Health Services Research and Pharmacy Practice Conference
Tom Whipple
Science Writer, The Times
Never cross a malachologist: what 20 years as a journalist has taught me about how science really works
Five different poster walks, each with multiple short presentations
This workshop will outline the key steps in conducting evidence syntheses and show how these might be implemented in the context of a rapid evidence synthesis. It will include pointers to important factors in the appraisal of an evidence synthesis, in particular where some steps have used techniques to accelerate them.
Participants will have the opportunity to consider how they would develop an evidence synthesis and which aspects could be accelerated using techniques available for rapid evidence synthesis (including artificial intelligence), and to assess the quality and relevance of some examples of rapid evidence syntheses.
A core outcome set (COS) is an agreed standardised set of outcomes that should be measured and reported, as a minimum, in all clinical trials in a specific condition. This allows research to be compared and combined as appropriate, and ensures that all studies provide usable information.
This workshop will involve a mixture of presentations, small group work, and discussion. The goals for the session will be to: (i) Describe the rationale for using a COS in trials, and demonstrate how the COMET database helps to facilitate this; and (ii) Describe issues to consider when deciding whether a COS is applicable to a specific trial, and whether a COS has been developed using reasonable methods. No prior COS knowledge or experience is required.
Effective communication of science to non-expert audiences requires skills that can be learned and refined over time. This workshop will identify different approaches to communicating scientific theory and research to patients and other members of the public, exploring core techniques that can be utilised. It will challenge attendees to think differently about how they communicate their research to audiences, to ensure they build reputation and trust.
This session is designed for academics, researchers and knowledge mobilisers who want to grow the influence of their work by engaging with the right people and sources in the policy space. Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to expand your existing networks, the session will provide practical tools and strategies for identifying key stakeholders, mapping relevant audiences, and building connections that support long-term policy impact.
Participants will also explore how to align their research with current policy priorities and position themselves as credible, trusted voices in policy and parliamentary conversations.
Dr Sarah Gorst
Senior Research Fellow, Department of Health Data Science, University of Liverpool
Measuring what matters: core outcome sets as a solution to research waste
Evening Events – The Great Hall, Queen's University Belfast
Professor Mike Clarke
Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast and Director of the Northern Ireland Clinical Trials Unit
Producing evidence that can be followed: doing and using randomised trials to improve health
This workshop will outline the key steps in conducting evidence syntheses and show how these might be implemented in the context of a rapid evidence synthesis. It will include pointers to important factors in the appraisal of an evidence synthesis, in particular where some steps have used techniques to accelerate them.
Participants will have the opportunity to consider how they would develop an evidence synthesis and which aspects could be accelerated using techniques available for rapid evidence synthesis (including artificial intelligence), and to assess the quality and relevance of some examples of rapid evidence syntheses.
A core outcome set (COS) is an agreed standardised set of outcomes that should be measured and reported, as a minimum, in all clinical trials in a specific condition. This allows research to be compared and combined as appropriate, and ensures that all studies provide usable information.
This workshop will involve a mixture of presentations, small group work, and discussion. The goals for the session will be to: (i) Describe the rationale for using a COS in trials, and demonstrate how the COMET database helps to facilitate this; and (ii) Describe issues to consider when deciding whether a COS is applicable to a specific trial, and whether a COS has been developed using reasonable methods. No prior COS knowledge or experience is required.
Effective communication of science to non-expert audiences requires skills that can be learned and refined over time. This workshop will identify different approaches to communicating scientific theory and research to patients and other members of the public, exploring core techniques that can be utilised. It will challenge attendees to think differently about how they communicate their research to audiences, to ensure they build reputation and trust.
This session is designed for academics, researchers and knowledge mobilisers who want to grow the influence of their work by engaging with the right people and sources in the policy space. Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to expand your existing networks, the session will provide practical tools and strategies for identifying key stakeholders, mapping relevant audiences, and building connections that support long-term policy impact.
Participants will also explore how to align their research with current policy priorities and position themselves as credible, trusted voices in policy and parliamentary conversations.
Four different poster walks, each with multiple short presentations