIHR ARC West’s DUSSK study.

Major project to reduce HIV infections and stigma in the African and Caribbean communities of Bristol officially launches

A major new project is inviting people to its virtual launch event, to find out more about how it will be working with people of African and Caribbean heritage to tackle HIV infections and stigma in these communities in Bristol and the surrounding area.

Health experts define what’s 'normal’ for children with respiratory infections

Respiratory infections in children are common and often result in a trip to the GP. Researchers from the University of Bristol’s Centre for Academic Primary Care and the Universities of York, Manchester and Oxford have developed a symptoms-based guide for clinicians that could in future help parents decide when to home care and when to seek medical help.

Nurse-led telephone management could help support patients with chlamydia and gonorrhoea diagnosed in primary care

Nurse-led telephone management of patients with chlamydia and gonorrhoea could provide a better service for patients and reduce GP workloads, according to a study by researchers at the University of Bristol and NIHR ARC West published in BMC Family Practice.

Don't let guard down on germ defence at home for Christmas, urge researchers

Behavioural psychologists behind the app Germ Defence are reminding people of the simple things we can do at home to help reduce infection spread at Christmas.

Increased risk of domestic violence over Christmas

Domestic violence and health experts from the University of Bristol are urging men in Bristol, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset, Somerset, Wiltshire and Gwent (South Wales) to get in touch if they are worried about being abusive or controlling in their relationships with women.

60 events from Good Grief Festival now available to watch on demand

In a year that has seen a national outpouring of grief, Good Grief Festival took place online in October, with 12,000 people tuning in to 60 events over three days. Funded by the Wellcome Trust, and supported by the University of Bristol and Cruse Bereavement Care, the festival’s aim was to help people to better understand grief and loss, and engage with research and scholarship in this area, through a diverse programme of talks, webinars and workshops.

Opportunity for young men to share their experiences of domestic violence

Young men’s voices in research about domestic violence are not often heard. Researchers at the Universities of Bristol and Lancaster would like to speak to young men aged between 18 and 25, in confidence, about their experiences of domestic violence when growing up and/or about violence they may have experienced or instigated in their own intimate partner relationships.

Interim study report highlights exceptional challenges of bereavement during the coronavirus pandemic

Urgent call for more bereaved men and people from ethnic minority backgrounds to take part in the study and share their experiences

Like, follow and share - the REPROVIDE study is now on Facebook and Twitter

The REPROVIDE study is testing a group intervention to help men who are violent or abusive in their relationships with women. We are looking for the support of agencies who work with families affected by domestic violence to refer men who are willing to participate in the study.

Spread Germ Defence, not the virus!

With Covid-19 infections still high and people preparing for Christmas gatherings, it is vitally important to try to reduce the spread of infection in people’s homes as this is where infections are now most likely to be transmitted. Research suggests people who follow the advice from Germ Defence are less likely to catch flu or other viruses and less likely to pass it on to members of their household.

Rapid point-of-care testing during and after COVID-19 – how widely should it be used?

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, the point-of-care testing industry was investing millions of pounds to develop rapid tests to tell us the cause of respiratory infections. The pandemic has accelerated this process. In an editorial published in the British Journal of General Practice today [17 November], researchers from the University of Bristol’s Centre for Academic Primary Care ask if we know enough about these tests to merit their widespread use in primary care.

Researchers to develop a new online approach to cognitive behavioural therapy for depression

A major new clinical trial led by researchers at the University of Bristol’s Centre for Academic Primary Care and Centre for Academic Mental Health will develop and evaluate a new way of delivering Cognitive Behavioural therapy (CBT) for patients with depression.

Combined intimate partner violence that includes sexual violence is common and more damaging

Women who experience sexual violence combined with other forms of intimate partner violence suffer greater damage to their health and are much more likely to attempt suicide, according to a study led by researchers at the University of Bristol’s Centre for Academic Primary Care published in the International Journal of Epidemiology today [12 November 2020].

Costs to informal carers for people in the last three months of life are larger than those to formal care services

Findings from new research into the efforts and costs of informal palliative care across UK, Ireland and USA.

Major new project secures nearly £500K in funding to tackle HIV inequalities in the African and Caribbean communities of Bristol

A major three-year-project is to launch in Bristol to work with people of African and Caribbean heritage to increase HIV testing and awareness and reduce the stigma of the virus.

Call for primary health care professionals to pitch new research ideas

PACT - the Primary Care Academic Collaborative - is running its first national call for a grassroots research project this Autumn, culminating in a Dragon's Den at the 2021 Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) conference.

Good Grief Festival – health professionals invited to take part

CPD credits available through the Federation of the Royal College of Physicians

New emergency care research hub for Bristol launched

The University of Bristol and UWE Bristol have joined forces with health care partners in the city to set up a collaborative research hub to improve the delivery of emergency care in Bristol and the surrounding area. The new hub, Research in Emergency Care, Avon Collaborative Hub (REACH), was launched on Friday, 9 October.

RAPCI study final report reveals how general practice has coped with COVID-19

The final report from a study that monitored changes in general practice during the first few months of the coronavirus pandemic reveals how staff have coped and how consultations with patients have changed. The report, by researchers from the Centre for Academic Primary Care at the University of Bristol and NIHR ARC West, analysed data gathered between April and July 2020.

Applications for 2021 GP Academic Clinical Fellow posts now open

The Centre for Academic Primary Care has a successful GP Academic Clinical Fellow (ACF) training programme. Two or three posts are funded by both National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and Severn Postgraduate Medical Education (Severn PGME) each year. Applications are now open for ACF posts commencing in August 2021.

Good Grief Festival - Over 100 speakers and 70 events announced

A free online festival exploring the many faces of grief will take place for the first time this October (30th to November 1st), reaching thousands of people all over the UK. Broadcast from a studio in Bristol, Good Grief will include 70 events exploring the universal human experience of grief through panel discussions, conversations, interactive workshops and webinars.

New study to review and evaluate the use of blood tests in primary care

Researchers from the Centre for Academic Primary Care at the University of Bristol and NIHR ARC West have been awarded £1.2 million by the National Institute for Health Research to review and evaluate the use of blood tests in primary care.

Good Grief - A virtual festival of love and loss

A new free online festival exploring the many faces of grief will launch in Bristol from 30 October to 1 November, reaching thousands of people all over the UK. Broadcast from a studio in Bristol, Good Grief, founded by the Centre for Academic Primary Care's Dr Lucy Selman, will bring over 100 speakers together to help people to better understand and process grief and loss at this time of global crisis.

9/11 can teach us how to support those bereaved during COVID-19, researchers find

Researchers from the Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Centre in Cardiff and the University of Bristol's Centre for Academic Primary Care have looked to 9/11 and other mass death events for approaches to support people bereaved through COVID-19.

What patients want most from their GP is trust and respect, finds study

Relationships between GPs and patients are changing. It is becoming more difficult for patients to see their preferred GP. In a study by researchers from the University of Bristol’s Centre for Academic Primary Care, patients reported that, regardless of whether they were able to see the same GP or not, what they most wanted is to be trusted and respected by their GP.

New study aims to develop a trauma-informed model of primary and community mental health care

Researchers at the University of Bristol’s Centre for Academic Primary Care are leading a study to inform the development of a UK-specific trauma-informed model of care that will help GPs and community mental health professionals care more sensitively for patients.

Sharing learning from the HepCATT trial

The Hepatitis C Assessment Through to Treatment Trial (HepCATT) investigated a multi-part intervention to increase the identification and treatment of patients with hepatitis C in primary care. We are sharing the learning from this trial to support the implementation of the NHS England Hepatitis C Virus Elimination Initiative in Primary Care.

Coronavirus: social distancing has greatest impact in densely populated areas

Social distancing measures introduced by the UK government to reduce the spread of coronavirus have been most effective in areas of high population density, according to research by Dr Peter Tammes from the University of Bristol’s Centre for Academic Primary Care.

Top 10 priorities for advanced heart failure research published

Patients with advanced heart failure and their carers have collaborated with clinicians and researchers to identify a top 10 list of questions for advanced heart failure research. The project was led by researchers at the University of Bristol’s Centre for Academic Primary Care. Details of the project and the priority questions have been published in the journal Open Heart today [30 June].

University of Bristol wins ‘Deal of the Year’ award for creation of domestic abuse social enterprise

The creation of a social enterprise company IRISi, which helps survivors of domestic violence and abuse get specialist help, has won a national award.

REPROVIDE study awarded Urgent Public Health Research national priority status during COVID-19

The REPROVIDE study, led by Professor Gene Feder at the University of Bristol’s Centre for Academic Primary Care, is one of two studies to have been awarded Urgent Public Health Research national priority status by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) today [3 June].

Study finds some reductions in community antibiotic resistant infections and dispensing

A study by academics at the University of Bristol has found reductions in overall and individual antibiotic dispensing between 2013 and 2016 after evaluating, for the first time, national primary care prescribing policy on community antibiotic resistant infection.

Roll-out of coronavirus behaviour change website will help public transition to ‘new normal’

The rapid redeployment of the infection control website ‘Germ Defence’ in response to COVID-19 can play an important role in changing people’s behaviours and cutting infection, say researchers.

COVID-19: Understanding which patients are at the greatest risk of harm

A new study by researchers at the University of Bristol’s Centre for Academic Primary Care will link hospital and GP practice data to identify patients who are most at risk of harm from coronavirus.

Germs, homes and apps: can we do more to protect people at home when a family member has coronavirus?

A paper published in the BMJ today argues that since most people with Covid-19 are cared for at home, it may be important to try to protect the people caring for them by limiting how much virus they come in contact with, the ‘viral load'.

Training GPs to identify domestic violence leads to dramatic increase in finding victims

A training programme that teaches GPs how to identify domestic violence and abuse (DVA) victims has led to a 30-fold increase in DVA referrals, according to a collaborative study of 205 general practices led by Queen Mary University of London, in partnership with the Centre for Academic Primary Care, Bristol Medical School.

Investigating GP practices' response to the COVID-19 pandemic

A new project led by researchers at the University of Bristol’s Centre for Academic Primary Care will collect intelligence about the demands on GP practices, the challenges, and the creative solutions practices have developed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This information will be used to support GP practices more effectively.

New Better Care South West Partnership will join up data to improve and integrate care

A new partnership led by the University of Bristol that will join up data and improve patient care in the South West has been announced by Health Data Research UK (HDR UK) today [29 April]. The HDR UK Better Care South West Partnership is being awarded £1.2 million over three years to drive forward data-led research projects and join up the region’s considerable health data expertise.

Rapid research in the time of COVID-19

Researchers at the Centre for Academic Primary Care are supporting the local applied research community’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which is being co-ordinated by NIHR ARC West.

COVID-19 - Impact and response at CAPC

A statement from Professor John Macleod and Dr Katrina Turner, Joint Heads of the Centre for Academic Primary Care (CAPC) at the University of Bristol.

Domestic violence: researchers pilot a trauma-informed mindfulness intervention for survivors with post-traumatic stress disorder

Women who have experienced domestic violence and abuse (DVA) often develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which includes reliving traumatic events through nightmares and disturbing memories. Researchers from the Centre for Academic Primary Care at the University of Bristol and Bristol Biomedical Research Centre have adapted a standard mindfulness course for depression to address the special needs of DVA survivors with PTSD and are piloting it in a small-scale study.

Bristol conference showcases the best of primary health care research in the South West

The University of Bristol's Centre for Academic Primary Care is hosting the 2020 South West Society for Academic Primary Care (SAPC) conference in Bristol today and tomorrow (5-6 March). The conference is being held in The Bristol Hotel on Bristol's harbourside. It is the annual gathering of primary health care researchers from across the South West region and Wales.

Intervention to help GPs identify, assess and treat patients with hepatitis C found to be effective

The first UK clinical trial to increase the identification and treatment of hepatitis C (HCV) patients in primary care has been found to be effective, acceptable to staff and highly cost-effective for the NHS. The University of Bristol-led Hepatitis C Assessment to Treatment Trial (HepCATT), published in the British Medical Journal today [27 February], provides robust evidence of effective action GPs should take to increase HCV testing and treatment.

Childhood eczema cannot be prevented by daily moisturiser use, study finds

Using moisturisers on newborn babies does not prevent eczema as previously thought, according to a major new study.

Researchers looking for men to take part in new domestic violence study

Researchers are looking for men who are concerned that they are, or have been, abusive in their relationships with women to take part in a new study that will help improve how we support men in changing their behaviour.

GPs and pharmacists need to develop trusting relationships, finds study

GPs and pharmacists work best together when they understand and value one another’s expertise, according to a new study by researchers at the Centre for Academic Primary Care at the University of Bristol.

New way to measure multiple health conditions may help healthcare services respond to the needs of patients

The Cambridge Multimorbidity Score is a new method for measuring multiple long-term health conditions amongst primary care patients, intended to help healthcare planners trying to respond to the needs of patients with multiple health conditions, or multimorbidity. It outperforms the most commonly used current measure, called the Charlson index.

Bristol & South Gloucestershire IRIS Partnership win the Voscur Partnership Award at the 2020 Voscurs

Last night (Thursday 30 January) IRISi had the honour of attending the Voscurs and accepting the Partnership Award for the Bristol & South Gloucestershire IRIS Partnership.

CAPC shines in the BJGP’s top 10 research papers for 2019

Three papers by researchers from the University of Bristol’s Centre for Academic Primary Care (CAPC) were in the top five of the British Journal of General Practice (BJGP) top 10 most read papers in 2019.

Patients needed for irritable bowel syndrome trial

Patients in GP surgeries in Bristol are being invited to take part in a large trial of low-dose amitriptyline for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) led by researchers from the universities of Bristol, Leeds and Southampton.

NIHR Launching Fellowships in Primary Health Care 2020

Applications are invited for a 12-month launching fellowship from individuals with a strong academic record who wish to develop a career in primary care research.

Good Grief, Bristol - A new festival exploring grief launches in 2020

Local organisations invited to take part

Doctors should avoid co-prescribing benzodiazepines to opioid dependent patients due to increased risk of overdose death

Doctors should avoid co-prescribing benzodiazepines to opioid dependent patients who are being treated with methadone or buprenorphine, also known as opioid agonist treatment (OAT), due to a three-fold increase in risk of overdose death, according to a study led by researchers at the University of Bristol.

Dr Rupert Payne awarded a Fellowship from the British Pharmacological Society

Dr Rupert Payne, Consultant Senior Lecturer in Primary Health Care at the Centre for Academic Primary Care, has been awarded a Fellowship from the British Pharmacological Society. Fellows are members who have “demonstrated distinction and peer recognition in pharmacology.”

Women who spend their childhoods in deprived neighbourhoods face an increased risk of intimate partner violence

Women who spend longer periods of their early lives in less affluent neighbourhoods are at greater risk of experiencing violence during their early adulthoods at the hands of their intimate partners, finds a new study published in Epidemiology.

Using safety netting advice to avoid missed diagnoses in general practice

Safety netting advice is used in almost two-thirds of consultations but GPs vary in how they use it and documentation rates are poor, according to a study by researchers at the University of Bristol’s Centre for Academic Primary Care.

New study to evaluate patients’ electronic access to medical test results

A new study by researchers at the Centre for Academic Primary Care and the NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Evaluation of Interventions at the University of Bristol will review and evaluate the electronic test results services currently offered to patients in general practice across England, in order to understand what works well, for whom, in what circumstances and why.

National GP Academic Clinical Fellow (ACF) and Early Career Researchers Conference

This two-day annual conference will be held in Bristol on 4-5 March 2020.

Improving patient care through a UK-wide network of primary care health professionals

PACT stands for the Primary Care Academic CollaboraTive – a UK-wide network of enthusiastic primary care health professionals that collectively design and take part in well thought out research that seeks to improve patient care. Researchers at the University of Bristol are in the early stages of setting up PACT and hope to launch the first project in January 2020.

Registration open for South West Society for Academic Primary Care Conference 2020

Registration now open. Abstract deadline: 8 November 2019.

CAPC research informs NHS England toolkit for implementing online GP consultations

Toolkit aims to share good practice underpinned by evidence

Multiple awards for CAPC at the RCGP Annual Conference 2019

Researchers from the University of Bristol’s Centre for Academic Primary Care (CAPC) have scooped awards at this year’s Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) Annual Conference.

RCGP Research Paper of the Year award for the BATHE study

Research showing that one of the most widely used treatments for childhood eczema is not helpful has been awarded the 2019 Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) Research Paper of the Year award.

Applications for GP Academic Clinical Fellow posts now open

The Centre for Academic Primary Care has a very successful GP Academic Clinical Fellow (ACF) training programme. Two or three posts are funded by both National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and Severn Postgraduate Medical Education (Severn PGME) each year. Applications are now open for ACF posts commencing in August 2020.

Domestic violence and abuse: how NIHR research is helping families in the South West

The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) in the South West is driving forward groundbreaking research to understand the experiences and needs of children affected by domestic violence and abuse and looking at innovative ways of delivering support.

South West SAPC 2020: Call for abstracts open

We are proud to be hosting the South West Society for Academic Primary Care (SAPC) regional meeting in 2020. The call for abstracts is now open.

Antidepressants may reduce anxiety more than depressive symptoms

One of the most common antidepressants, sertraline, leads to an early reduction in anxiety symptoms, commonly found in depression, several weeks before any improvement in depressive symptoms, a clinical trial involving researchers from the Centre for Academic Primary Care and Centre for Academic Mental Health at the University of Bristol has found.

Study casts doubt on effectiveness of named GP scheme

An NHS scheme to give every patient aged 75 and over in England a named GP responsible for their care has failed to deliver hoped-for improvements, according to a study by researchers at the University of Bristol’s Centre for Academic Primary Care.

Children’s experiences of domestic violence and abuse revealed in VOICES study

Children and young people’s experiences of domestic violence and abuse are diverse and complex and need a tailored response from professionals, according to a study by researchers at the University of Bristol’s Centre for Academic Primary Care.

£9 million boost for health research in the west country

Health researchers in the west country have been given a £9 million award from the Government’s Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to enable them to tackle the area’s most pressing health problems. The funding will enable new research projects including forecasting demand in hospitals, increasing people’s physical activity levels, supporting people who self-harm and improving outcomes for children in care.

New study aims to improve acne in women

Researchers at the Universities of Bristol and Southampton have started a new clinical trial that will investigate whether a drug called spironolactone can help improve acne in women. They are looking for women with acne aged 18 and over in Bristol to take part.

Conversation Analysis & Clinical Encounters Meeting (#CACE2019) - Programme now available

The programme for the 7th International Meeting on Conversation Analysis & Clinical Encounters (#CACE2019) is available now. This three-day international meeting will be held at Engineers’ House in Bristol on 8-10 July.

GPs should not use inflammatory marker tests to rule out serious conditions, finds study

Blood tests that detect inflammation, known as inflammatory marker tests, are not sensitive enough to rule out serious underlying conditions and GPs should not use them for this purpose, according to researchers from the University of Bristol’s Centre for Academic Primary Care, University of Exeter and the National Institute for Health Research Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care West (NIHR CLAHRC West).

NHS Health Checks telephone outreach to more deprived and minority ethnic communities

A telephone outreach programme to encourage people from more deprived and minority ethnic communities to attend an NHS Health Check was well received by patients researchers from the University of Bristol's Centre for Academic Primary Care and NIHR CLAHRC West research has shown. The research also showed GP practice staff valued outreach workers’ specialised communication skills and highlighted how changes to the programme could make it more successful.

Lack of evidence underpinning guidelines for monitoring chronic diseases in primary care could lead to unnecessary testing

Guidelines used by GPs to monitor chronic diseases are based on expert opinion rather than evidence, according to a review of the guidelines by National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) researchers at the University of Bristol. The review, published today [13 June 2019] in the British Medical Journal, looked at guidelines for chronic kidney disease, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes, which are monitored through a range of tests in GP surgeries.

Encouraging people to be braver about discussing death

Local doctors and academics from the University of Bristol will be joined by one of the country's bestselling authors to encourage people in Bristol to be braver when it comes to discussing death, at an event today [13 June] at Arnos Vale Cemetery in Bristol.

Male victims of domestic abuse face significant barriers to getting help

Men who experience domestic violence and abuse face significant barriers to getting help and access to specialist support services, according to a study by researchers at the University of Bristol’s Centre for Academic Primary Care and Centre for Gender and Violence Research published in BMJ Open today.

New dermatology toolkit to help GPs support patients with skin conditions

A new Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) dermatology toolkit has been launched to help primary care teams, including GPs and nurses, care for patients suffering from a range of skin problems.

More support needed to increase HIV testing in GP practices

One-off training sessions for GPs are not enough to increase rates of HIV testing in general practice and greater support is needed, according to researchers from the University of Bristol’s Centre for Academic Primary Care and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit in Evaluation of Interventions published in BMC Family Practice.

Domestic violence: new study will examine programme for male perpetrators of abuse

A new study, led by the Domestic Violence and Health research group at the University of Bristol’s Centre for Academic Primary Care, will examine how a behaviour change programme for men who cause harm to their partners, ex-partners and children works, and how the men account for and explain their behaviour.

New national survey on access to health care for street sex workers

Are health care services accessible to street sex workers and meeting their needs? Help us find out.

OPEN study gets green light to begin recording out-of-hours health care encounters

New study will explore how communication between patients and out-of-hours practitioners can influence prescribing in cases of common infections.

New study will examine the impact of digital health tools in primary care

A new study, DECODE (unexpecteD consEquenCes Of Digital hEalth), is aiming to improve how digital health tools are used in primary care by identifying and understanding their unexpected consequences for patients, GPs and practice staff.

'Effective Successful Happy Academic' workshops in qualitative research methods and academic workplace skills

This two-day international meeting will be held at Engineers’ House in Bristol on 3-4 June. It will be of interest to academics from any discipline and at different stages of their careers. Attendees can register for one or both days.

Research on shared decision-making in GP consultations wins South West Society for Academic Primary Care 2019 Conference poster prize

Researchers from the Centre for Academic Primary Care at the University of Bristol have won the best poster prize at this year’s South West Society for Academic Primary Care (SW SAPC) conference in Southampton.

Launching Fellowship in Primary Health Care 2019

Applications are invited for a 12-month launching fellowship from individuals with a strong academic record who wish to develop a career in primary care research.

New Palliative and End of Life Care Research Group

We are excited to announce that the Palliative and End of Life Care Research Group has been formally recognised by the University of Bristol.

7th International Meeting on Conversation Analysis and Clinical Encounters (#CACE2019)

This three-day international conference will be held at Engineers’ House in Bristol on 8-10 July.

The Lancet: Call for the relaxation of visa restrictions on doctors wishing to contribute to development of health care in Palestine

Visa restrictions imposed by the Israeli authorities on doctors in the Palestinian diaspora, and on other international clinical academics wishing to travel to Palestine to share their expertise, are having a serious impact on the further development of Palestinian health care, according to senior medics in a letter published in the Lancet today.

NIHR Senior Investigator award for Professor Alastair Hay

Professor Alastair Hay from the University of Bristol’s Centre for Academic Primary Care is one of 46 academics in the UK to be awarded Senior Investigator status by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) in 2019.

Can you help us design a cutting-edge app to help treat depression?

We need GPs to help researchers at the University of Bristol design a new app that could help track response to therapy.

Differences in how parents and GPs assess illness severity in children with respiratory infections

Parents generally tend to consider their child more unwell than GPs and use different factors to judge symptom severity, according to researchers at the University of Bristol’s Centre for Academic Primary Care in a study published in the British Journal of General Practice today [12 March].

Domestic violence against women: giving friends and relatives the keys to help

Today [Friday 8 March] International Women’s Day [IWD 2019] is celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women but worldwide, domestic violence and abuse (DVA) is still experienced by almost one in three women. It has become a major public health issue, with profound physical and mental health impact. A research project by the University of Bristol, funded by AXA Research Fund, aims to develop resources that will help informal groups, such as friends and family, support women who experience domestic violence.

Mindfulness found to improve mental health of students

Study is first UK trial to test efficacy of therapy on medical students

Antibiotic prescribing in primary care – a response to new evidence on when to prescribe and for how long

Professor Alastair Hay, from the University of Bristol’s Centre for Academic Primary Care, has responded to new research on when and how GPs should prescribe antibiotics for common infections in an editorial published in The British Medical Journal (BMJ) today (Wednesday, 27 February).

More older people with depression could benefit from non-drug treatments

Depression is common in older age and with an ageing population how late-life depression is managed will become increasingly important. Researchers from the University of Bristol and University College London (UCL) suggest mental health in later life should be given greater priority by healthcare professionals.

GPs and pharmacists don't have time to involve patients in medication reviews

GPs and pharmacists struggle to find the time to involve patients in medication reviews, despite National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance advising them to do so, according to a study by researchers at the University of Bristol’s Centre for Academic Primary Care.

Children’s respiratory infections can last up to three weeks

Children’s respiratory infection symptoms, including runny nose, dry cough and sore throat, can seem never-ending. Researchers from the University of Bristol’s Centre for Academic Primary Care have found that it can take up to three weeks for 90 per cent of children’s respiratory infection symptoms to resolve, with one in 12 parents seeking help from their GP.

NIHR School for Primary Care Research Medical Student Internships 2019: Bristol

These research internships will be based in the Centre for Academic Primary Care (CAPC) at Bristol Medical School. The successful applicants will join established research teams and gain skills in primary care focused research which may include research methods training, attendance at workshops and seminars, secondary data analysis and literature reviewing.

General Practice Career Progression Fellowships 2019

School for Primary Care Research - Increasing the evidence base for primary care practice

NHS 10-year plan: Researchers warn online GP consultations need careful implementation and rigorous evaluation before widespread adoption

The new NHS 10-year plan launched on 7 January states all patients in England will have access to a 'digital first primary care offer', such as GP online consultations, by 2022/23. Online consultations have the potential to improve patient access and reduce face-to-face contacts, freeing up GP time. But research led by NIHR CLAHRC West and the Centre for Academic Primary Care at the University of Bristol found that unless these systems are carefully implemented, they won’t yield the benefits policymakers are hoping for.

Low cost, low risk intervention could help improve the care of patients who make frequent visits to their GP

Training GPs in a consultation technique designed to find out about the wider context to patients’ problems, and support patient knowledge, skills and confidence to self-care, is feasible and could reduce costs, according to a study by researchers at the University of Bristol’s Centre for Academic Primary Care.

Designing health care for the people who need it

Professor Chris Salisbury’s 2018 RCGP James Mackenzie Lecture

Requests for emergency contraception could be an important sign of abuse

Women who experience domestic violence and abuse (DVA) are more than twice as likely to seek emergency contraception as other women, according to a study by National Institute for Health Research (NIHR)-funded researchers at the University of Bristol and Queen Mary University of London, suggesting that requests for emergency contraception could be an important sign of abuse.

New psychological intervention proves ‘life-changing’ for women experiencing domestic abuse

Training domestic violence and abuse (DVA) advocates to deliver psychological support to women experiencing DVA could significantly improve the health of those affected. In a randomised controlled trial led by researchers from the University of Bristol, women who received the intervention showed reduced symptoms of psychological distress, depression and post-traumatic stress compared to those who received just advocacy.

New study aims to reduce the use of oral antibiotics for ear infections in children

Middle ear infections, known medically as acute otitis media (AOM), are common painful infections in children, for which there are up to three million treatment episodes in England and Wales each year. They are often treated with antibiotics by mouth. However, these can cause side effects like rashes, diarrhoea and vomiting, and their over-use contributes to the growing global health threat of antibiotic resistance.

More adults are using complementary and alternative medicine in England but access is unequal, finds survey

Use of practitioner-led complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), such as acupuncture, massage, osteopathy and chiropractic treatment, rose from 12% of the population in 2005 to 16% of the population in 2015, according to a survey led by researchers at the University of Bristol’s Centre for Academic Primary Care. However, access to these treatments was unequal, with women, those who are better off and those in the south of England more likely to use CAM.

Popular drug combination for treatment resistant depression is not more effective than a single antidepressant in primary care

Psychiatrists and GPs increasingly combine mirtazapine with an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) or SNRI (serotonin-noradenaline reuptake inhibitor) antidepressant for patients whose depression does not respond to a single antidepressant. A large clinical trial led by researchers at the Universities of Bristol, Exeter, Keele, Manchester and Hull York Medical School, and published in the British Medical Journal today, looked at the effectiveness of adding mirtazapine to an SSRI or SNRI in patients who remain depressed after at least six weeks of conventional (SSRI or SNRI) antidepressant treatment. They found that this combination was no more effective in improving depression than placebo and call on doctors to rethink its use.

Experts call for health system change to tackle the challenge of multimorbidity in the NHS

The number of people with multiple long-term conditions, known as multimorbidity, is rising internationally, putting increased pressure on health care systems, including the NHS. Researchers from the 3D Study – the largest ever trial of a person-centred approach to caring for patients with multimorbidity in primary care - at the Universities of Bristol, Dundee, Manchester and Glasgow, are hosting a conference today [Thursday 25 October] with the Royal College of General Practitioners to discuss the challenges facing general practice and how the health care system needs to respond.

New study will help GPs recognise the early stages of psychosis

GPs need to be able to recognise the early stages of a psychotic illness and quickly refer to specialist mental health services for treatment.

Risks of using algorithms to predict child abuse

In a letter published in The Guardian today, Professor Gene Feder, a GP and domestic violence and abuse research lead at the Centre for Academic Primary Care, has highlighted the risks of local authorities using algorithms to predict child abuse risk in social care.

Multimorbidity Conference: the challenge for primary care – 25 October 2018

The Centre for Academic Primary Care has joined with the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) to deliver a conference on the challenges GPs face in providing care to patients with multiple long-term conditions.

Prescribing antibiotics for children with cough in general practice does not reduce the risk of hospitalisation

Doctors and nurses often prescribe antibiotics for children with cough and respiratory infection to avoid return visits, symptoms getting worse or hospitalisation. In a study published in the British Journal of General Practice today [Tuesday 11 September], researchers from the Universities of Bristol, Southampton, Oxford and Kings College London found little evidence that antibiotics reduce the risk of children with cough ending up in hospital, suggesting that this is an area in which unnecessary antibiotic prescribing could be reduced.

New study on the impact of digital health tools in primary care

A new study exploring the unexpected consequences of the use of digital health tools in primary care has been awarded funding by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) School for Primary Care Research. The research team from the Universities of Bristol, Oxford, Manchester, Warwick, University College London and the West of England Academic Health Science Network (AHSN) will use a variety of approaches and methods to understand the impact of these tools, which include online patient portals and health monitoring apps.

GP Journal Club re-launches on Twitter

GP Journal Club (#gpjc) is a popular monthly discussion group on Twitter for academics, students and professionals with an interest in primary care. The club is re-launching on Sunday 9 September at 19:30 (BST), with the first tweet chat on the topic of resilience in primary care.

New study will review support offered to sex assault victims

Researchers will speak to around 1,000 sexual assault victims to understand how the support they receive affects their long-term health and wellbeing.

Polycystic ovary syndrome linked to autism

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are more likely than other women to have an autistic child, according to an analysis of NHS data carried out by a team at Cambridge University’s Autism Research Centre, although the risk remains very low. The research, co-authored by the Centre for Academic Primary Care's Dr Rupert Payne, is published today in the journal Translational Psychiatry.

Professor Gene Feder selected to co-lead vulnerable children and families theme in new NIHR Children and Family Policy Unit

Unit part of £65 million new NIHR investment in research to inform government decision-making

Gosport may have a negative impact on end-of-life care in general practice

Researchers from the University of Bristol have highlighted the potentially negative impact the deaths at Gosport War Memorial Hospital may have on end-of-life care delivered at home.

When are children and parents who have experienced domestic abuse ready to engage with child-centred support programmes?

Growing up in a household with domestic violence and abuse can affect children for the rest of their lives. Support programmes specifically aimed at children who have been exposed to abuse exist but determining how and when parents and children are ready to engage with them is challenging. A review, carried out by researchers at the University of Bristol together with NIHR CLAHRC West, NIHR CLAHRC East of England and the University of Central Lancashire, sheds light on some of these factors.

£1.7 million awarded to tackle domestic violence in low and middle-income countries

Professor Gene Feder at the University of Bristol’s Centre for Academic Primary Care has been awarded £1.7 million by the National Institute for Health Research to fund a Global Health Group for research into health systems responses to violence against women in Palestine, Brazil, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

Happy Birthday NHS!

As part of the #NHS70 celebrations, we're saying thank you to NHS staff and patients who help us do research to improve outcomes, treatment and service delivery in primary care. Together we're definitely better! Click on the image below to find out more.

Results of the largest ever multimorbidity trial in primary care challenge current thinking

In the largest ever trial of an intervention to treat people with multiple long-term conditions (multimorbidity) in primary care, researchers at the Universities of Bristol, Manchester, Dundee and Glasgow found that the patient-centred approach taken improved patients’ experience of their care but did not improve their health-related quality of life. This is a challenge to current thinking on which UK and international guidelines are based.

Dr Emma Le Roux appointed RCGP Clinical Champion for Dermatology

Dr Emma Le Roux, Senior Clinical Research Fellow at the University of Bristol’s Centre for Academic Primary Care, has been appointed Clinical Champion for Dermatology for the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP).

Increasing the duration of repeat prescriptions may save NHS money and improve care: policy briefing

PolicyBristol have published a briefing highlighting the policy implications of research into the clinical and cost-effectiveness of short versus long duration prescriptions for patients with chronic health conditions in England.

Patients to set agenda for heart failure research

People with advanced heart failure, their carers, families and friends are being asked to help set the priorities for future research into the condition.

Local real-time surveillance of infectious disease could improve antibiotic prescribing

Antimicrobial resistance is a significant threat to public health. Researchers from the University of Bristol’s Centre for Academic Primary Care and NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Evaluation of Interventions have found promising evidence that local real-time surveillance of infectious disease, such as flu, could help GPs make better diagnostic and treatment decisions, reducing the amount of unnecessary antibiotic prescribing.

New study to help improve antibiotic prescribing in out-of-hours services

A multidisciplinary research team from the Universities of Bristol, Southampton, Oxford and University College London have been funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) School for Primary Care Research to undertake a study to explore antibiotic prescribing out of hours.

Improving how professionals can identify and support children experiencing domestic violence

New research has highlighted a lack of guidance for health and social care professionals who encounter children exposed to domestic violence.

MRC funding awarded for scoping study to assess innovative telecare service

Dr Ben Davies from the Centre for Academic Primary Care and Population Health Sciences at the University of Bristol has secured 'Proximity to Discovery' funding from the Medical Research Council (MRC) to support a scoping exercise to assess the impact of the Social Careline service in elderly and vulnerable communities.

New research shows that one of the most widely used treatments for childhood eczema is not helpful

The BATHE trial has found that pouring emollient additives into the bath do not add any benefit over standard management. Standard management of childhood eczema includes soap avoidance, leave-on emollients and corticosteroid ointments.

New study aims to better understand the role of food allergy testing in childhood eczema

GPs and researchers from the Universities of Bristol, Southampton and Nottingham have been funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) School for Primary Care Research to undertake a study to explore the role of food allergy testing in children with eczema.

Professor John Macleod wins large MRC grant for groundbreaking mental health research project

Professor John Macleod, Joint Head of the Centre for Academic Primary Care, has received £1.5 million as part of a large grant from the Medical Research Council (MRC) to develop a platform for conducting research into early years influences on mental health.

Buprenorphine may be a safer opioid substitute than methadone but only if treatment duration is longer, study suggests

The less commonly prescribed opioid substitute buprenorphine may be safer than methadone for problem opioid users, especially if used during the first month of treatment, according to a study by researchers from the University of Bristol, King’s College London, University of Manchester and Bristol Drugs Project, with implications for guidance on GP prescribing.

New questionnaire will help researchers measure the ‘burden’ of treatment for patients with multiple health problems in primary care

Patients with multiple health problems, known as multimorbidity, have many things to think about and do to take care of their health. Experts from the Centre of Academic Primary Care at the University of Bristol have developed a questionnaire to help researchers measure this treatment ‘burden’, so that they can understand the impact that interventions to improve care might have on patients’ daily lives.

NHS Health Checks: the importance of targeted approaches for male and BAME patients to improve equity in uptake

Patients are more likely to attend an NHS Health Check if they’re already at lower risk of stroke or heart attack, a University of Bristol evaluation has found. The patient groups most likely to respond to the standard invitation to attend a check are female, ‘white British’, older or from more affluent areas.

"Kidney age", not kidney disease

There should be a rethink in how doctors talk to some patients with reduced kidney health, replacing the term ‘chronic kidney disease’ (CKD) with different bands of kidney age, according to a group of experts writing in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.

New Primary Care Outcomes Questionnaire shown to be valuable for primary care research

The Primary Care Outcomes Questionnaire (PCOQ) developed by researchers at the University of Bristol's Centre for Academic Primary Care has been tested and found to be valid and responsive as an instrument for measuring patient-reported outcomes. The questionnaire has the potential to improve researchers’ ability to measure effectiveness of interventions and may also be useful to GPs for assessing the effectiveness of individual patient care.

Surgeries employing GPs with additional training in complementary medicine appear less likely to prescribe antibiotics

Use of complementary/alternative medicine may help reduce over-prescribing of antibiotics

Improving the response to domestic violence and abuse in sexual health clinics: research summary and podcast published

The findings of the joint NIHR CLAHRC West and North Thames study of the IRIS ADViSE pilot, which aimed to improve sexual health professionals’ response to women who have experienced domestic violence, are now available as a CLAHRC BITE and BMJ STI podcast.

Academics urge rethink on 28-day prescriptions for people with long-term conditions

The widely adopted practice of issuing 28-day rather than longer duration prescriptions for people with long-term conditions lacks a robust evidence base and should be reconsidered, according to a study published in the British Journal of General Practice today [Tuesday 13 March]. Related research shows that considerable savings could be made by the NHS switching to longer prescriptions.

Applications invited for ST3 Entry Academic Clinical Fellowships in Primary Care

Call for applications now open. Deadline: Monday, 19 March, 4pm

Antibiotic resistance in children’s E. coli is high when commonly prescribed antibiotics are used

Bacterial resistance may persist for up to three months after treatment in children

Applications invited for NIHR School for Primary Care Research Launching Fellowships in Primary Health Care 2018

Applications are invited for two-year launching fellowships from individuals with a strong academic record who wish to develop a career in primary care research. The goal of these fellowships is for the fellow to publish papers from their PhD and write grant applications to secure future funding, for example for a National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) fellowship.

Excess winter deaths: routine data won’t help GPs identify patients who are most at risk

Expecting GPs to use medical records to identify individual patients who are most vulnerable to cold weather is unrealistic, according to a study by researchers at the University of Bristol, UCL and University of Birmingham.

Alternatives to face-to-face GP consultations unlikely to deliver hoped-for benefits in practice

The realities of implementing alternatives to face-to-face GP consultations, such as telephone, email, online and video consultations, mean that hoped-for reductions in GP workload and increases in available appointments for patients might not be realised. This is the finding of a study by led by researchers at the University of Bristol, published in the British Journal of General Practice today.

Relationships in trial oversight and their impact: research summary published

Researchers from the Centre for Academic Primary Care have been involved in a study examining how the oversight of clinical trials is implemented to inform future guidelines for those planning and conducting trials.

Supporting children exposed to domestic violence: summary of evidence synthesis published

Services for children who are exposed to domestic violence and abuse are vital, but NIHR-funded researchers have found that there is little evidence for what support works best. A new summary of a recent report on the current evidence base and what's needed has been published jointly by the NIHR's Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research (CLAHRC) West and CLAHRC East of England.

Screening could catch a quarter of hip fractures before they happen

Community screening for osteoporosis could prevent more than a quarter of hip fractures in older women – according to new research involving researchers from the Centre for Academic Primary Care, University of Bristol and local hospitals, and led by the University of East Anglia (UEA).

IRISi wins Health Foundation award to develop social franchising model

IRISi has been selected by the Health Foundation, an independent charity, to be part of an innovative programme to improve health care using novel scaling approaches to widen use of successful health and social care interventions.

New eczema ‘written action plan’ developed to help parents manage their child’s eczema

Researchers from the University of Bristol’s Centre for Academic Primary Care have developed an eczema written action plan (the eWAP) to help parents manage their child’s eczema at home. The plan, completed by parents with their GP, will help parents decide what treatments to use or when to contact their family doctor, depending on the severity of their child’s symptoms.

IRISi team wins Vice-Chancellor’s Impact Award 2017

Professor Gene Feder, Medina Johnson and colleagues in the IRISi team – (IRIS – Identification and Referral to Improve Safety) were the ‘Policy and Practice’ category winners in this year’s University of Bristol Vice-Chancellor’s Impact Awards, for work to improve the primary healthcare response to domestic violence and abuse.

Complexity approaches and writing for impact: Professor Alex Clark seminars

Free seminar series for health research staff and students: 4 to 15 December 2017

GP online consultations: not the panacea policy makers are hoping for

Online GP consultation systems may not be the silver bullet for reducing GP workload and patient waiting times that government policymakers are hoping for, NIHR-funded research from the University of Bristol has found. These systems offer the potential to revolutionise use of primary care, but only with careful implementation and effective marketing, the researchers concluded.

'Best practice' domestic violence referral programme (IRIS) announces ambitious plans to expand

A highly successful, evidence-based domestic violence and abuse identification and referral programme (IRIS – Identification and Referral to Improve Safety) developed by researchers at the University of Bristol has launched as a social enterprise today, with plans to scale up its activity and grow the programme across the UK and internationally.

Primary care is key to optimising value in healthcare

Balancing improvements in health against the cost of such improvements in primary care is vital to achieve a cost-effective and efficient healthcare system, finds a new report led by University of Bristol researchers and published in the BMJ.

PhD Studentship in Primary Health Care 2018

We are inviting applications for a PhD studentship in primary healthcare funded by the NIHR School for Primary Care Research (SPCR).The award is for three years of study and includes fees and an annual tax-free stipend, normally of £16,000.

Discontinuity of care puts older patients at risk of emergency hospital admission

Older patients who do not see the same GP over a period of time are at higher risk of emergency hospital admission than those who see the same or a small number of GPs, according to new research.

Electronic GP consultations: not quite there yet

Online GP consultation systems as they currently stand are unlikely to take the pressure off GPs and practices, despite NHS England’s drive to promote them through a £45 million fund.

Success for CAPC at RCGP Annual Conference 2017

There were multiple awards for Centre for Academic Primary Care (CAPC) and University of Bristol Medical School staff and students at this year’s Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) conference in Liverpool this month.

Elizabeth Blackwell Public Lecture 2017: GPs on the Brink: Restoring the joy to general practice

Thursday 2 November 2017, 7.30pm to 9pm at St George’s Bristol, Great George Street, Bristol, BS1 5RR

Domestic violence education inadequate across UK medical schools, finds new study

Teaching on domestic violence and abuse (DVA) should be mandatory in medical education according to a new University of Bristol study that highlights current levels as inadequate.

RCGP Research Paper of the Year award for CAPC-led study on urinary infections in children

Research that helps GPs identify urinary tract infections in young children has been awarded a 2017 Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) Research Paper of the Year award.

New study aims to find the best moisturiser for treating eczema in children

Researchers at the Universities of Bristol, Nottingham and Southampton have been awarded £1.4 million by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment Programme to discover which is the best emollient (moisturiser) for treating childhood eczema.

High achievements of Bristol medical graduates is good news for general practice

A report on the progression of doctors in postgraduate training published by the General Medical Council (GMC) provides clear evidence of the outstanding achievement of Bristol Medical School graduates.

CAPC recognises outstanding GP teachers

Each year, students on the University of Bristol’s undergraduate medical degree programme are asked to nominate teachers whom they feel have gone above and beyond in their teaching over the course of the academic year.

New evidence suggests that alternatives to acute hospital admissions for older people are safe and can reduce hospital use

Research published in BMJ Open has found that alternatives to acute hospital admissions for older people appear safe and could reduce both the number and duration of acute hospital stays.

First aid 'could help ease the pressure on A&E' according to new research

New research commissioned by British Red Cross shows that around a third of people (34.1%) who attend accident and emergency (A&E) departments are seeking help because they were ‘worried and didn’t know what to do’.

Steroids not effective for chest infections in adults who don’t have asthma or other chronic lung disease

Oral steroids should not be used for treating acute lower respiratory tract infection (or ‘chest infections’) in adults who don’t have asthma or other chronic lung disease, as they do not reduce the duration or severity of symptoms, according to a new study published in the journal JAMA today.

Edinburgh show highlights stress among GPs

PreScribed (a life written for me) opens in Edinburgh this week and explores the alarming statistic that one in five practising GPs suffer from chronic stress and anxiety.

Sexual health professionals should be supported to ask about domestic abuse

Sexual health professionals feel that it is appropriate and valuable to ask their patients about domestic violence and abuse, NIHR-funded research at the University of Bristol and Queen Mary University of London has found. But time, workload and finding the right moment during consultations can be barriers to doing so.

University of Bristol team develop a new test to assist GP antibiotic prescribing

A research team at the University of Bristol, which includes CAPC researchers, has won a prestigious international award for a technology that could help in the fight against antibiotic resistance.

Launch of Bristol Medical School marks new era for medical education

The University of Bristol has launched a new Bristol Medical School today.

Dr Katrina Turner and Professor John Macleod appointed joint Heads of CAPC

Dr Katrina Turner and Professor John Macleod have been appointed joint Heads of the Centre for Academic Primary Care (CAPC) and the Bristol NIHR School for Primary Care Research. They will take up the post on 2 October 2017.

Sexual health clinics should ask about abuse

Training clinicians to proactively ask patients about domestic violence is feasible for sexual health clinics to implement and could increase referrals to specialist services, according to a study by Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) and the University of Bristol involving over 4,300 women.

Women speak out about experiences of domestic violence and abuse to help others

A new resource designed to support women experiencing domestic violence and abuse has been launched on the HealthTalk charity website today.

Do you have type 2 diabetes? Can you help us with our study?

If you have type 2 diabetes, have you ever used an online app or worn a Fitbit to help you to look after your health? We would like to hear about your experience.

6th International Meeting on Conversation Analysis and Clinical Encounters (CACE 2017)

This three-day international conference will be held at Engineers’ House in Bristol on 12-14 July.

Researchers looking for men to take part in new domestic violence study

Researchers at the University of Bristol’s Centre for Academic Primary Care are looking for men who are concerned that they are, or have been, abusive in their relationships with women to take part in a new study that will help improve how we support men in changing their behaviour.

One in a Million - one year on

Using the unique archive of video-recorded GP−patient consultations

APCRC Launching Fellowship 2017 - Call for expressions of interest

Applications are invited for an 18-month Launching Fellowship from individuals with a strong academic record who wish to develop a career in primary care, community or public health research.

‘A Picture of Health’ competition winners on display at Beacon House

Two images by researchers at the Centre for Academic Primary Care (CAPC) have been selected for display as part of the University of Bristol’s ‘A Picture of Health’ exhibition at Beacon House.

GPs needed to teach tomorrow's doctors - new campaign launched

The University of Bristol is involved in teaching the next generation of doctors and has launched today a new campaign to get practising GPs to ‘step up and teach’.

Bristol academic warns of threat to the future of general practice

Chris Salisbury, Professor of Primary Care at the University of Bristol, has warned that high numbers of GPs leaving the profession will increase the pressure on doctors who are left, making them more likely to leave as well.

Music competition winner inspired by CAPC research

University of Bristol PhD student Elan Higueras has won the Inspired Composition competition with his piece 'It Felt Like Drowning' for trombone quartet.

Dr Trevor Thompson wins Kieran Sweeney Prize

Dr Trevor Thompson, GP and Head of Teaching at the Centre for Academic Primary Care, University of Bristol, has won the Royal College of General Practitioners' 2016 Kieran Sweeney Prize, a UK prize for medical writing by GPs.

Antibiotics not effective for clinically infected eczema in children

Estimates suggest that 40 percent of eczema flares are treated with topical antibiotics but findings from a study involving academics from the University of Bristol’s Centre for Academic Primary Care suggest there is no meaningful benefit from the use of either oral or topical antibiotics for milder clinically infected eczema in children.

Gambling a problem for 1 in 20 people visiting their GP

A study published in the British Journal of General Practice today found that around 1 in 20 people waiting to see their GP in surgeries in Bristol reported having a gambling problem.

CAPC’s Teaching team wins Education and Training Team of the Year Award

The Centre for Academic Primary Care’s (CAPC) Teaching team has won the Education and Training Team of the Year Award at Health Education England South West’s 2017 Star Awards.

Professor Gene Feder takes on leadership role at the Centre for Academic Primary Care

Professor Gene Feder has taken on the role of head of the Centre for Academic Primary Care (CAPC) on an interim basis, until Autumn 2017, from Professor Chris Salisbury.

‘Continuity of primary care matters and should be protected’

Continuity of care – seeing the same GP – has proven benefits and could be a key line of defence against rising hospital admissions argue leading academics in an editorial published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) today.

Call for national guidance to help GPs document domestic violence

Guidance is urgently needed to help GPs decide what information to include on electronic records of children and families experiencing domestic violence and abuse (DVA).

NIHR School for Primary Care Research 'Launching Fellowships' 2017

Applications are invited for 2-year Launching Fellowships from individuals with a strong academic record who wish to develop a career in primary care research.

Final report of five-year telehealth research programme published

The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) has published the final report of a five-year research programme on the use of telehealth in primary care settings for patients with long-term conditions.

Professor Alastair Hay appointed to NICE managing infections committee

Alastair Hay, Professor of Primary Care at the University of Bristol’s Centre for Academic Primary Care (CAPC), has been appointed to the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) managing common infections committee.

International study on gender violence awarded MRC Global Challenges Research funding

University of Bristol-led research on the primary healthcare response to gender violence in Palestine and Brazil has been awarded almost £600,000 from the Medical Research Council (MRC)’s Global Challenges Research Fund.

Professor Gene Feder awarded an OBE in New Year Honours

Professor Gene Feder has been awarded an OBE in the Queen’s New Year Honours List for services to healthcare and victims of domestic abuse.

Would you like to help improve the treatment of children with eczema?

*This call is now closed. Thank you to all those who contacted us.*

Supporting children exposed to domestic violence: call for stronger evidence base

Services for children who are exposed to domestic violence and abuse are vital, but NIHR-funded researchers have found that there is little evidence for what support works best. While there is much good quality evidence for the support offered to adult survivors of domestic abuse, there is very little evidence for what might help children from these families.

NIHR SPCR PhD Studentship in Primary Health Care 2017

Applications are invited from individuals with a strong academic record who wish to develop a career in primary care research based in the Centre for Academic Primary Care (CAPC) at the University of Bristol, one of the largest and most productive centres for primary care research in the UK.

GPs need better training to help children affected by domestic violence.

Thank you to parents for helping to shape future research on food allergy testing in children

TARGET Study Paper Published in Lancet Respiratory Medicine

External Partnership in Action Award

Prize winning poster: Why do patients go to A&E instead of seeing their GP?

Research from Bristol's Centre for Academic Primary Care has won the UK Society for Academic Primary Care's annual conference poster prize. The winning poster presented stills from an animation created to engage GP practices with findings from an ethnographic study.

Dr Matthew Ridd wins 2017 John Fry Award

Dr Matthew Ridd, a practising GP and Consultant Senior Lecturer at the Centre for Academic Primary Care has been awarded the 2017 John Fry Award by the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) and Society of Academic Primary Care (SAPC). His work explores continuity of care and person-centred care, with a foundation in dermatological issues in general practice and wider primary care.

Zoe Bush wins 2016 'Choosing General Practice' competition

Zoe Bush, a fifth-year medical student at the University of Bristol has won the 2016 'Choosing General Practice' competition, run by GPOnline and supported by the Royal College of General Practice.

Research will help GPs diagnose urinary tract infections in children and improve antibiotic use

Urinary tract infections (UTI) in young children can lead to kidney damage, but are notoriously difficult to diagnose in primary care because symptoms can often be vague and unclear. A definitive diagnosis can only be achieved by a urine test, but collecting urine samples from babies and children under five is a challenge. After a three-year study involving more than 7,000 children, researchers have developed a technique to help GPs and nurses to decide from which children a urine sample should be collected.

Hospital-at-home is a safe alternative to hospital admission for elderly patients

When considering admitting patients over the age of 65 for acute hospital care, alternatives such as hospital at home, admission to a local community hospital or extended stays and treatment in A&E are a viable option say NIHR-funded researchers from the University of Bristol and the University for the West of England (UWE).

Research project looking for mums-to-be with family history of eczema

Researchers at the University of Bristol are looking for pregnant women to take part in a study into preventing babies developing eczema.

Prof Debbie Sharp awarded OBE

Professor Debbie Sharp, who founded the Centre for Academic Primary Care in the 1990s, has been awarded an OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours list.

Telehealth interventions provide limited health benefits concludes study

There is considerable optimism amongst policy-makers that greater use of digital health technologies (‘telehealth’) in combination with new ways of working could transform health care delivery, helping the NHS to be sustainable in the face of rising demand. But in a study published today in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), researchers conclude that, while telehealth could provide some benefit to some patients, it is not a simple answer to a complex problem.

Survey reveals few GPs use alternatives to face-to-face consultations

Despite policy pressure on GPs to offer consultations by email or internet video programmes such as Skype, few GPs do and most have no plans to introduce them in future, according to a new study.

New undergraduate textbook now available to purchase

Essential Primary Care, a new undergraduate textbook written by GPs and academics from the Centre for Academic Primary Care, is now available to purchase.

New research could help would-be A&E attendees

New research funded by the British Red Cross and carried out by researchers from the Centre for Academic Primary Care together with colleagues from the University of the West of England aims to discover what information will help people know what to do and where to go when a person is unwell.

Medical records: We haven't fully considered the dangers of online access warns Prof Gene Feder

While online access to medical records is seen as a good thing by many, Prof Gene Feder, a GP and an expert in domestic violence research, is worried about coercion. Patients may be forced to unwillingly give others access to their online record or GPs, worried about coercion or information leakage within households, may not record anything deemed to be sensitive, including early concerns about abuse or maltreatment.

CAPC researchers help shape the development of a NHS England commissioned service

Researchers at the Universities of Bristol, Keele and University College London have fed back early research findings to help shape the development of a NHS England commissioned service for GPs with mental health problems.

IRIS Programme is shortlisted for BMJ Awards

A domestic violence training and support programme developed by Professor Gene Feder and his colleagues has been shortlisted for the BMJ Awards in the category Innovation into Practice.

General practice in England nearing ‘saturation point’ as study reveals extent of GP workload increase

People in England are visiting their GP practices more often, and are having longer consultations than they were in 2007, resulting in a 16% rise in clinical workload - these are the main findings from a study involving researchers from CAPC.

Researchers uncover the factors associated with hospital deaths in the oldest old

Researchers from the University of Bristol and Public Health England have found that, although the rates of hospital deaths in England are declining, nearly two-thirds of people aged 85 and over, and more than half of people aged 95 and over, still die in hospital.

Dr Rupert Payne joins CAPC

Dr Rupert Payne has joined the Centre for Academic Primary Care as a senior clinical lecturer.

New research programme aims to improve healthcare professionals' approach to domestic violence

Researchers at the University of Bristol have received more than £2.5 million from the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) to carry out research that aims to increase the safety and well-being of victims of domestic violence and abuse (DVA).

Antibiotic resistance in children is high and associated with previous antibiotic use

Antibiotic resistance in children with urinary infections is high and could render some antibiotics ineffective as first-line treatments, warns a study published by The BMJ today.

Families needed for study into children's common illnesses

CAPC researchers, led by Prof Alastair Hay, are asking families in the city to take part in a new study to find out how children’s common illnesses such as coughs, colds, chest and ear infections develop out in the community.

CAPC researchers aim to improve the use of antibiotics in primary care

New research led by Bristol NHS CCG and the University of Bristol, aimed at improving the quality of primary care for children with respiratory tract infections (RTIs) will be presented in London today (Feb 26th).

Researchers uncover GPs’ dilemma over prescribing antibiotics for children with respiratory tract infections

Researchers from the University of Bristol’s Centre for Academic Primary Care have investigated the reasons behind GPs' antibiotic prescribing decisions for children with RTIs.

CAPC academics publish new undergraduate textbook

Essential Primary Care, a new undergraduate textbook written by GPs and academics from the Centre for Academic Primary Care, is now available for pre-order.

Bristol researchers launch unique dataset of GP/patient consultations

Researchers from the Centre for Academic Primary Care at the University of Bristol have created a unique dataset of 300 GP/patient consultations that will soon be made available for research and educational purposes.

Research project looking for mums-to-be with family history of eczema

Researchers at the Centre for Academic Primary Care are looking for pregnant women to take part in a study into preventing babies developing eczema.

Chief Medical Officer’s annual report features chapter by Bristol academics

Researchers from the University of Bristol have contributed to the Chief Medical Officer’s annual report for 2015, which focuses on women’s health with a priority of preventing and overcoming health inequality in the UK.

GPs needed for a focus group on complementary and alternative medicine

Researchers at the Centre for Academic Primary Care are looking for GPs to take part in a focus group for a research project on the use of complementary and alternative medicine in general practice.

CAPC researcher wins poster prize

Mairead Murphy, a PhD student funded by the NIHR School for Primary Care Research, has won the Best Poster Prize at the University of Bristol's 6th Population Health Annual Symposium.

3D study meets recruitment target of more than 1380 patients

The 3D study, led by CAPC researchers and aimed at improving the management of patients with multiple long-term health problems, has successfully recruited more than 1380 patients in just six months.

Bristol team to help in the fight against superbugs

Researchers at the University of Bristol have received £1.5 million from the NIHR for their trial looking at easing the pain of ear infections.This is part of a larger investment of over £15.8 million into research to tackle into drug resistant infections, by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), the research arm of the NHS.

Computer-assisted CBT provides little or no benefits for depression

Researchers have found that computerised cognitive behavioural therapy (cCBT) is likely to be ineffective in the treatment of depression.

Recruitment going well for eczema study BATHE

The CAPC team that is part of the Bath Additives for the Treatment of Childhood Eczema (BATHE) project is celebrating passing the 100 participant milestone, and being ahead of its target to recruit 150 children

Two new projects receive funding from the NIHR SPCR

Two projects led by researchers at the Centre for Academic Primary Care have received funding from the NIHR School for Primary Care Research.

Young researcher wins 3rd Corinna Seith award

Dr Alison Gregory from the University’s Centre for Academic Primary Care is joint winner of the 2015 Corinna Seith Award, run by Women Against Violence Europe (WAVE).

CAPC researcher helps set up Healthy City Week Bristol

Dr Trevor Thompson has played a key role in Bristol’s inaugural Healthy City Week which will take place from the 10th–18th October 2015, aiming to inspire citizens of Bristol to achieve healthier lifestyles as part of a more sustainable future city.

GPs to be offered training to deal with children affected by domestic violence

A study led by the University of Bristol, in collaboration with University of Central Lancashire, found many GPs and practice nurses are uncertain how to manage consultations involving children exposed to domestic violence. The research has led to the development of a new training programme for clinicians dealing with some of the complex issues around abuse.

Three new research projects receive funding from the NIHR SPCR

Three projects led by researchers at the Centre for Academic Primary Care have received funding from the NIHR School for Primary Care Research.

Cancer paper wins “Research Paper of the Year”

A research paper published in 2014 by researchers from the University of Bristol’s Centre for Academic Primary Care and colleagues from the universities of Cambridge and Exeter has won Research Paper of the Year Award 2014 from the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP).

CAPC researcher is selected for CRUK/BUPA Innovation Workshop

Dr Sam Merriel, a research fellow at the University of Bristol’s Centre for Academic Primary Care, has been selected to participate in a workshop aimed at generating new and innovative ideas for behavioural research in cancer prevention for young people.

Do you care for a child with eczema?

Researchers from the University of Bristol are running a number of studies locally, looking at how to best look after children with this common and often troublesome condition.