What's the best way to heal an open surgical wound? This week we're chatting with the SWHSI-II team, Catherine Arundel, Sam Swan and Sabeen Zahra, all about the SWHSI-2 trial, the award winning study which compared Negative Pressure Wound Therapy with traditional standard dressings to answer this question. We go behind-the-scenes to hear about the trial’s highs and hurdles: blinded photo assessments, COVID interruptions, and smart solutions to recruitment challenges. Plus we find out the team's top tips for researchers undertaking similar projects.   Resources from this episode: Find out more abou the SWHSI-II Trial here: https://www.york.ac.uk/healthsciences/research/trials/ytutrialsandstudies/trials/swhsi-2/#tab-2 Clinical Results paper: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(25)00143-6Trial Learning paper: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40814-025-01658-w Cost effectiveness paper: https://doi.org/10.1093/bjs/znaf077Bluebelle (patient reported infection questionnaire) validation paper: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtv.2025.100889   Music by Matthew Bailey

It’s not every day you get to hear from a mother and daughter who are shaping clinical research together! This week we had the privilege of speaking with a Emma and Toni Wakefield who both took on the crucial role of chairing Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) panels for the BAY trial. We learn how their input led to practical changes in the study, from making materials more inclusive to ensuring the perspectives of young people and carers were properly heard. Plus, hear how leading the panels was a real confidence booster for them, and get Toni and Emma's top tips for anyone wanting to get involved in research, too.   Find out more about the BAY project here: https://bayresearchstudy.co.uk/about-our-research  Get in touch with the BAY team: bay-project@york.ac.uk  Learn more about Patient & Public Involvement here: https://www.hra.nhs.uk/planning-and-improving-research/best-practice/public-involvement/   Music by Matthew Bailey

Can we change the future for young people at risk of bipolar disorder? We're joined by Dr. Rebekah Carney and Prof. Sophie Parker to discuss the Bipolar At-Risk Trial (BART 2). The research aims to spot early signs of bipolar risk in 16–25 year olds and to evaluate a tailored Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) based support that could change the course of young lives. Plus, we find out what the study's unofficial theme song would be! 🎵 Learn more about the BART study here or get in touch with the team at GMMH-BART2@gmmh.nhs.uk    Music by Matthew Bailey

It's time for part 2 of the DISC trial, and the big reveal of the results! We're back with Charlie Welch and Dr Puvan Tharmanathan to talk about the Dupuytren's Interventions: Surgery vs Collagenase Trial (DISC), PLUS Chief Investigator Professor Joseph Dias joins us to discuss the results and what they mean.   How do clinicians and patients choose the right path for treating Dupuytren's contracture? For a long time, the answer wasn't straightforward. We're taking a close look at the DISC trial and how its important findings are making that choice clearer.    For more information about the DISC study visit https://www.york.ac.uk/healthsciences/research/trials/ytutrialsandstudies/trials/disc/  Read Charlie's Monograph here Read the DISC clinical effectiveness findings paper here and cost effectiveness findings here   Music by Matthew Bailey

This week in the Research Room, we kick off a special two-part episode! We're joined by Charlie Welch and Dr Puvan Tharmanathan who walk us through the Dupuytren's Interventions: Surgery vs Collagenase Trial (DISC). Dupuytren’s contracture is the fourth most common problem affecting the hand in the UK, but the most suitable course of treatment is often unclear. Join us to learn all about how the DISC trial aimed to tackle this issue, and the challenges they faced along the way. Don't forget to join us next time for part 2 where Charlie and Puvan reveal the all important results!   For more information about the DISC study visit https://www.york.ac.uk/healthsciences/research/trials/ytutrialsandstudies/trials/disc/    Music by Matthew Bailey

Welcome back to the Research Room for a super special bonus episode! Today, we're thrilled to introduce Dr. Jihong Zhu from the Institute for Safe Autonomy here at the University of York. Ever wondered how robotics can get involved with assisted living? Dr. Zhu's work on robotic arms is not just science fiction; it's happening right now and it's fascinating! We chat about his incredible Robot-Assisted Living Lab (RALLA), where he's developing robotic arms that mimic human dexterity. From tackling the challenges of dressing assistance to pioneering advancements in breast screening for those with mobility issues, Dr. Zhu's projects are a testament to the potential for robotics to enhance human care. So get comfy and join us for an exciting journey into the world of robotics and how they're set to make a significant difference in our lives!   Learn more about the Institute for Safe Autonomy and the Robot Assisted Living Laboratory Find out more about Dr. Jihong Zhu and his projects here or get in touch jihong.zhu@york.ac.uk    Music by Matthew Bailey  

This week in the Research Room we're exploring the world of Forest Schools with Dr. Hannah Armitt and Dr. Rachel Bottomley-Wise. Discover how their project Forest school INterventions for Children’s Health (FINCH) is supporting children's mental health and well-being. Discover how getting kids back to nature isn't just about fun and games, it's a powerful tool for boosting mental health and well-being. Whether you're a parent, a teacher or just curious about the magic of outdoor learning, this conversation will leave you inspired and ready to head outside! For more information about the FINCH study visit https://www.york.ac.uk/healthsciences/research/mental-health/projects/finch/  If you would like to collaborate, or would like to know more about FINCH, please contact the study team on 01482 301726 or HNF-TR.ResearchTeam@nhs.net or finch-trial@york.ac.uk Music by Matthew Bailey

Welcome back to The Research Room! Today we are focusing on The MEASURE Project, which is investigating a groundbreaking initiative aimed at reducing NHS waiting lists for routine, non-emergency operations. We are joined  by Professor Joy Adamson and Karen Glerum-Brooks to explain their "Mixed Methods Evaluation of high-volume, low-complexity surgical hUbs pRogrammE".  If you are curious about how these surgical hubs could reshape patient care across the NHS, you are in the right place.  Resources & Links from this Episode Find out more information on the MEASURE website:    If  you want to get involved in research take a look at the  NIHR website People in Research, where health and care researchers publish opportunities for members of the public to get involved in research.   Take a look at the Involvement@York webpages to learn more about the University of York's commitment to public involvement.    You can connect with the MEASURE Study on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7325625543557541888/

This week in the Research Room we are thrilled to have Dr. Kerry Bell and Dr. Jane Blackwell from the ASSIST 2 project! Their trial, completed in 2022, explored whether Social Stories™ could be an effective way to support autistic children at school. We discuss the ins and outs of the trial, the challenges they faced, especially when COVID threw a curveball their way and, excitingly, they even have results to share!   Resources & Links from this Episode For more information about the ASSSIST 2 project, email jane.blackwell@york.ac.uk or kerry.bell@york.ac.uk   Find out more about the ASSSIST 2 on the project website: https://www.york.ac.uk/healthsciences/research/trials/ytutrialsandstudies/archive/asssist-2/ Check out the full trial findings here: https://acamh.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/camh.12740  Watch the ASSSIST 2 trial come to life in this animation: https://youtu.be/NX0z6INrzdo?feature=shared  Read the NIHR HTA report for the project here: https://www.journalslibrary.nihr.ac.uk/hta/JBTM8017      Music by Matthew Bailey  

This week in The Research Room, Lucy and Janine are joined by Professor David Allsup and Lydia Flett to discuss the BioDrive AFS study. We learn how the trial is tackling the tricky issue of fungal infections in blood cancer patients and exploring how biomarker-driven approaches coud revolutionise treatment. Plus, stick around to hear what awesome superpowers Professor Allsup and Lydia would pick! Resources & Links from this Episode Find out more about BioDrive AFS here: https://biodrive-rct.com/  To get in touch with the BioDrive AFS team, email: biodrive-group@york.ac.uk  Music by Matthew Bailey  

Join Janine and Lucy in The Research Room with the Implement SWATS team - Dr Adwoa Parker, Camila Piccolo-Lawrance and Gloria Mongelli. We explore the complex world of recruiting participants for randomised controlled trials, and whether we can (or should) use money to encourage people to join trials and stay in them.   Resources & Links from This Episode: Find out more about IMPLEMENT SWATs here www.implementswats.org  The full list of prioritised recruitment and retention strategies is available at https://www.trialforge.org/2024/02/a-list-of-11-priority-recruitment-and-retention-swats/  To get in touch with the Implement SWATs team, email: swats-group@york.ac.uk   Music by Matthew Bailey

Join us in The Research Room for our VERY FIRST episode! Lucy and Janine sit down with researchers Emma Standley and Alexandrea Wusu to find out all about the BAY Project. The groundbreaking study aims to support young people with depression using Behavioral Activation within Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHs), reducing waiting times and supporting families in crisis. We find out why the research is important, how the trial works and the importance of engaging young people in research. PLUS, don't miss our top research snacks!   Find out more about the BAY project here: https://bayresearchstudy.co.uk/about-our-research  Get in touch with the BAY team: bay-project@york.ac.uk   Music by Matthew Bailey