Public Health Wales Research Showcase Event

3-04-19

Research and Development Event (English Subs)
from Public Health Wales on Vimeo

To see some of the presentations and photos from the day click here

Public Health Wales Research and Development Division worked together with the Public Health Wales Networks team to deliver their most successful annual conference to date, on Wednesday 13 March 2019 in the Hadyn Ellis Building, Cardiff. Entitled, ‘Bringing together health and social care research: A revolution in transformation’ a bold and diverse programme was promised, and the speakers did not disappoint. With over 140 registering to attend the day, and a further 60 viewers following on the Twitter live stream, there was plenty for everyone.

The opening address was delivered by Ifan Evans, Director of Technology & Transformation (Health & Social Services Group, Welsh Government). Ifan spoke about the bold forward-looking plan for health and social care, ‘A Healthier Wales’. A thought provoking talk highlighting what all research should strive to achieve. That is to say, the value of research comes from when you use it and translate it into products and services that benefit patients. He also spoke about the need to shift the focus from the acute sector – primary and secondary care, to prevention and wellbeing. There is still much to do to achieve this ambition and it is important to show the cost savings and wider benefits to individuals and society from adopting a preventive rather than treatment approach.

Robin Miller, Head of Social Work & Social Care at Birmingham University talked about ‘Adding value through evaluation: learning from the pacesetter programme’. Robin’s research relate to new models of collaboration between health, social care and other sectors, and how we can successfully introduce multi-agency innovations within local contexts. He explained his experience of undertaking the pacesetter evaluation in Wales – in particular Wales’ flexible commissioning, willingness to share the good & bad, and excellent project management support.

Daisy Fancourt (University College London) gave a tour de force presentation on the long-term public health impact of arts & cultural engagement. She explained in detail how beneficial the arts could be for our health. For instance, primary school children engaged in arts were associated with high levels of self-esteem, particularly if their parents are engaged with them. And the focus is on engagement, you don't have to be good at it. She also explained how the arts and culture can help improve mental, physical and cognitive health in all age groups. The value of the arts and cultural engagement was beautifully demonstrated when the Tenovus choir enchanted the audience and viewers with some stirring songs to close the first session.

The entire day continued to provide an opportunity for PHW researchers and our collaborators and colleagues to present on their latest research findings and network together. For the first time at this event, there was a breakout session with the option to attend a series of talks relating to either ‘Digital Health and Big Data’ or ‘Promoting Healthy Behaviours’.

To see some of the presentations and photos from the conference click here or watch the live stream from the event by visiting us @phrwales.