NSMI and Keele University celebrate research and student awards
The North Staffordshire Medical Institute (NSMI) welcomed staff and students from Keele University for an awards event recognising important local research projects and outstanding achievements in medical education.
Funding was presented for research into vulnerability in grief and the way cervical screening histories are communicated to patients following a diagnosis of cervical cancer.
The event also celebrated two Keele medical students for exceptional performance in their studies.
£4,500 to support research into Grief and Vulnerability
Dr Bernadette Bartlam, Dr Linda Machin and Professor Julius Sim received a £4,500 development grant to further research into identifying people who may be particularly vulnerable following bereavement.
The project focused on validating the Adult Attitude to Grief Scale, developed by Dr Machin as a way of helping professionals assess how individuals respond to loss.
People experiencing particularly difficult or prolonged grief can require significant health and social care support. Identifying vulnerability at an earlier stage may therefore help professionals provide more appropriate interventions and direct resources towards those most in need.
The research brought together expertise connected with Keele University's Research Institutes for Social Sciences and Primary Care and Health Sciences.
£9,703 for Cervical Screening communication research
A second award of £9,703 was presented to Dr Sue Sherman and Professor Michael Murray, working with colleagues from the University Hospital of North Staffordshire.
Their project examined how the results of cervical screening history reviews were communicated to women following a diagnosis of cervical cancer.
Women diagnosed with cervical cancer may have previously taken part in the cervical screening programme. Following diagnosis, patients can be offered a review of their screening history to understand whether earlier test results had been interpreted correctly.
The researchers sought to explore patients' experiences of these conversations and identify examples of best practice.
The project recognised that such discussions could be sensitive and potentially distressing, while also providing an important opportunity for openness, explanation and transparency.
Recognising medical student achievement
The event also celebrated the achievements of two students from Keele University Medical School.
Eleanor Johns received the 2011/12 Year 2 Medical Institute Prize for Best Performance in the Summative Assessments.
Laura Davis received the 2011/12 Year 4 Medical Institute Prize for Best Performance in the Year 4 OSCE Assessments.
These awards recognised academic and clinical excellence while highlighting the importance of supporting future generations of doctors throughout their medical education.
Supporting research and education in North Staffordshire
The awards demonstrated the strong relationship between the North Staffordshire Medical Institute and Keele University.
By funding research alongside recognising student achievement, NSMI supported both established researchers addressing important healthcare questions and medical students developing their future careers.
This commitment to medical research, education and professional development remains an important part of the work associated with the Wade Charitable Foundation and North Staffordshire Medical Institute.