Our research studies

PACMAN study summary

The PACMAN study is focused on developing and evaluating strategies to support patients with indwelling pleural catheters (IPCs) in managing their care independently. The study aims to identify the support needs of patients and their families, explore barriers and motivators to self-management, and understand healthcare professionals’ attitudes and practices related to IPC care.

By working collaboratively with stakeholders, the PACMAN study seeks to co-develop an effective, patient-centred intervention that enhances self-management capabilities and improves overall outcomes for individuals living with IPCs.

TRICEPS study summary

Many stroke survivors experience arm weakness. The TRICEPS study is investigating whether stimulating the vagus nerve using a small earpiece alongside rehabilitation therapy can improve arm function in patients with arm weakness after a stroke.

Self-care for women with HFpEF and MLTCs study summary

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is one of two main types of heart failure. The researchers are investigating self-care practices of women living with HFpEF compared to men living with HFpEF, and both men and women living with other types of heart failure.

CLEANVLU2 study summary

The SolasCure VLU study evaluates the safety, efficacy, and healing potential of 24U/mL Aurase Wound Gel compared to standard care in treating wounds. It assesses adverse events, wound debridement, healing rates, and quality of life over several weeks to determine if the gel improves wound management outcomes.

REACH HFpEF study summary

LPT’s heart failure rehab team has been part of this national study evaluating a facilitated home-based rehabilitation intervention in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Participants will receive either 12 weeks of a new standardised home-based rehabilitation programme or usual care.

Podiatry studies summary

LPT’s Podiatry Team are supporting recruitment to studies involving patients with diabetic foot ulcers. The MiFoot study is testing a programme designed to improve heart health in people with diabetes and diabetes-related foot ulcers. Whilst the DFU Survey study aims to better understand and characterise the diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) patient population.

DAPPLE study summary

The DAPPLE study aims to improve the quality and accessibility of Palliative and End of Life Care (PEOLC) for people with a learning disability by developing robust, co-produced guidance for health and social care services. Through comprehensive analysis of national data, evidence reviews, case studies and stakeholder engagement, DAPPLE seeks to identify effective models of care, barriers and enablers to timely and personalised PEOLC. Its goal is to produce actionable recommendations, practical resources and inclusive guidance that address inequalities, enhance service coordination and ensure that people with a learning disability receive compassionate, appropriate end-of-life support tailored to their needs.

My Medicine Journey study summary

My Medicine Journey is a pharmacy-led programme co-designed with patients to improve medicines safety for older people living with frailty and long-term conditions during and after hospital discharge. It combines hospital pharmacy support with community pharmacy follow-up through the NHS Discharge Medicines Service, using tools like patient information resources, videos, self-management plans and checklists. Its aim is to strengthen medicines conversations, build patient knowledge and confidence and ensure continuity of care to reduce medicines related harm and hospital readmissions.

Restore Life study summary

One in three people with a history of depression have not responded to treatment (NICE, 2018). RESTORE-LIFE aims to assess whether vagal nerve stimulation is effective as an adjunctive therapy in patients that have treatment resistant depression. This involves the surgical implantation of a pulse generator in the chest connected to the vagus nerve that stimulates the nerve for a set period of time.

BBDLB study summary

It is important to differentiate between different types of dementia, as treatments and the risks associated differ. Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is a subtype of dementia but is under-researched compared to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This study aims to identify blood-based biomarkers which will help to differentiate between DLB and AD.

SPACES study summary

The SPACES study aims to test a co-designed physical activity intervention designed for people with severe mental ill health, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It aims to assess whether the intervention can increase physical activity compared to usual care for people with severe mental ill health.

HealthE-RND study summary

HealthE-RND aims to develop an eHealth platform to improve quality of life in people affected by rare diseases. Over 3 years the study team aims to develop an eHealth platform and a quality-of-life questionnaire. The study is currently focusing on Huntington’s disease, to study whether the platform is useful.

iMarkHD study summary

iMarkHD is a study looking for an indicator that can give information about the progression of Huntington’s disease by using MRI scans (which observes the structure of the brain) and PET scans (which observes the function of the brain). By observing these indicators, researchers can better understand how the disease develops. This work could potentially lead to further research into early diagnosis and treatments.

Enroll-HD study summary

Enroll-HD is a worldwide observational study open to people with, or at risk of, Huntington’s disease. It aims to understand the experience of those living with Huntington’s disease and how the disease changes over time. This study has been open in LPT for more than 10 years.

Later Stage HD assessments study summary

This study aims to develop tools to see how the later stages of Huntington’s disease affect individuals. The study is evaluating two common assessments that have been adapted for telephone interview. This study is open to Enroll-HD participants who are in mid- to later stages of HD and their companions.

Vision Quest study summary

One in three people with psychosis have visions, also known as visual hallucinations, though only little is known about these experiences. VISION-QUEST aims to develop a new measure exploring peoples beliefs about visions and exploring the relationships between visions and other issues. The study is open to people with psychosis aged between 16 – 65 who are currently experiencing visions.

NCISH study summary

The National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Safety in Mental Health (NCISH) study collects detailed information on all suicides in the UK, the findings from this work have helped to improve patient safety in mental health settings.

Care Coach study summary

This study is evaluating an online support package aimed at anyone who has caring responsibilities for a person living with dementia compared to usual care. The intervention involves learning modules with remote support from a coach.

GLAD study summary

The Genetic Links to Anxiety and Depression (GLAD) study aims to better understand depression and anxiety in order to find better treatments and improve the lives of people experiencing these disorders. Participants in this study complete an online questionnaire and send a saliva DNA sample to the study team through the post.

TEMPLR study summary

The Tracking Eye Movement and Pupil Light Response in dementia (TEMPLR) study aims to identify if the performance on eye movement and pupillometry tasks can be used as an early indicator of cognitive impairment in Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment. If so, these tasks may be able to be used as a diagnostic tool.

ORLO study summary

The ORLO study is investigating the outcomes of people after they leave mental health rehabilitation inpatient services, and if these outcomes might be influenced by other factors including their gender, ethnicity or the clinical team providing their care. The results from this research study may help to improve services going forward.

The Petal Intervention study summary

This is a study that aims to develop and test a Personalised Treatment package for Adults with Learning disabilities who display aggressive challenging behaviour (PETAL) alongside treatment as usual, compared to treatment as usual alone. The therapy aims to support adults with learning disability and their carers and may lead to a change in current practice.

EDGI study summary

Eating Disorders Genetics Initiative (EDGI) is the largest ever genetic research study of eating disorders, to understand how genes can influence an individual’s risk for developing bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder and anorexia nervosa. The EDGI Study is open to anyone over the age of 16 who has experienced or is currently experiencing an eating disorder. Participants in EDGI will provide a saliva DNA sample and complete a series of online questionnaires.

Further information can be found here: https://edgi.org/

Study summary

There are increased pressures in clinical demand for services offering ADHD assessment in the NHS. This study involves working with senior clinicians in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) or Child Development Services (CDC) or a CAMHS/CDC Integrated Services to understand the clinician time taken to complete ADHD assessment and ongoing management, therefore the cost.

ROBUST study summary

The ROBUST study is a clinical trial designed to evaluate whether a specially developed exercise programme to strengthen the muscles of young people aged 12 – 18 years diagnosed with spastic cerebral palsy, is better than usual NHS physiotherapy treatment. This study will be supported locally by the Research Delivery Team and the Children’s Physiotherapy Service.

STAR-CAT study summary

The STAR-CAT study is testing whether OSI-A (an online parent-led intervention) can support autistic children experiencing anxiety problems. In this study, families will be randomly allocated to receive OSI-A or treatment as usual. This study will be supported by the Mental Health Support Teams in Schools (MHST) in the Trust.

SPELL study summary

The SPELL study is a research study designed to evaluate whether a specially developed dynamic stretching exercise programme for children aged 4 -11 years with a diagnosis of spastic cerebral palsy is better when compared to usual NHS physiotherapy treatment. This study will be supported locally by the Research Delivery Team and the Children’s Physiotherapy Service.

Unlocking Excellence study summary

The Unlocking Excellence study is a research project that aims to improve mental health care for people with intellectual disabilities who live in the community. People with intellectual disabilities often face higher rates of mental health issues and barriers to getting the right support. This study will look at current practices, understand the challenges faced by healthcare workers and listen to the experiences of individuals and their families. The goal is to find effective ways to deliver better mental health services, reduce unnecessary hospital stays and develop recommendations to make community mental healthcare more accessible, personalised and effective for this group.