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Social and Psychological Research in Long Term Conditions (SPARC)

Our research has wide-ranging impact

jo-bellx
Faculty of Health Sciences
Dr Jo Bell
Reader in Psychology and Social Work and SPARC Research Lead

The Challenge

Chronic diseases have reached epidemic proportions and are the leading cause of death globally.

More people are living longer with multiple conditions, which, in addition to the significant socio-economic impacts, reduce quality of life and physical functioning while increasing mortality rates, hospital admissions, psychological distress, economic hardship and polypharmacy.

Our interdisciplinary research draws together work which explores the experience, and impact, of living with long-term conditions. SPARC prioritises the voices of people living with long-term conditions and those of their families and carers. It does this through gathering and understanding people’s stories and narratives around illness, long-term conditions and, crucially, their intersection.

The Approach

SPARC is an interdisciplinary research group that brings 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 long-term conditions are experienced in everyday life.

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.

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 Dementia, Mental Health and Addiction Missions.

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.

 

The Impact

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 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.

OUR AIMS

  • To undertake and disseminate high quality research relevant to health psychology, social work, social care and clinical practice.
  • To work in collaboration with people living with long-term conditions, as well as with charitable organisations, partner academic institutions, health and social work colleagues and industry.
  • To make a positive difference to the lives of people living with long-term conditions and those of their families and carers.

Research themes

Mental health 2

Psychological health and wellbeing

This research theme focuses on understanding and addressing key mental health challenges. We explore a wide range of topics, including psychological and emotional abuse, co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, and post-traumatic growth following trauma.

Addictions and substance use

Our research theme on addiction and substance use examines the complex interactions between substance use, addiction, and mental health. We focus on various forms of addiction, including alcohol use, and explore the co-occurrence of mental health issues and substance misuse.

Couple

Care practices and experiences

Our research theme on care practices and experiences focuses on improving the quality and delivery of care across various settings. It encompasses a range of topics, including distance care, person-centred care, and the care experiences of older adults and informal caregivers.

Two women exercising in a recovery centre

Health and medical research

Our research theme on health and medical research focuses on advancing knowledge and practice in key areas of healthcare. This includes women’s health, non-medical prescribing, and community pharmacy, with a particular emphasis on improving access to care.

Mental health

Long term conditions

Our research theme on long-term conditions addresses the complexities of managing chronic and advanced illnesses. We investigate a range of topics, including dementia, multimorbidities, and the sociology of chronic illness.

end of life care

End of life

Our research theme on end of life focuses on the evolving social contexts of palliative care and the new forms of visibility of death and dying in contemporary society. It explores the ways in which death is discussed, perceived, and experienced, alongside the provision of homecare for those at the end of life.

Members
Research students

“She’s my memory; he’s my legs!” Couples’ experiences of living with dementia and multiple health conditions. 

Postgraduate researcher: Rosie Dunn

Supervisors: Prof Emma Wolverson and Dr Andrea Hilton

The aim of this research is to explore the lived experiences of couples living with dementia and multiple health conditions. The research will be conducted from an interpretive phenomenological perspective, utilising creative methods such as photographic diaries and photo and object-elicitation techniques within interviews with couples.  The findings from this research will help to educate health and social care practitioners the best ways to support couples living with dementia and multiple health conditions, as well as lead to the development of evidence-based, relationship-centred care interventions, in the hope that couples can continue to live well at home for as long as possible.

Dunn, R., Clayton, E., Wolverson, E. and Hilton, A. (2022). Conceptualising comorbidity and multimorbidity in dementia: a scoping review and syndemic framework. Journal of Multimorbidity and Comorbidity12 https://doi.org/10.1177/26335565221128432

Dunn, R., Wolverson, E. and Hilton, A. (2024). Exploring the interplay between dementia, multiple health conditions and couplehood: A qualitative evidence review and meta-ethnography. Dementia (London, England), 23(1), 41–68. https://doi.org/10.1177/14713012231214017

 

Multimorbidity at Midlife

Postgraduate researcher: Justine Krygier 

Supervisors: Dr Liz Price and Dr Jo Bell

My research will explore the lived experiences of individuals at midlife with multiple health issues to better understand the impact of multimorbidity at this stage of the life course. It will aim to consider elements such as identity, emotional resources and mental health implications from an Existential and Humanistic perspective.

 

Multimorbidity and the workplace: How work shapes multimorbidity in struggling coastal communities

Postgraduate researcher: Edward Hart

Supervisors: Prof Liz Walker and Dr Moira Graham

Adopting a phenomenological approach, this research shall endeavour to elicit the felt experience of multimorbidity by exploring the critical influence of both working conditions and the ‘work imperative’. The research seeks to ascertain specific factors pertinent to coastal communities that have been subject to persisting economic decline and how this influences the intersectionality between multimorbidity and work.

 

Exploring the role of physical activity in the treatment and recovery of service users with alcohol dependence

Postgraduate researcher: Buse Apel

Supervisors: Prof Tom Phillips and Prof Judith Cohen

The current study will explore the role of physical activity in the treatment and recovery of service users with alcohol dependence. The associations between physical activity and alcohol dependence, and the barriers and facilitators of engaging in physical activity will be identified. Then, a physical activity intervention will be developed and the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention will be tested.

 

Are death cafes a useful approach to having conversations about death and dying with people who have dementia?  

Postgraduate researcher: Catherine Wood

Supervisors: Prof Emma Wolverson and Dr Liz Price 

This research aims to explore whether conversations about death and dying, with people who have dementia, can be enhanced by using the death café approach. The research will involve a series of cafés to which people with and without dementia will be invited to participate in. Observational and narrative analysis will be employed to determine outcomes. People are naturally reluctant to talk about their own wishes for end of life and it is hoped that this style of conversation will encourage discussion and contribute to improving the recognition of individual preference for end of life care.

 

Assessing lifestyle modifications in diabetes: A categorisation model to enhance adaptation

Postgraduate researcher: Kevin Christian

Supervisors: Prof. Thozhukat Sathyapalan and  Dr Clare Whitfield

This research aims to provide a novel framework for understanding lifestyle modifications in diabetes. By categorising these changes, healthcare providers can develop more personalised, effective intervention strategies that improve patient outcomes and foster sustainable lifestyle changes. By enhancing our understanding of these factors through a robust categorisation model, I hope to contribute to more effective diabetes care practices and improved patient quality of life.

 

 

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Be part of a vibrant research community at the University of Hull.

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