The Health and Care Research Wales Evidence Centre has released its first Annual Report (2023-2024), highlighting the Evidence Centre’s rigorous, timely, and relevant research, which addresses evidence needs for the Welsh Government, the NHS, Social Care Wales, and other key stakeholders.
During the first year, the Evidence Centre received 145 questions from stakeholders, and 29 of these health and social care questions were accepted onto the Work Programme. The research carried out in response to these questions provides critical insights into public health, social care, and well-being, contributing directly to policy and decision-making across Wales.
SAIL Databank, through its role within Population Data Science at Swansea University, is proud to be a part of the five research partners collaborating with the Evidence Centre. To date, 14 research outputs are now available in the Centre’s Report Library, including SAIL Databank’s contributions to three key projects:
Evaluating the Safe@Home Initiative
This project assesses the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board’s ‘Safe@Home’ initiative, an integrated urgent response service designed to provide a safe alternative to ambulance conveyance, emergency unit visits, and hospital admissions. The research explores the demographics and outcomes of those using the service, alongside patients’ experiences through questionnaires and interviews.
Palliative Care
This research investigates care patterns for people in Wales during their last year of life, focusing on those who did not die from sudden causes. The study compares healthcare service usage among patients receiving specialist palliative care with those who do not, and assesses whether these services reduce the need for urgent care.
Persistent Pain
Focusing on individuals in Wales suffering from persistent pain, this project aims to describe healthcare service usage and explore how changes to health services could improve outcomes for this population. The findings will support the Welsh Government and NHS in designing better services for people living with chronic pain.
Professor Adrian Edwards, Director of Health and Care Research Wales Evidence Centre, said,
“I am delighted to share the Evidence Centre’s first annual report. During our first year, we examined research within key public health, social care, primary care, and well-being areas. Our findings have influenced and shaped several of the Welsh Government’s health policies and practices.”
To explore the the full report and gain insights into impactful projects SAIL Databank has contributed to, click here.
