Research news
Welcome to the 20th edition, keeping you informed about our research.
Wessex Research Buses official launch
The first ever Wessex Research Buses were officially launched at a special ceremony outside the MAST Mayflower Studios in the centre of Southampton on 2 February.
These mobile clinics are equipped to deliver health studies all around the region, meaning many more people will be able to take part in research.
A key goal of the buses is to help include communities historically under-served by research opportunities. These include ethnic groups, older people, groups affected by a specific health condition, carers, LGBTQ+, travellers and those living in deprived, isolated and rural areas.
They are also available to hire by anyone interested in using them to deliver clinical research or clinical treatments, for outreach and engagement events, or to carry out public consultations.
The ribbons were cut by Kate Parker and her 18-month-old twin daughters, Jess and Ellie. They
recently took part in the Harmonie trial, which showed giving a new antibody treatment to babies could dramatically cut hospital admissions from Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
HIS-UK (Home-based Intervention Strategy) - study results
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) pose a significant public health challenge in the UK, prompting
the Department of Health & Social Care to prioritise STI rate reduction as a means of addressing
sexual health inequalities.
This study employed a randomised controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness and costeffectiveness
of the HIS-UK intervention in reducing chlamydia test positivity among 16-25 year old men, and individuals with a penis, at risk of STIs.
The research team at Dorset HealthCare helped to successfully recruit to the HIS-UK intervention, which was delivered either face-to-face or digitally through an interactive website.
The intervention was designed to help men experience better sex when using condoms and improve correct and consistent condom use. The control group received usual condom distribution care. Chlamydia screening was conducted at baseline and six months post-randomisation, with follow-up through online monthly questionnaires.
In comparison to the control arm, men who underwent theHIS-UK education and training programme:
- reported a more favourable attitude towards condoms and perceived fewer barriers to their usage
- showed a greater tendency to recognise that condoms can enhance pleasure and contribute to a more fulfilling sexual experience
- reported increased confidence in their proficiency to use condoms correctly
- reported fewer instances of errors and problems during condom
- expressed a greater desire to incorporate condoms into their sexual encounters
- exhibited an increase in condom use and showed a greater propensity to use additional lubricant.
Drop-in Wellness and vaccination event for carers
The R&D Team attended a wellness event held for carers on 25 January at King’s Park Community Hospital.
The event was offered to anyone living or working in Dorset who supports a loved one due to their illness, disability, mental health or substance misuse.
Anyone who is a carer was invited to come along and enjoy a range of advice and support services together with a pamper, a free hot drink, cake and raffle entry together with the chance to meet other people supporting a loved one.
The team discussed current and upcoming research opportunities that service users—and in particular anyone who is a carer—may find of interest or indeed of benefit.
