According to HRB Chief Executive Enda Connolly,

'The HRB is committed to developing the capacity to conduct palliative care research on the island of Ireland. Funding a Strategic Research Network (SRN) is a crucial step to drive the palliative care research agenda here, with the potential to add real value at an international level.' 

The network will deliver evidence for optimum health sector configuration, clinical care models, new and improved clinical interventions, as well as evidence for policy. It will also enable multidisciplinary researchers from the twelve member organisations of the AIIHPC to conduct research in two specific strands.

The first will examine palliative care needs of specific vulnerable groups including those with mental illness, intellectual disabilities and children with life limiting conditions. (Hospice and palliative care involves meeting the emotional, spiritual and practical needs of the affected person and those close to them.)

The second will focus on on measuring the needs, impact and evaluation of palliative care service delivery.

Dr Sonja McIlfatrick, Head of Research AIIHPC, said, 'We are delighted to launch our Structured Research Network. The fact that experienced researchers from a range of backgrounds can come together to share their knowledge and experience and work more collaboratively on research projects is a new development and a real step forward. By working together we have an opportunity to produce robust, evidence-based research which will have direct impact on patient care.'

Further details on about both the AIIPHC and the SRN programme can be found at the link below or by contacting;

Emma Ross,
Communications and Information Manager,
All Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care
eross@aiihpc.org