Research centre at UL recognised for its work to improve healthcare services

A RESEARCH centre at University of Limerick (UL) has been recognised for its work on improving health services for older adults.

The Ageing Research Centre (ARC) has been recognised at the UL President’s Research Excellence and Impact Awards for its leadership in championing interdisciplinary research which is focused on supporting older adults and family caregivers.

UL President Kerstin Mey presented the Outstanding Research Collaboration Award, at a ceremony which was hosted on campus, to professor Rose Galvin, professor in physiotherapy and professor Kate Robinson, professor of occupational therapy who are co-directors of the ARC.

Professor Mey highlighted the breadth and strength of the collaboration as an exemplar of best practice in tackling grand challenges such as healthcare.

Collaborators on the project include the UL Hospitals Group, Mid-West Community Healthcare, the National Ambulance Services, St Vincent's Hospital, Connolly Memorial Hospital, the Irish Gerontological Society, the Health Research Board and others.

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Professor Mey said: “Research from the Ageing Research Centre has been instrumental in driving the adoption and integration of innovative healthcare models for older adults and their family caregivers. This research has played a pivotal role in shaping national policies pertaining to health and social care for older adults.”

The President’s Research Excellence and Impact Awards  recognise staff at all University levels who have made outstanding contributions in the excellence and impact of their research.

One of the studies undertaken as part of the ARC collaboration is OPTIMEND, which introduced a dedicated team of health and social care professionals (HSCP) into an emergency department (ED) to focus on timely assessment and intervention among people aged over 65 years.

Older adults represent up to 25% of all ED users and experience longer ED stays and demonstrate higher rates of poorer outcomes following emergency care such as unscheduled return to the ED, emergency of unplanned hospitalisation.

Professor Galvin explained that the study was the first trial of its kind in the world.

“The evidence shows the impact it can have on the outcomes and experiences of older adults,” she said.