2009-2010 End of Year Report to UKSCIRN Executive Committee

Background 

The UK Spinal Injury Research Network (UKSCIRN) was launched in March 2003 to promote and encourage multi-centre clinical research and so improve the health care and well being of all patients with spinal injuries.  Our Network was originally funded from the Priorities and Needs framework and is now funded through the Thames Valley Comprehensive Research Network.

Funding for research projects have been supported through our own funding and partner charity organisations following five bidding rounds between 2003 and 2009. 

Projects were advertised through the UKSCIRN and NHS websites including RDInfo and direct contact with professional groups. Submissions were peer reviewed by the UKSCIRN scientific committee.  

Progress  2009/10

• Improvement in budget for 2009-2010 to £160,000.

• NIHR Partnership Organisation Status obtained. This improved status has positive implications for eligibility for entry onto the NIHR-CRN Portfolio and associated infrastructure costs.

• UKSCIRN funding call August 2009.  Grants were awarded to 3 collaborative projects totalling £77,154(1).  Eight submissions were evaluated through an anonymous peer review process conducted by an expert panel with input by the Spinal Injury Association to ensure that research we support will benefit people with spinal cord injury.  All of these studies are eligible for entry onto the National Portfolio.

• UKSCIRN collaborative application to the NIHR for the Applied Programme Grant(2). This application was successful at Stage One in October 2009 but funding was declined at the final stage in March 2010. 

• Expert panel for development of evidence based national clinical guidelines.  In February 2010 we began a consultation process across the research community to gather suggestions for subject areas for guidelines.  The Scientific Committee are currently conducting a peer review with the final decision to be made by our Executive Committee on 18th May 2010.

• Processes for good practice. Development of funding application and acceptance documents including automated processes for anonymous peer review and procedures for monitoring research and recruitment.

• UKSCIRN representation at ISCOS 48th Annual Scientific Meeting 2009, Guttmann Conference, Cardiff 2009 and presentation to BASCIS members.

Sally Henry
Programme Manager UKSCIRN
01296 315832

Note 1

SCI17 Improving Outcome after Spinal Cord Injury by Monitoring and Reducing High Cord Pressure, Lead Researcher: Mr Marios Papadopoulos, St Georges University of London, Co-applicants: Mr David Choi, Mr Kia Rezajooi,Participating Centres: St George’s Hospital, London, The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, Kings College Hospital, London  Funding: £58,996, Duration: 18 months commencing March 2010, Aim: To test the hypothesis that after SCI bony realignment does not adequately decompress the cord

SCI18 The Impact and Effect of Vertebral Artery Trauma in Spinal Cord Injured Patients Lead Researcher: Dr David McKean, Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Co-applicants: Mr Joy Roy Chowdhury, Dr Allison Graham,Participating Centres: Midlands Centre for Spinal Injuries, RJAH Orthopaedic and District Hospital NHS Trust, NSIC, Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Bucks Funding: £11,800, Duration: 12 months commencing Jan 2010, Aim: To learn more about the risk of injury to the vertebral arteries and the risk of stroke in patients with spinal cord injury.

SCI19 Understanding the Well-being and Care of Persons with Spinal Cord Injury in an Isolation Ward as a Result of Pressure Sores Lead Researcher: Dr Brett Smith, Loughborough University, Co-applicants Professor Paul Kennedy, Ms Helen Smith, Participating Centres: NSIC, Stoke Mandeville Hospital, The London Spinal Injuries Unit, RNOH, Stanmore, Aim: To examine the psychological well-being of persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) in an isolation ward as a result of pressure sores, Funding: £6,358 Duration: 12 months commencing March 2010

Note 2

Preventing Pressure Ulcers in Spinal Neurotrauma and DiseaseLead Researcher: Professor Paul Kennedy, Stoke Mandeville Hospital and 14 Named Co applicants. It is proposed that all UK Spinal Units will participate.