Allied health professionals to discuss ways to improve clinical research at Sheffield Hallam

Allied health professionals from across the country will meet at Sheffield Hallam University today to discuss how they can improve clinical practice and patient care through research.

Research plays an important part in helping to inform and evolve clinical practice in allied health professions such as oncology, radiotherapy, physiotherapy, paramedic practice and occupational health and delegates at a conference hosted by Sheffield Hallam University will be advised on how they can become involved in clinical research and potentially discover the next medical breakthrough.

Karen Sage, professor for allied health professions research at Sheffield Hallam will talk about how she became involved in clinical research, the challenges she faced and how she overcame them. Professor Sage is currently looking into some of the challenges faced by therapists and patients during rehabilitation after a stroke.

One of her PhD studies, funded by the Stroke Association, will allow people to measure the relationship between the patient and therapist and aims to combat some of the issues around patient disengagement. It will also explore how the therapist-patient relationship affects the outcome of their treatment and whether it helps people after stroke to reach their full potential.

Over 200 allied health professionals from teaching hospitals, universities and research institutions from across the UK will attend today's conference which will also host Dr Lisa Bayliss-Pratt, director of nursing at Health Education England who will reinforce the importance of clinical research and how it contributes to a high standard of health care.

Professor Karen Bryan, pro-vice chancellor for Sheffield Hallam's Faculty of Health and Wellbeing, said:

Research is needed on complex interventions that are essential to managing acute and long term conditions as well as improving community care. We as allied health professionals must overcome the barriers and challenges to develop research capacity.

We train nearly 2000 allied health students and are one of the biggest healthcare training providers in the country. By showcasing our expertise and working with our partners and colleagues around the UK, we can encourage more allied health research and become a driving force for improved clinical practice.