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Across Gloucestershire Integrated Care System (ICS) we are committed to improving the health, care and wellbeing for our people and communities through creating a culture of innovation, learning and improvement, and through more impactful research, evaluation and audit.

This webpage provides support and resources for health and care staff, people and communities, who are interested in taking part in or leading on a piece of research, evaluation or audit. It will also be a place where we share examples of work we are doing across the county.

What is research?

Research is a process of investigating, analysing, and interpreting information to answer a specific question, solve problems, or discover new knowledge. It involves gathering data, conducting experiments, and drawing conclusions based on evidence.

Research in health and care wants to find answers to questions about the best support and treatment options available. It then uses these findings to make improvements or changes to the care we provide. This is so we can:

  • diagnose diseases earlier or more accurately
  • provide life-changing treatments
  • prevent people from developing conditions
  • improve health and care for our generations to come
  • ensure people and communities have a better quality of life

What is evaluation?

Evaluation is a formal review of the design, delivery or outcomes of a procedure, project, or policy. It involves gathering and analysing information to better understand the effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, and impact of the initiative being evaluated. Evaluation helps us to understand what works, what doesn’t, and how to improve future interventions. It plays a key role in decision-making, accountability, and learning in health and care.

What is audit?

Audit is an examination and verification of health and care records, processes, or systems to ensure accuracy, compliance, and transparency. It is sometimes undertaken by independent auditors who review a health or care organisation’s processes for complying with regulations and policies. Audits help identify errors, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement within an organisation. They play a vital role in promoting accountability, integrity, and trust in reporting.

The difference between research, quality improvement, service evaluation and audit in healthcare (youtube.com)

Those who work on research, evaluation and audit across Gloucestershire help us to make sure we use the most up to date research and evidence to provide the best possible care and support to our people and communities and help inform our future decisions.

We work closely with colleagues at the:

  • University of Gloucestershire
  • Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
  • Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Trust
  • Hospices
  • National Institute of Health and Care Research
  • Health Improvement Network
  • Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations
  • People and communities

You can find out more about who to contact to about the research work they do in health and care or source training opportunities:

Tel: 01452 943323
Email: glicb.glosresearch@nhs.net

Community Participatory Action Research (CPAR) Stage 1: 2023/24

Lead Authors: Dr Joy Bevan & Dr Katherine Broomfield, University of Gloucestershire.

Co-authors: Fathima Nafla Mohamed Nazreen, Akbal (Bill) Singh, Habiba Hansdot, Anamika Dam, Ashieyah Kriel, Jubaida Rashid, Prob Singh, Vicky Asirvatham, Omonigho Gbejewoh, Rasiegha Ketharalingham, Esra Tuncel, Farida Mehmood, Funke Dehinbo, Viva O’Flynn.