Health, Care, and Wellbeing Research and Innovation Group

We integrate interdisciplinary research with robust Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) to drive impactful, evidence-based practices that shape policy.

Group LeadProfessor Carolyn Wallace

EXPERTISE AND MEMBERS

Our world-leading research addresses critical health and social inequalities, delivering innovative solutions that enhance health, care, and well-being in communities now and for the future.

Partnering with Public Health Wales, HEIW, Welsh Government, NHS Wales, NASP, and WCVA, we conduct high-quality research that influences health outcomes locally, nationally, and globally.

Health, Care, and Wellbeing Research and Innovation Group Members

IMPACT

Our expert RIG members have worked nationally and internationally providing evidence to Governments upon which new pathways, new teams, new interventions and technologies have and will improve outcomes.

Our research has an impact on practice and policy. It is quoted in national policy documents and our work has international influence. Our impact on practice is focussed on the relationship between people, their families, communities and professionals, and how different people, agencies and organisations work together.

Research publications and outputs

A nurse and a student nurse talk to a small child with picture cards and toys on the carpet of a paediatrician's office

Addressing long-standing health inequalities in Wales

Research Impact: Welsh National Framework for Social Prescribing

Social prescribing supports health and well-being but varied terminology across sectors is a barrier for professionals and the public.

Achievements

National impact

We authored Welsh Government's first national standards for social prescribing, a glossary of terms for practice, and are developing a dataset to understand impact.

Policy alignment

Our research underpins the Welsh Government's approach to multi-agency working and the integration of health and care services.

International reach

Our work on social prescribing and family resilience has international partners from Europe, Asia, and Australasia, supporting, disseminating and enhancing our evidence.

National recognition

Our research is variously funded by Health and Care Research Wales, UK Research and Innovation, and the Arts and Humanities Research Council.

Societal impact

Our study on the impact of COVID on people with learning disabilities provided important insights into the differential impact of the pandemic and the associated health inequalities.

Research Focus Areas

Addressing Health and Social Inequalities

This research theme is focused on advancing our understanding of the complex factors that contribute to health disparities. Exploring health and social inequalities pertains to the well-being of all our communities. This theme brings together experts from diverse disciplines to conduct cutting-edge research, promoting collaboration, and engaging with communities (including marginalised, minority and migrant population groups) and industry to develop innovative solutions and identify the most effective interventions and policies to address these issues.

Integration of Health and Social Care influencing policy and supporting practice

This theme investigates how communities, organisations and practitioners can work together with people to ‘shift left’ and refocus care and support into localities and away from hospital, so that people can access services in the right place, at the right time and in the right way. We have two underpinning working principles, Patient and Public Involvement, and Engagement and Building Evaluation and Research Methodology Expertise. Whilst there are a number of programmes of research within these themes we have three internationally recognised units:

Unit for Development in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (UDIDD) – led by Professor Stuart Todd
The Welsh Institute for Health and Social Care (WIHSC) - led by Professor Mark Llewelyn
Wales School for Social Prescribing Research (WSSPR) - led by Professor Carolyn Wallace

Our research is also guided by our diverse Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) groups and networks. The VAWDASV Research Network, launched in November 2021, tackles Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse, and Sexual Violence (VAWDASV) with over 120 members across Wales and the UK. The Teaching and Research Advisory Committee (TRAC), active for over 20 years, involves individuals with learning disabilities in shaping research. The Ethnic Minority Research Advisory Group (EMRAG) promotes inclusivity, amplifying ethnic minority voices in research.

The University of South Wales is also a partner of PRIME Centre Wales – a research centre focusing on primary and emergency care, funded by Health and Care Research Wales, in order to develop and coordinate research proposals and support researchers.

KEY PROJECTS

Glossary Standardises Social Prescribing

USW and Public Health Wales have created www.splossary.wales, the first online glossary that allows users to make suggestions for social prescribing terms.

Find out more

Torfaen Health Determinants Research Unit, Citizen involvement and engagement work package

This project will create a culture of curiosity, putting data and intelligence at the centre of decision making by understanding the life-course of the citizen and how health inequalities impact on their outcomes.

Find out more

Family Resilience Assessment Instrument Tool

The FRAIT comprises of the FRAI (Family Resilience Assessment Instrument) and the FRAT (Family Resilience Assessment Tool), both of which form an evidenced based assessment for health visitors in their daily practice. Its purpose is to assist health visitors in decision making, care planning and planning for further interventions and resources.

Find out more

Driving service transformation and global innovation in eye care

Receiving £1.8 million in funding from Health and Care Research Wales, The Centre for Vision Services Research is dedicated to improving health and care services for individuals that access eye care services or have sight problems.

Find out more

COLLABORATIONS AND PARTNERSHIPS

The Group collaborates with a wide range of partners to address key challenges in health and social care. Through local, national, and international partnerships, we advance research that directly impacts policy, practice, and community health outcomes.

Care Inspectorate Wales
HEIW
Health and Care Research Wales
Mencap Cymru
NASP (National Academy of Social Prescribing)
NHS Wales
Public Health Wales
RCN
Social Care Wales
WCVA
Welsh Government
Women’s Aid

THE BENEFIT OF HAVING THE UNIVERSITY INVOLVED WAS THAT IT BROUGHT ACADEMIC RIGOUR TO THE WORK THAT WE WERE DOING.

Nicola Evans

Head of Policy, Welsh Government

IT GAVE US THAT GROUNDING IN THE LITERATURE AND THAT UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT WAS HAPPENING, NOT JUST WITHIN THE UK, BUT ACROSS THE GLOBE.

Nicola Evans

Head of Policy, Welsh Government

THE PUBLIC HEALTH APPROACH IS CENTRAL TO WHAT WE DO AND THAT REALLY RELIES ON HAVING A ROBUST EVIDENCE BASE. WORKING WITH THE VAWDASV RESEARCH NETWORK REALLY INFORMS THAT.

Sheree Jones

VAWDASV Blueprint Project Delivery Manager, South Wales Police

WE ARE REALLY FORTUNATE TO HAVE PEOPLE FROM OUR ACADEMIC COMMUNITY THAT DEMONSTRATE SUCH LONG-TERM COMMITMENT TO ADDRESSING VAWDASV.

Johannah Robinson

National Adviser for VAWDASDV, Welsh Government

Work with us

We welcome collaboration with industry, government, and academic partners to drive innovation and tackle real-world challenges. Whether you’re interested in co-developing solutions, exploring funding opportunities, or partnering on research projects, we are open to discussing how we can work together to achieve impactful outcomes.

To learn more or discuss potential collaborations, please contact Professor Carolyn Wallace on [email protected]

[email protected]

POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH

Whether you’re pursuing a PhD, MPhil, or Masters by Research, you’ll be guided by passionate, leading experts, making a positive impact on individuals, communities, charities, businesses, and governments worldwide. We welcome UK and international applications for research degrees. Study full-time or part-time, on campus or remotely, depending on your area. Professionals with an existing body of work may also be eligible for a PhD by Portfolio.

Our research students are integral to our team. They benefit from excellent research facilities, dedicated study areas, and opportunities to present their work at national and international conferences.

The Graduate School

A group of researchers sit around a table chatting with coffee and books

Research-informed teaching

The work of UDIDD directly informs the teaching of both the undergraduate learning disability nursing students and those from other fields of practice. For example, the Once for Wales Health Profile (developed from research undertaken by UDIDD) is used to inform clinical simulation activities and classroom teaching. Mandatory learning disability awareness training, developed through UDIDD research, is required for all health professional courses.

Our spirituality research shapes teaching in healthcare courses, including 20 hours for pre-registration nursing and midwifery at USW, mandatory training for health students across Wales, and CPD for student nurse assessors and international professionals through Royal College of Nursing and Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation.

Postgraduate Research Degrees

Research students

Nyree’s PhD at the University of South Wales focused on improving care for lymphoedema, a chronic condition causing incurable swelling.

Read Nyree's story

Leon Arrowsmith-Hill's PhD at the University of South Wales focused on using Point of Care Testing (POCT) to improve diagnosis of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Acute Respiratory Infections (ARIs).

Read Leon's Story