Southampton

Developing and testing better tools for identifying disease and predicting outcomes is essential for developing better management plans and improving outcomes. We conduct epidemiological and mechanistic studies to help develop tests, prediction rules, algorithms, and decision aids to help clinicians and patients make better decisions. We also conduct diagnostic studies and randomised controlled trials to evaluate their use in clinical practice. Work in this theme has included studies on infections, asthma, COPD, mental health problems, atrial fibrillation and cancer. 

For more information: Prof Nick Francis Nick.Francis@soton.ac.uk 

Health Care Communication 

Good communication is vital for effective healthcare. Our research aims to improve patient outcomes by optimising healthcare interactions, including developing and trialling tools to enhance empathy and positive messages, evaluating agenda-setting within consultations, and detailed conversation analysis of video- and audio-recorded consultations to improve healthcare communication. 

For more information: Prof Hazel Everitt hae1@soton.ac.uk 

Improving use of Medicines 

This theme includes trials and other high-quality research studies that aim to improve patient outcomes through improving the use of medicines in primary care. This includes studies evaluating the effects of medicines, different prescribing regimens, describing the use and perceptions of medicines through observational and qualitative studies, and developing and evaluating complex interventions to optimise use (including de-prescribing where appropriate).  

As an example, we are at the forefront of primary care research tackling antibiotic resistance by providing evidence to support the better use of antibiotics and alternative treatments for infections. 

For more information: Prof Paul Little P.little@soton.ac.uk 

Supporting Self-Management  

Supporting self-management is a key NHS priority. Building on our close links with Health Psychology, we have an international reputation for developing and evaluating complex behavioural interventions that aim to improve patient outcomes through supporting self-management. We have used this approach to help patients with a wide range of primary care problems, including: lifestyle issues, mental health problems, cancer-related distress and cancer survivorship, back pain, dizziness, asthma, COPD, respiratory infection, IBS, eczema, acne, hypertension, and weight management.  

The Primary Care Research Centre, Southampton offers a broad spectrum of expertise both in methodologies and clinical topic areas. Our training and support for Early Careers Researchers (ECRs) is integrated throughout the Centre through formal and informal learning opportunities and networking, and integration of projects with wider research themes. We have regular seminars and research ideas workshops, which provide opportunities to present ideas and findings in a friendly and supportive setting. 

In addition, we have a Southampton Primary Care PhD support forum and an annual PPM PhD Research Conference where students can present and share their work: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/primarycare/working-with-us/phds.page 

We are keen to attract graduates from all primary care disciplines to undertake postgraduate research. Students have at least 2 supervisors with expertise in the field and receive core and tailored training and support based on a learning needs analysis, including research methods, statistics, epidemiology, patient and public engagement, research ethics and governance. 

‘PPM CONNECT’ is an umbrella term which brings together several groups within the Centre, read more on these groups here: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/primarycare/working-with-us/early-career-researchers.page

Dr Mark Lown; M.Lown@soton.ac.uk (SPCR training lead)

Professor Hazel Everitt; hae1@soton.ac.uk (SPCR deputy academic capacity development lead)