Research Hero of the Month - August

This month we would like to acknowledge Dr Khalid Aziz for his contributions as first time Principal Investigator on the ACER project. We would also like to thank Martin Borrick as ward manager and colleagues of Ward 5 Newsam in their efforts to facilitate the research which opened in February.

The ACER study is led by UCL and aims to assess the clinical and cost-effectiveness of inpatient mental health rehabilitation. The study is reviewing rates of discharge and readmission and other outcomes through records and follow-up interviews with service users.

An external researcher attended the ward for one week and, with the support of Dr Khalid and colleagues, was able to identify and engage 9 service users. This was a great deal more than our agreed targets. Without such an engaged and flexible PI, we believe this wouldn’t have been possible, even offering up his own office space to allow for interviews with service users and data collection to occur.

Dr Khalid said, “I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the ACER Study, which aims to assess clinical and cost effectiveness in both the NHS and private sector. This project presented a remarkable chance for me to support our Research Department and Trust, working collaboratively with UCL.

By contributing to it, I found the experience intellectually stimulating and gained valuable networking opportunities for future research endeavours. I extend my gratitude to our research department and LYPFT for providing me with this enriching opportunity to potentially make a meaningful contribution to the field of rehabilitation psychiatry.”

If anyone is interested in knowing more about the role of Principal Investigator, please email research.lypft@nhs.net.