research conference success

30 June 2004

The BSMS/BSUHT joint Healthcare & Medical Research Conference on 30 June 2004 proved to be extremely well-received.

More than 150 delegates from all over the south coast attended the one-day conference which featured a guest presentation by Professor David Mant, University of Oxford.

Professor Mant’s keynote presentation outlining 'The Importance of Primary Care Research' was followed by the launch of the Surrey and Sussex Primary Care Research Network, introduced by Professor Helen Smith, BSMS, Professor Ann Moore, School of Health Professions and Professor Rob Horne, Centre for Health Care Research, University of Brighton. The Primary Care Research Network will support the development of high quality research that is pertinent to the care of patients in general practice and the community.

Over the afternoon attendees were able to explore particular themes further through a choice of nine breakout sessions featuring 38 different guest presenters discussing their research and findings.

25 poster presentations prompted further absorbing discussion over coffee breaks, with representation from both the Universities of Brighton and Sussex along with local NHS acute and primary care trusts.

Pleased with the overwhelmingly positive feedback of the day, Professor Helen Smith said, “The day was characterised by the wonderful juxtaposition of presentations involving biomedical, clinical and health services research. Many opportunities for the Primary Care Research Network to engage in collaborative projects emerged from the day's discussions - it was an excellent start for the network"