Social and Psychological Approaches to Research in Health and Care
Improving care, supporting wellbeing and informing policy and practice to enhance the lives of individuals, families, and communities
Overview
Researching real-life experiences to reduce pressures on health and care systems
Health and care systems are facing increasing pressure as more people live longer with complex and often multiple health conditions. These challenges extend beyond physical illness, affecting psychological wellbeing, social participation, economic security, and the capacity of families and services to provide sustainable support.
Against this backdrop, our Social and Psychological Approaches to Research in Health and Care Research Centre (SPARC) adopts an interdisciplinary approach to understanding how people experience illness, care, and support throughout their life course.
We prioritise the voices of individuals, families, and carers, recognising that social, psychological, and systemic factors shape the impact of health conditions.
Through exploring lived experiences, care practices, and end-of-life journeys, our work seeks to generate insight that informs more compassionate, person-centred, and effective health and social care.
Meaningful collaboration to improve care
SPARC is a dynamic research cluster focused on inclusive, ecological, and impact-driven approaches to health and social care research. We carry out high-quality, interdisciplinary work across health, psychology, social work, and clinical practice, with a strong focus on real-world impact.
We work closely with people with lived experience, charities, academics, professionals, and industry partners. Our research improves care, supports wellbeing, informs practice and policy, and enhances lives across health and care settings.
Partnerships
Expertise to understand everyday experiences of illness and disability
As an interdisciplinary group, we bring together diverse expertise and research experience from across the Health and Social Sciences, including psychology, social work, nursing, and pharmacy.
Our approach is to develop a holistic ‘whole person’ perspective by conceptualising and understanding how health, disability and illness are experienced in everyday life.
We have strong links with the NHS and local authorities, and attract research funding from a range of sources, including Horizon 2020, the NIHR, the ESRC, NHS England and relevant charities such as Lupus UK.
Our research
Dedicated to making an impact to health and social care
SPARC is dedicated to making a significant impact on people, policy, and practice within the health and social care sectors.
We employ a diverse range of innovative methodologies, from experimental methods and the analysis of large data sets and care pathways to exploring the lived experiences of individuals, to enhance our understanding of care delivery and address the educational needs of health and social care professionals.
Our research responds directly to UK government priorities articulated in a range of policy frameworks, such as the NHS Long-term Plan, the National vision for putting People at the Heart of Care and the UK Life Sciences Vision, including the Mental Health and Addiction missions.
Strategic research
Our research responds to the UK government's priorities for health and social care
Holistic research
Our research recognises the value of the whole person and their support networks
Interdisciplinary approach
We bring together experts across Health and Social Sciences, including psychology, social work, nursing, and pharmacy
Ensuring tangible, positive changes across the spectrum
Our focus on translating cutting-edge research into practical applications not only benefits the individuals and communities we serve but also informs policymakers and practitioners, ensuring that our research leads to tangible, positive changes across the spectrum of health and social care.
We bring an ecological perspective that focuses on the whole person and their various support networks, recognising the importance of family carers as well as health and social care practitioners, and exploring what enables people to live well and productively.
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