The University of Derby has won an award at the inaugural East Midlands Innovation in Healthcare Awards for a collaborative social media campaign with Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust and ADHD Solutions.
The campaign - Disseminating Research Information through Facebook & Twitter (DRIFT) - made use of social media to make Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) research and information accessible to patients, parents, carers and the public. The winners received £2,000 to help develop their innovation.
The award ceremony, which took place on 22 October, was launched by the East Midlands Academic Health Science Network (EMAHSN) to recognise and celebrate the work of NHS, health and social care organisations to develop and improve new healthcare services for local people.
Gemma Ryan, senior lecturer in healthcare practice at the university’s College of Health and Social Care, said: “The aim of our campaign was to make relevant research accessible to the public, but also share the ongoing findings and activities in our other project; ADHD One Stop Shop.
The NHS faces major challenges to meet increasing demands for services and financial pressures, and innovation is central to overcoming these challenges
“We know that there is little evidence around sharing research information and disseminating findings in this way and this is why we felt it would be appropriate for the innovative healthcare awards.
“We wanted to share our experiences and show the benefits that can be achieved with such a project, but also our learning.”
Independent chairman of the East Midlands Academic Health Science Network, Martin Hindle, added: “The quality of the submissions highlights the commitment and expertise of teams across our region. The depth of innovation is absolutely incredible and it is clear that great ideas and solutions are being generated every day throughout our region by frontline staff.
“The NHS faces major challenges to meet increasing demands for services and financial pressures, and innovation is central to overcoming these challenges. Our awards were launched to identify great ideas that address health challenges and to showcase work we know is out there but we don’t always find out about. The innovations are of critical importance to the future of our NHS and have the potential to be spread throughout our region and beyond.”
Other winners are: