Health and Social Care Research Centre

Impact

We are developing a reputation for Health and Social Care research that is making a regional difference. And the Centre’s work includes internationally renowned research in Compassion and Mindfulness, led by Professor Paul Gilbert.

We believe it is vital our research impacts upon learning and the advancement of the health sector. We want to improve the practice of health and social care professionals and, in particular, enhance the quality of care for patients and service users.

Our work helps people from all walks of life, from new mothers going through childbirth to parents preparing packed lunches to frail older people in care homes.

Group of nursing students stood together smiling

Our objectives

The University of Derby Health and Social Care Research Centre objectives are to:

Optimise individual health and wellbeing by enhancing the management, care and treatment of service users
Promote healthy communities by improving the health and wellbeing of local populations and communities
Build and develop an effective health and social care workforce – including building the professional evidence base and transforming the roles of health and social care professionals

Our research areas

Our research is grouped together in the following six themes. We welcome correspondence with health and social care practitioners, academics, researchers and potential doctoral students who would wish to work with us on projects related to these themes.

Compassion and wellbeing

Our research conducted within the College of Health and Social Care around compassion and wellbeing is leading to changes in the way services are managed and delivered.

Volunteering

Our research into the benefits of volunteering is leading to changes in the way nurse educators think about nurse education.

Public health

Our public health research areas include promoting integrated health and social care, developing and testing new interventions, recommending most-effective interventions, promoting healthy living.

Women's health

Our research around the issue of women’s health helps services understand how to improve support for women and girls.

Empowerment through education

The study of education as an instrument of emancipation and empowerment - as well as a means of increasing the knowledge and skills of learners.

Research projects

Breastfeeding beyond infancy

We carried out an exploration of the experiences of mothers breastfeeding beyond infancy and the support provided by healthcare professionals.

person in a field of tall wild grasses salutes the sunset as birds fly overhead

Harnessing compassion for mental health and wellbeing

Around one in 12 people suffer from a mental health disorder, making improving mental wellbeing a global priority. Our pioneering research has led to effective therapies and interventions.

Fruit and vegetables laid out on a table

Family healthy eating vlogs in lockdown

We carried out an online research study with families during the UK Government COVID-19 lockdown restrictions to encourage healthy eating.

A plant in a cardboard pot with the word 'Aroma' on it

Imagination and belonging in a changing climate

In a time of crisis, with climate change being a pressing global challenge, our research project encourages people to individually and collectively explore their emotional responses to climate change.

Contact us

You can contact our Health and Social Care Research Centre by emailing Nicola Barnett at n.barnett@derby.ac.uk or by emailing researchcentre-hsc@derby.ac.uk