60 seconds with... Jamila Kassam, Lead Research Physiotherapist
What is your role and what does it involve?
Essentially, I help make orthopaedic research happen! New research ideas need developing, grant applications need writing and existing research trials need to be overseen, to make sure they’re running properly. So I work with the various trials units, the national body government-funded research (the NIHR) and all the regulatory bodies to enable orthopaedic clinical research at Barts Health to flourish.
What are some examples of research you worked on at Barts Health?
Incredibly varied! We have run studies looking at the best types of treatment for fractured hips, shoulders and clavicles to exploring the circumstances and outcomes of cycling collisions to the acceptability of providing physiotherapy for shoulder injuries using virtual reality headsets.
What is your department currently working on?
We’re running nine orthopaedic clinical research trials right now, all of which are recruiting patients week-on-week. So we’re there on the wards and in fracture clinic every day, encouraging patients to take part in our trials and explaining all the details around them so they understand what is involved in research.
We won a £2.2m grant application to look at the best treatment for pelvic fractures in older patients across the UK, and we’re just rolling that trial out now; writing protocols, developing questionnaires and information sheets and working with hospitals all over the UK to set up the study. Another exciting project is exploring the feasibility of proving 3D printed orthotics to children with cerebral palsy in the NHS.
This week we're recognising research and clinical trials with the ‘Research Matters’ Forum. Why does ‘research matter’ to you?
Research is the cornerstone of clinical practice. As clinicians we always try and do what is best for our patients – and the research behind treatments is a big part of that. It allows us to feel confident that we are providing the best care to our patients and yet allows room for new, innovative treatments to come through and be tested against what we’re doing right now.
Can you give an example of a way that research at Barts Health has improved the lives of our patients?
Barts Health took part in CRASH-2 – a large scale study in which over 20,000 patients took part worldwide. The findings have had a huge impact on how we care for our major trauma patients with anticoagulant now being carried on the HEMS helicopter to reduce the risk of death in bleeding trauma patients.
How can staff and patients get involved in Research Matters this week?
Go along to the Research Matters events: There are events throughout the week, across all sites and they are a great way to find out more. Patients who are interested in research can become Barts Health NHS Trust research champions and promote the benefits of being involved in research.
How can staff get involved in contributing to research?
The simplest way to get involved is to question your current clinical practice. Ask yourself ‘Why?’. Why do I do this particular thing in my regular day-to-day practice? It’s a great way to learn and it naturally brings out research questions. Developing research ideas is not as daunting as it sounds – it often starts with a straightforward service evaluation or audit in your clinical area. Get to know your clinical research teams – we’re always around! Let patients know that there are opportunities to be involved in research and pass on details of research teams.
What is the most rewarding part of your role?
Starting with a simple research question and developing it with the team. Then seeing it evolve into a funded trial that will influence the care we provide for patients, not just at Barts Health, but nationwide. This is hugely rewarding!