Guidance on Project Selection in the Second Funding Period of CLAHRC for LNR

Guidance on Project Selection in the
Second Funding Period of CLAHRC for LNR

July 2012

The priorities and process for project selection set out below may be revised and refined as information is released about future requirements for CLAHRCs.

Project support by CLAHRC for LNR is contingent on a successful application to NIHR for a second period of NIHR funding.

Rationale

This paper sets out a process for selecting projects to be taken forward in the CLAHRC. It addresses a number of issues:

1.  Alignment of project choice to local health priorities;

2.  Promoting project implementation and impact;

3.  Partner involvement in project selection;

4.  End-user/PPI involvement in project design, conduct and implementation; and

5.  Responsiveness in project selection/initiation.

Proposal

For the purposes of this document, the term “project” refers to fixed-duration activities resourced by the CLAHRC that involve research or supported service improvements. Resourced projects include all those fully or partly funded by the CLAHRC as well as those heavily dependent on contributions from CLAHRC-funded staff.

Within the CLAHRC, projects will involve a combination of the following:

(a)  Research to improve patient health, to prevent ill health, to improve health care delivery;

(b)  Implementation activity to promote the uptake of research evidence into routine health care practice;

(c)  Evaluation of the impacts, outcomes or fidelity of implementation activities;

(d)  Research to better understand the processes involved in implementing research evidence into routine practice (implementation science).

It is anticipated that projects involving research are also likely to involve implementation phases and post-implementation evaluation. Similarly, implementation projects will normally be evaluated. Implementation science projects are likely to link to implementation projects supported by the CLAHRC or to other service developments in the local health and social care system.

Research and implementation projects should demonstrate the following essential and desirable characteristics:

§  The project directly addresses priorities of one or more commissioning group and health/social care provider service(s) and is endorsed by those organisations. / essential
§  The project involves strong “co-production” in that those expected to use or benefit from the outcomes of the project (including patients, the public, clinicians and managers) have had and will continue to have considerable influence in its development, conduct, dissemination and application. / essential
§  The project is likely to improve patient health, prevent ill health or improve health care delivery or efficiency (particularly in long-term conditions). / essential
§  The project findings/outcomes (if positive) have a high likelihood of adoption in all relevant settings across LNR. / essential
§  The project team has the skills, experience and relationships necessary to deliver the intended outcomes on time and within budget. / essential
§  The project represents excellent value-for money. / essential
§  The project represents the application of learning from the first funding period of the CLAHRC. / desirable
§  The project involves collaboration with other NIHR funded infrastructure (such as BRUs, UKCRN Networks and other CLAHRCs). / desirable
§  The project is likely to produce significant and quantifiable reductions in demand on healthcare services in LNR. / desirable
§  The project is likely to produce significant and quantifiable reductions in costs of healthcare services in LNR. / desirable
§  The project is likely to reduce disparities in health between socially advantaged and disadvantaged groups in LNR. / desirable
§  The project is likely to have high national/international profile and impact. / desirable
§  The project is likely to bring benefits to patients/the public (beyond the initial project cohort) within 3-5 years of initiation. / desirable

Priorities for CLAHRC for LNR include:

•  Primary and secondary prevention of disease to reduce premature deaths from CVD, CKD, COPD, diabetes, stroke and cancer;

•  Supporting people with long-term conditions;

•  Improving outcomes for people using mental health services, including those with dementia;

•  Improving the care and the quality of life of an ageing population, especially the frail elderly;

•  Improving services and care for children and young people;

•  Integration of services between care providers (e.g. health and social care) to improve care pathways.

Outline proposals will be initially assessed by a group of 6 to 8 people representing current CLAHRC partners. This group may request further information from project teams. A larger Project Review Group will subsequently meet to recommend whether projects should be:

i.  Approved for CLAHRC support and investment;

ii.  Potentially approved subject to clarification or specified amendments;

iii.  Not approved for CLAHRC support.

The Project Review Group is likely to comprise representatives from:

-  Clinical commissioning groups

-  Acute hospital trusts

-  Community and mental health/healthcare trusts

-  Local government/public health

-  Groups representing service users and the public

-  CLAHRC Director and Programme Manager

-  Representatives of other stakeholder groups

It is anticipated that the CLAHRC will identify 6 to 10 first wave projects and a further group of project within the first 24 months of the second CLAHRC funding period.

Projects involving research recommended by the Project Review Group for support and investment will be subject to additional scrutiny by the CLAHRC Scientific Committee.

Martin Williams - July, 2012

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