Health

at Coventry University ISSUE 3 2009

Putting theory
into practice
Visiting Professor Bryan Stoten
explains academia’s vital role in
the future of the health service

A world of good
Coventry’s international
approach to the future
of healthcare
Welcome
elcome to the autumn
edition of Health at Coventry
University. Health education is
increasingly influenced by global
agendas and is moving away from
a UK-centric approach. Coventry
is embracing internationalisation in
its curricula and providing an even
richer experience for our students;
some of the ways we are doing this are outlined in the
article on pages 8 and 9.
In July I visited South East Asia with the Dean of Health
and Life Sciences Dr. Linda Merriman and several other
Faculty members. We had a successful time working with
an existing partner, Unity College International in Kuala
Lumpur, where we are developing Nursing and Psychology
courses. We also signed memoranda of understanding with
two new partners, Masterskill University College of Health
Sciences, KL and Nanyang Polytechnic, Singapore, and
began discussions with Inti University College, Malaysia.
We are exploring a range of possibilities with these
international partners across our subject disciplines,
including course development, staff and student exchange,
and research collaborations. We also hope to involve
our existing UK health service partners in these exciting
developments. If you’re working in practice and would
like to contribute to our globalisation plans, or have an
idea about how we could incorporate practice into our
international collaborations, get in touch, it would be great
to hear your ideas.
Also in this issue of Health, Visiting Professor Bryan
Stoten talks about his vision for healthcare over the next
few years, Martin Bollard continues his series of articles on
service user involvement, and you can read how Coventry
is rapidly becoming a sector leader in the field of Assistive
Technology.
From a research perspective we feature the recent
Postgraduate research symposium and you can view this
successful event on YouTube. We also cover the work of
BioCore, one of the University’s research groups, which
is internationally renowned for its work in Biomedical
Computing.
Please do contact us if you’re interested in more
information on any of the articles, or if you would like to
make a contribution to a future edition of Health. We look
forward to hearing from you.
Dr Andy Bridges PhD CPsychol CSci AFBPsS
Associate Dean
Faculty of Health & Life Sciences
2 3
CONTENTS
3 News
 Find out about a new course in sexual health
and a new manual for paramedics
6 Assistive Technology Education
Coventry’s user-centred approach to teaching
Assistive Technology
8 A World of Good
The University’s plan to double international
student numbers
10 Better Involvement
Facing the challenges and reaping the rewards
of user involvement
13 HDTI Opens for Business
How the iconic building is making a difference
14 Putting Theory into Practice
  Visiting Professor Bryan Stoten explains how
academia supports the healthcare system
16 Noticeboard
  Find out the latest dates for open days you
can attend
CONTACT US
If you would like to find out more about any of
the articles featured in this issue or about applied
research or to subscribe to future issues of Health,
please contact:
Gail Williams, Marketing Admissions and
Recruitment Manager, Faculty of Health and
Life Sciences.
Telephone: + 44 (0) 24 7679 5983
Email: gail.williams@coventry.ac.uk
Website: www.coventry.ac.uk/health
To see previous issues of Health visit:
www.coventry.ac.uk/healthmagazine
Credits:
Managing Editor: Gail Williams
Edited by: Cheryl Liddle
Designed by: Kraken Creative
Printed by Emmersons
This publication is available in other formats
on request. Please contact Marketing and
Communications on +44 (0) 24 7688 8352
HEALTH NEWS
New support manual for paramedics
new manual will be the first in the UK to offer advice
and information relating to paramedics’ core clinical
procedures.
The Manual of Clinical Paramedic Procedures supports
the practice of paramedics, ambulance technicians, first
responders and volunteer ambulance personnel. It includes
the latest, evidence-based expert knowledge, enabling
paramedics to deliver effective, patient-focused care.
Clinical procedures are a fundamental aspect of care
for practitioners working in pre-hospital settings and as
paramedic procedures continue to increase, an evidence-
based clinical skills manual was needed.
Pete Gregory, course leader for the Foundation Degree in
Paramedic Science at Coventry University and Ian Mursell,
Paramedic Lecturer-Practitioner with Coventry University
and the West Midlands Ambulance Service, have worked
on the manual for over two years.
It is hoped the manual will challenge some of the more
traditional approaches to clinical procedures and
reviewers of the manual said: “It represents a continuing
commitment by the University to the further development
New course in sexual health
he need for more modernised services in sexual health
has prompted the University to offer a Postgraduate
certificate in the subject.
The certificate in sexual health complements the NHS
West Midlands’ investment plan in relation to public health,
the prevention of sexually transmitted infections and the
reduction of unintended teenage pregnancies.
The development of the course has been supported by
a local consultant in Genito-urinary Medicine as well as key
managers and personnel directly involved in sexual health
service provision.
The qualification is suitable for a range of professionals
working in health and social care, including doctors, nurses,
midwives, specialist community public health nurses,
teachers and others responsible for personal, social and
health education as well as sexual health advisors/sexual
health promotion specialists.
Online activities enable students to fit study around
their other commitments and the course includes three
mandatory modules: sexual health care and promotion,
essential skills in sexual health care and inter-professional
work based learning.
of the Paramedic
profession. It is a
very interesting and
exciting book, which
the profession
desperately needs.
This is a new
approach to pre-
hospital care, using
real life experiences,
supported by
current, robust research to help contextualize
the material. It allows the student the opportunity to relate
theoretical content to a practice setting.”
Topics included in the manual are Aseptic Technique,
Airway Management, Assisted Ventilation, Cardiopulmonary
Resuscitation, Defibrillation and External Cardiac Pacing,
Observations, Pain Assessment & Management, Respiratory
Therapy, Spinal Management and Venepuncture.
The book is due to be published by Wiley-Blackwell
later in 2009.
Students undertake the practice elements of the course
in their own or associated areas of capability. Health
workers wanting to take the course must work in a relevant
area of clinical practice to be able to complete certain
modules and have an identified clinical supervisor for the
practice elements.
While the Department of Health called for a
modernisation of services in its 2001 National Strategy for
Sexual Health and HIV, it was still listed as one of the six
healthcare priorities in Lord Darzi’s review in 2008.
Sue Lees, Associate Head of Nursing, Midwifery & Health
Care, said: “The modernisation of services requires effective
multidisciplinary working and both the training and
education of professionals are fundamental to the delivery
of high quality services.”
For further information contact:
Sue Lees on +44 (0) 24 7679 5384 or the Admissions
Team +44 (0) 24 7679 5959 or hlsgen@coventry.ac.uk.
Welcome
elcome to the autumn
edition of Health at Coventry
University. Health education is
increasingly influenced by global
agendas and is moving away from
a UK-centric approach. Coventry
is embracing internationalisation in
its curricula and providing an even
richer experience for our students;
some of the ways we are doing this are outlined in the
article on pages 8 and 9.
In July I visited South East Asia with the Dean of Health
and Life Sciences Dr. Linda Merriman and several other
Faculty members. We had a successful time working with
an existing partner, Unity College International in Kuala
Lumpur, where we are developing Nursing and Psychology
courses. We also signed memoranda of understanding with
two new partners, Masterskill University College of Health
Sciences, KL and Nanyang Polytechnic, Singapore, and
began discussions with Inti University College, Malaysia.
We are exploring a range of possibilities with these
international partners across our subject disciplines,
including course development, staff and student exchange,
and research collaborations. We also hope to involve
our existing UK health service partners in these exciting
developments. If you’re working in practice and would
like to contribute to our globalisation plans, or have an
idea about how we could incorporate practice into our
international collaborations, get in touch, it would be great
to hear your ideas.
Also in this issue of Health, Visiting Professor Bryan
Stoten talks about his vision for healthcare over the next
few years, Martin Bollard continues his series of articles on
service user involvement, and you can read how Coventry
is rapidly becoming a sector leader in the field of Assistive
Technology.
From a research perspective we feature the recent
Postgraduate research symposium and you can view this
successful event on YouTube. We also cover the work of
BioCore, one of the University’s research groups, which
is internationally renowned for its work in Biomedical
Computing.
Please do contact us if you’re interested in more
information on any of the articles, or if you would like to
make a contribution to a future edition of Health. We look
forward to hearing from you.
Dr Andy Bridges PhD CPsychol CSci AFBPsS
Associate Dean
Faculty of Health & Life Sciences
2 3
CONTENTS
3 News
 Find out about a new course in sexual health
and a new manual for paramedics
6 Assistive Technology Education
Coventry’s user-centred approach to teaching
Assistive Technology
8 A World of Good
The University’s plan to double international
student numbers
10 Better Involvement
Facing the challenges and reaping the rewards
of user involvement
13 HDTI Opens for Business
How the iconic building is making a difference
14 Putting Theory into Practice
  Visiting Professor Bryan Stoten explains how
academia supports the healthcare system
16 Noticeboard
  Find out the latest dates for open days you
can attend
CONTACT US
If you would like to find out more about any of
the articles featured in this issue or about applied
research or to subscribe to future issues of Health,
please contact:
Gail Williams, Marketing Admissions and
Recruitment Manager, Faculty of Health and
Life Sciences.
Telephone: + 44 (0) 24 7679 5983
Email: gail.williams@coventry.ac.uk
Website: www.coventry.ac.uk/health
To see previous issues of Health visit:
www.coventry.ac.uk/healthmagazine
Credits:
Managing Editor: Gail Williams
Edited by: Cheryl Liddle
Designed by: Kraken Creative
Printed by Emmersons
This publication is available in other formats
on request. Please contact Marketing and
Communications on +44 (0) 24 7688 8352
HEALTH NEWS
New support manual for paramedics
new manual will be the first in the UK to offer advice
and information relating to paramedics’ core clinical
procedures.
The Manual of Clinical Paramedic Procedures supports
the practice of paramedics, ambulance technicians, first
responders and volunteer ambulance personnel. It includes
the latest, evidence-based expert knowledge, enabling
paramedics to deliver effective, patient-focused care.
Clinical procedures are a fundamental aspect of care
for practitioners working in pre-hospital settings and as
paramedic procedures continue to increase, an evidence-
based clinical skills manual was needed.
Pete Gregory, course leader for the Foundation Degree in
Paramedic Science at Coventry University and Ian Mursell,
Paramedic Lecturer-Practitioner with Coventry University
and the West Midlands Ambulance Service, have worked
on the manual for over two years.
It is hoped the manual will challenge some of the more
traditional approaches to clinical procedures and
reviewers of the manual said: “It represents a continuing
commitment by the University to the further development
New course in sexual health
he need for more modernised services in sexual health
has prompted the University to offer a Postgraduate
certificate in the subject.
The certificate in sexual health complements the NHS
West Midlands’ investment plan in relation to public health,
the prevention of sexually transmitted infections and the
reduction of unintended teenage pregnancies.
The development of the course has been supported by
a local consultant in Genito-urinary Medicine as well as key
managers and personnel directly involved in sexual health
service provision.
The qualification is suitable for a range of professionals
working in health and social care, including doctors, nurses,
midwives, specialist community public health nurses,
teachers and others responsible for personal, social and
health education as well as sexual health advisors/sexual
health promotion specialists.
Online activities enable students to fit study around
their other commitments and the course includes three
mandatory modules: sexual health care and promotion,
essential skills in sexual health care and inter-professional
work based learning.
of the Paramedic
profession. It is a
very interesting and
exciting book, which
the profession
desperately needs.
This is a new
approach to pre-
hospital care, using
real life experiences,
supported by
current, robust research to help contextualize
the material. It allows the student the opportunity to relate
theoretical content to a practice setting.”
Topics included in the manual are Aseptic Technique,
Airway Management, Assisted Ventilation, Cardiopulmonary
Resuscitation, Defibrillation and External Cardiac Pacing,
Observations, Pain Assessment & Management, Respiratory
Therapy, Spinal Management and Venepuncture.
The book is due to be published by Wiley-Blackwell
later in 2009.
Students undertake the practice elements of the course
in their own or associated areas of capability. Health
workers wanting to take the course must work in a relevant
area of clinical practice to be able to complete certain
modules and have an identified clinical supervisor for the
practice elements.
While the Department of Health called for a
modernisation of services in its 2001 National Strategy for
Sexual Health and HIV, it was still listed as one of the six
healthcare priorities in Lord Darzi’s review in 2008.
Sue Lees, Associate Head of Nursing, Midwifery & Health
Care, said: “The modernisation of services requires effective
multidisciplinary working and both the training and
education of professionals are fundamental to the delivery
of high quality services.”
For further information contact:
Sue Lees on +44 (0) 24 7679 5384 or the Admissions
Team +44 (0) 24 7679 5959 or hlsgen@coventry.ac.uk.
HEALTH NEWS
Caring for sports people
he first cohort of students on the Sports Therapy BSc
has just entered its final year of the course.
The Department of Biomolecular and Sport Sciences at
Coventry is one of only 16 institutions in the UK to have
a Sports Therapy course that has been accredited by the
Society for Sports Therapists (SST) – the professional body
that works with the Health Professions Council for the
regulation and registration of Sports Therapists.
Sports Therapy focuses on the prevention of injury
and rehabilitates patients back to their optimum levels
of functional, occupational and sport specific fitness.
It uses the principles of sport and exercise sciences to
prepare patients for training, competition and where
applicable, work.
The course equips students with knowledge and
practical skills for a career in sports therapy. Hands-on
experience in laboratories, therapy suites and clinics is
integrated with the knowledge and skills of a sport and
exercise scientist.
This knowledge base includes exercise physiology,
biomechanics, tissue mechanics, exercise and health
combined with sports therapy, including diagnosis and
treatment of injuries, soft tissue mobilisation and
manipulation.
The course aims to create Sports Therapists that
understand sport science, understand athletes and their
interaction with coaches; know when to treat a patient and
Postgraduates showcase work
ostgraduate students had the chance to present
their work at the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences’
symposium day in April.
The event was organised to give Postgraduates a forum
to showcase their work, develop presentation skills and
network with other students.
Full and Part-time students studying for PhD and MSc(R)
degrees as well as staff members who are undertaking
research degrees attended the event. Nine students gave
oral presentations and there were 16 poster presentations
for people to learn more about other strands of research
going on within the Faculty.
Dr Andrew Bridges, Associate Dean for the Faculty,
opened the event and after a series of oral presentations,
there was a keynote speech from Dr Elizabeth Hughes –
the newly appointed Reader in Primary Care.
4 5
when to
refer them on; and be able to identify risk factors and help
prevent injuries.
Students gain experience in both clinical and pitch
side settings, which has so far included work with the
University’s sports teams, covering for the annual Warwick
University versus Coventry University Varsity Day and work
experience with Coventry City Football Club (CCFC).
There are plans to develop more links with local rugby
clubs this year as well as strengthen the course links
with CCFC.
Find out more information at www.coventry.ac.uk/hls
or at the Society of Sports Therapists
www.society-of-sports-therapists.org
Awards were also on offer for the best presentations,
with the winners going forward to the University Research
Symposium later in the year. Kate Simmons won the best
oral presentation for Investigating the Safety of the Use of
Ipratropium for the treatment of Chronic Obstructive
Pulmonary Disease and Mayen Konarski won the best
poster presentation
for a multi-case study
investigation of
the potential role
of prescribed lenses
in learning.
A film of the event
is available at
www.youtube.com/
covstudent Dr Elizabeth Hughes gave the keynote speech
New management course leads the way
oventry is the first UK University to offer a wholly online
leadership and management development programme
for both Undergraduates and Postgraduates in health and
social care.
The flexible programme aims to help staff working in the
NHS, Social Services or the independent sectors to develop
their careers, improve management skills and meet the re-
quirements for Continuing Professional Development.
Two programmes are available at Undergraduate level –
a Foundation Degree (FD), which is suitable for people
without a university qualification working in the sector and a
BA (Hons) top up degree for those who have previously at-
tained an appropriate qualification.
Postgraduate programmes are aimed at people with
an appropriate professional qualification or appropriate
academic achievement and skills.
The courses focus on developing students’ management
and leadership skills so they can manage groups of
professional staff and services. Students can choose to
study individual modules or work towards the full academic
award at their own pace.
Online courses include audio-visual learning methods
to make studying interactive, interesting and challenging.
Moving closer to local partners
he Biomedical Computing and Engineering
Technologies (BIOCORE) Applied Research Group has
relocated to the new HDTI building to work more closely with
local and regional healthcare partners.
Since Raouf Naguib, Professor of Biomedical Computing,
set up BIOCORE in 1998, the group’s reputation has grown
regionally and internationally. Its experienced members are
often called upon to contribute to journals and books or to
present at conferences.
Applied projects have spanned the development
and application of computational methods, biomedical
engineering and healthcare systems for the analysis,
interpretation, prediction, and design of biological, clinical
and health-related processes.
The Group works with internationally renowned
institutions and is currently involved in an urban health
project with Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions in America;
working on health informatics with Vietnam’s Ministry of
Health and is focused on a research project into the health
effects of indoor air quality with the Philippines Council,
among others.
A high number of PhDs have been completed and one
recent knowledge management project to increase the
HEALTH NEWS
Teaching is delivered live online and by previously recorded
lectures with access to course materials, online discussions
and seminars.
Students can also organise individual or group tutorials
with academic and support staff and there is also a digital
library available with all electronic reading material – along
with 24-hour technical support.
Principal Lecturer Gary Spolander said the team
recognise the challenges students face when combining
work and personal commitments with study. “We’ve ensured
all live sessions are recorded so people can watch them
at a convenient time and offered different ways to access
academic support. We’ve included intermediate awards as
well and provided two intakes onto the course in October
and January each year. There are also no examinations and
some of the assignments are linked to a student’s current
or future employment.”
For more information contact Gary Spolander on
+44 (0) 24 7679 5831 or email g.spolander@coventry.ac.uk
or Amy Clarke on +44(0) 24 7679 5959 or email
amy.clarke@coventry.ac.uk
uptake to the NHS Breast Screening Programme earned
praise from the examining team who unanimously put it
forward for a University prize.
BIOCORE’s research was rated highly in the recent
Research Assessment Exercise (RAE2008), and with
ratings of 3* and 4* it was on a par or better than many other
institutions.
Dr Rajeev K Bali, a Visiting Professor at the Illinois
Institute of Technology (IIT) in Chicago, joined the Group
shortly after its creation and formed the research subgroup
Knowledge Management for Healthcare (KARMAH) to
develop knowledge management tools and techniques to
overcome knowledge gaps in healthcare institutions.
Prof Naguib, who is also an Adjunct Professor at Carleton
University in Canada and an Honorary Professor at De La
Salle University in the Philippines, believes the outcome of
the results is due to the team’s dedication. He said: “We are
always keen to work with innovative and energetic partners
and welcome the opportunity to discuss applied research
and consultancy proposals.”
For more information, visit: www.coventry.ac.uk/biocore
HEALTH NEWS
Caring for sports people
he first cohort of students on the Sports Therapy BSc
has just entered its final year of the course.
The Department of Biomolecular and Sport Sciences at
Coventry is one of only 16 institutions in the UK to have
a Sports Therapy course that has been accredited by the
Society for Sports Therapists (SST) – the professional body
that works with the Health Professions Council for the
regulation and registration of Sports Therapists.
Sports Therapy focuses on the prevention of injury
and rehabilitates patients back to their optimum levels
of functional, occupational and sport specific fitness.
It uses the principles of sport and exercise sciences to
prepare patients for training, competition and where
applicable, work.
The course equips students with knowledge and
practical skills for a career in sports therapy. Hands-on
experience in laboratories, therapy suites and clinics is
integrated with the knowledge and skills of a sport and
exercise scientist.
This knowledge base includes exercise physiology,
biomechanics, tissue mechanics, exercise and health
combined with sports therapy, including diagnosis and
treatment of injuries, soft tissue mobilisation and
manipulation.
The course aims to create Sports Therapists that
understand sport science, understand athletes and their
interaction with coaches; know when to treat a patient and
Postgraduates showcase work
ostgraduate students had the chance to present
their work at the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences’
symposium day in April.
The event was organised to give Postgraduates a forum
to showcase their work, develop presentation skills and
network with other students.
Full and Part-time students studying for PhD and MSc(R)
degrees as well as staff members who are undertaking
research degrees attended the event. Nine students gave
oral presentations and there were 16 poster presentations
for people to learn more about other strands of research
going on within the Faculty.
Dr Andrew Bridges, Associate Dean for the Faculty,
opened the event and after a series of oral presentations,
there was a keynote speech from Dr Elizabeth Hughes –
the newly appointed Reader in Primary Care.
4 5
when to
refer them on; and be able to identify risk factors and help
prevent injuries.
Students gain experience in both clinical and pitch
side settings, which has so far included work with the
University’s sports teams, covering for the annual Warwick
University versus Coventry University Varsity Day and work
experience with Coventry City Football Club (CCFC).
There are plans to develop more links with local rugby
clubs this year as well as strengthen the course links
with CCFC.
Find out more information at www.coventry.ac.uk/hls
or at the Society of Sports Therapists
www.society-of-sports-therapists.org
Awards were also on offer for the best presentations,
with the winners going forward to the University Research
Symposium later in the year. Kate Simmons won the best
oral presentation for Investigating the Safety of the Use of
Ipratropium for the treatment of Chronic Obstructive
Pulmonary Disease and Mayen Konarski won the best
poster presentation
for a multi-case study
investigation of
the potential role
of prescribed lenses
in learning.
A film of the event
is available at
www.youtube.com/
covstudent Dr Elizabeth Hughes gave the keynote speech
New management course leads the way
oventry is the first UK University to offer a wholly online
leadership and management development programme
for both Undergraduates and Postgraduates in health and
social care.
The flexible programme aims to help staff working in the
NHS, Social Services or the independent sectors to develop
their careers, improve management skills and meet the re-
quirements for Continuing Professional Development.
Two programmes are available at Undergraduate level –
a Foundation Degree (FD), which is suitable for people
without a university qualification working in the sector and a
BA (Hons) top up degree for those who have previously at-
tained an appropriate qualification.
Postgraduate programmes are aimed at people with
an appropriate professional qualification or appropriate
academic achievement and skills.
The courses focus on developing students’ management
and leadership skills so they can manage groups of
professional staff and services. Students can choose to
study individual modules or work towards the full academic
award at their own pace.
Online courses include audio-visual learning methods
to make studying interactive, interesting and challenging.
Moving closer to local partners
he Biomedical Computing and Engineering
Technologies (BIOCORE) Applied Research Group has
relocated to the new HDTI building to work more closely with
local and regional healthcare partners.
Since Raouf Naguib, Professor of Biomedical Computing,
set up BIOCORE in 1998, the group’s reputation has grown
regionally and internationally. Its experienced members are
often called upon to contribute to journals and books or to
present at conferences.
Applied projects have spanned the development
and application of computational methods, biomedical
engineering and healthcare systems for the analysis,
interpretation, prediction, and design of biological, clinical
and health-related processes.
The Group works with internationally renowned
institutions and is currently involved in an urban health
project with Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions in America;
working on health informatics with Vietnam’s Ministry of
Health and is focused on a research project into the health
effects of indoor air quality with the Philippines Council,
among others.
A high number of PhDs have been completed and one
recent knowledge management project to increase the
HEALTH NEWS
Teaching is delivered live online and by previously recorded
lectures with access to course materials, online discussions
and seminars.
Students can also organise individual or group tutorials
with academic and support staff and there is also a digital
library available with all electronic reading material – along
with 24-hour technical support.
Principal Lecturer Gary Spolander said the team
recognise the challenges students face when combining
work and personal commitments with study. “We’ve ensured
all live sessions are recorded so people can watch them
at a convenient time and offered different ways to access
academic support. We’ve included intermediate awards as
well and provided two intakes onto the course in October
and January each year. There are also no examinations and
some of the assignments are linked to a student’s current
or future employment.”
For more information contact Gary Spolander on
+44 (0) 24 7679 5831 or email g.spolander@coventry.ac.uk
or Amy Clarke on +44(0) 24 7679 5959 or email
amy.clarke@coventry.ac.uk
uptake to the NHS Breast Screening Programme earned
praise from the examining team who unanimously put it
forward for a University prize.
BIOCORE’s research was rated highly in the recent
Research Assessment Exercise (RAE2008), and with
ratings of 3* and 4* it was on a par or better than many other
institutions.
Dr Rajeev K Bali, a Visiting Professor at the Illinois
Institute of Technology (IIT) in Chicago, joined the Group
shortly after its creation and formed the research subgroup
Knowledge Management for Healthcare (KARMAH) to
develop knowledge management tools and techniques to
overcome knowledge gaps in healthcare institutions.
Prof Naguib, who is also an Adjunct Professor at Carleton
University in Canada and an Honorary Professor at De La
Salle University in the Philippines, believes the outcome of
the results is due to the team’s dedication. He said: “We are
always keen to work with innovative and energetic partners
and welcome the opportunity to discuss applied research
and consultancy proposals.”
For more information, visit: www.coventry.ac.uk/biocore
Assistive
Technology
Education
User-centred approaches to teaching Assistive
Technology have increased Coventry
University’s national reputation in the subject
n ageing population has brought with it new
challenges and the use of Assistive Technology
in healthcare provision has grown rapidly in the last
few years. The University’s Health Design and
Technology Institute (HDTI) is taking a national lead
on enabling products and services to reach the
marketplace that help older and disabled people to
live independently.
But as new and improved products are
continually released, practitioners need to be made
aware of the kind of technologies available to better
support patients.
In January 2008, the University introduced a
new Postgraduate certificate in the Effective Use of
Assistive Technologies as part of a portfolio of
courses with the HDTI. The course has now been
extended to an MSc in Assistive Technology aimed
at a range of health and social care practitioners,
managers and people working in related industries
who want to learn more about Assistive Technology
solutions. In the last two academic years, 16
professionals have enrolled on the course, including
telecare co-ordinators, alarm call centre managers,
occupational therapists and support workers in
mental health, dementia care and social services,
independent sector workers and managers
(for example, Alzheimer’s Society and Independent
Living Centres) and the further education sector.
Course Director Darren Awang said the diversity of
students was a key strength of the course. “We get a
range of Assistive Technology (AT) related experiences
from service providers as well as perspectives from
those that receive them. This has proven to be an
enriching learning opportunity for our students who
are able to offer expertise from their own workplace
and take on board ideas to enhance policy and
practice from others. Our students are the future
trailblazers in AT.”
6 7
AT in action:
in a dispenser
The Pivotell Au
tipper, designe
tomatic Pill Di
spenser
unable to lift d for those
the dispenser
wrist dexterity
.
or with limite
d radial
The modular Part-time course runs over one to
five years, depending on the level of the qualification
required. As students progress, a total of nine
modules can be accrued and the points earned add
up to a different level of Postgraduate award, which
is an advantage to those students who do not wish
to study all of the modules.
Users of AT are at the centre of the course and a
range of learning approaches and methods are used,
including blended learning, work-based learning,
shared learning and reflective practice.
Students have access to the University’s
virtual learning environment to support study and
an electronic portfolio to engage with personal
development planning.
Darren said the variety of teaching methods makes
it easier for students to balance work and personal
commitments with study. “Students have found the
experience very positive and developed a strong
network of work and social contacts. Their
assignments link to what is going on in the workplace
and offer them the ability to critically appraise policies
and practices. Students have gone on to raise the
profile of AT within their own organisation with
confidence and a sound set of principles, tools
and skills to support this personal and professional
growth. We also regularly complement the taught
programme with product showcases to extend
students knowledge of the rapidly growing types
of AT products and services that exist.”
For more of an introduction to AT, there is an
Undergraduate Certificate in Assistive Technology
for Life Improvement now available from
September 2009.
Developed by Course Director and Principal
Lecturer in Assistive Technology Gill Ward, the course
is aimed at care and support workers and assistant
practitioners to provide an introduction to AT.
gramming
le computer pro being
4 and 5 enab
Comput er su pp or t: PivoTell mark
ily member /
carer in the ev en t of me dication not
and alerts a fam a preset time.
dispensed wit
hin
It focuses on the service user’s perspective and
experience of living with a disability and develops
knowledge and skills to help practitioners improve
the life and wellbeing of individuals through the use
of assistive technologies.
The course consists of the equivalent of six
university modules (level one) and would normally be
undertaken on a part-time basis over two years but
modules can also be taken individually for personal
development purposes. Students only need to
attend the University once a fortnight as there is
online learning available each alternate week. Gill
said: “This is a much needed course for many
assistant level practitioners working in the assistive
technology arena; there is so little formal education
available. This course can be a stepping stone to
further qualifications and the flexible blended learning
approach makes it possible for people to study and
work at the same time.”
Plans are underway with the HDTI to make learning
while working even more accessible with the
introduction of a Foundation Degree in Assistive
Technology. These qualifications are designed with
employers to combine academic study with
workplace learning and partnership discussions are
at an early stage with Skills for Care, TSA and other
key organisations.
They represent two-thirds of an honours degree
and can be topped up to a full degree with an
additional year of study.
AT is also included in the Undergraduate
Occupational Therapy degree programme and
disabled volunteers set students tasks to solve their
needs using AT.
Laraine Epstein module leader for a second year
AT module said: “We have been very creative in our
approach and now use home webcams so that our
disabled volunteers can share their stories and
AT tutors
: (back) D
and Gill arren Aw
Ward ang and
(front l-r) Lara
ine Epstei
n
any barriers they encounter directly with students
who then investigate potential solutions and feed
these back.”
This inclusive approach to teaching and learning
earned the team a University Teaching Excellence
Award in June 2008, followed by conferences and
articles to disseminate good practice.
To further engage support workers and
practitioners in AT, course leaders are working with
HDTI colleagues and the College of Occupational
Therapists to develop a new online resource. The
Assistive Technology Learning Tool currently being
developed by the Occupational Therapy team uses
case based scenarios to enable learners to explore
AT solutions such as PivoTell products. PivoTell has
developed AT products to support people who need
to take pills as part of their healthcare routine. The
online tool will increase awareness and skills around
electronic AT and will be available in autumn 2009.
Darren said: “It will be a valuable learning
opportunity for anyone interested in AT – with or with-
out an academic background in the subject – who
want to be able to demonstrate up to date learning.”
For more information contact:
Darren Awang d.awang@coventry.ac.uk
or Gill Ward g.ward@coventry.ac.uk
or call + 44 (0) 24 7688 8724
Assistive
Technology
Education
User-centred approaches to teaching Assistive
Technology have increased Coventry
University’s national reputation in the subject
n ageing population has brought with it new
challenges and the use of Assistive Technology
in healthcare provision has grown rapidly in the last
few years. The University’s Health Design and
Technology Institute (HDTI) is taking a national lead
on enabling products and services to reach the
marketplace that help older and disabled people to
live independently.
But as new and improved products are
continually released, practitioners need to be made
aware of the kind of technologies available to better
support patients.
In January 2008, the University introduced a
new Postgraduate certificate in the Effective Use of
Assistive Technologies as part of a portfolio of
courses with the HDTI. The course has now been
extended to an MSc in Assistive Technology aimed
at a range of health and social care practitioners,
managers and people working in related industries
who want to learn more about Assistive Technology
solutions. In the last two academic years, 16
professionals have enrolled on the course, including
telecare co-ordinators, alarm call centre managers,
occupational therapists and support workers in
mental health, dementia care and social services,
independent sector workers and managers
(for example, Alzheimer’s Society and Independent
Living Centres) and the further education sector.
Course Director Darren Awang said the diversity of
students was a key strength of the course. “We get a
range of Assistive Technology (AT) related experiences
from service providers as well as perspectives from
those that receive them. This has proven to be an
enriching learning opportunity for our students who
are able to offer expertise from their own workplace
and take on board ideas to enhance policy and
practice from others. Our students are the future
trailblazers in AT.”
6 7
AT in action:
in a dispenser
The Pivotell Au
tipper, designe
tomatic Pill Di
spenser
unable to lift d for those
the dispenser
wrist dexterity
.
or with limite
d radial
The modular Part-time course runs over one to
five years, depending on the level of the qualification
required. As students progress, a total of nine
modules can be accrued and the points earned add
up to a different level of Postgraduate award, which
is an advantage to those students who do not wish
to study all of the modules.
Users of AT are at the centre of the course and a
range of learning approaches and methods are used,
including blended learning, work-based learning,
shared learning and reflective practice.
Students have access to the University’s
virtual learning environment to support study and
an electronic portfolio to engage with personal
development planning.
Darren said the variety of teaching methods makes
it easier for students to balance work and personal
commitments with study. “Students have found the
experience very positive and developed a strong
network of work and social contacts. Their
assignments link to what is going on in the workplace
and offer them the ability to critically appraise policies
and practices. Students have gone on to raise the
profile of AT within their own organisation with
confidence and a sound set of principles, tools
and skills to support this personal and professional
growth. We also regularly complement the taught
programme with product showcases to extend
students knowledge of the rapidly growing types
of AT products and services that exist.”
For more of an introduction to AT, there is an
Undergraduate Certificate in Assistive Technology
for Life Improvement now available from
September 2009.
Developed by Course Director and Principal
Lecturer in Assistive Technology Gill Ward, the course
is aimed at care and support workers and assistant
practitioners to provide an introduction to AT.
gramming
le computer pro being
4 and 5 enab
Comput er su pp or t: PivoTell mark
ily member /
carer in the ev en t of me dication not
and alerts a fam a preset time.
dispensed wit
hin
It focuses on the service user’s perspective and
experience of living with a disability and develops
knowledge and skills to help practitioners improve
the life and wellbeing of individuals through the use
of assistive technologies.
The course consists of the equivalent of six
university modules (level one) and would normally be
undertaken on a part-time basis over two years but
modules can also be taken individually for personal
development purposes. Students only need to
attend the University once a fortnight as there is
online learning available each alternate week. Gill
said: “This is a much needed course for many
assistant level practitioners working in the assistive
technology arena; there is so little formal education
available. This course can be a stepping stone to
further qualifications and the flexible blended learning
approach makes it possible for people to study and
work at the same time.”
Plans are underway with the HDTI to make learning
while working even more accessible with the
introduction of a Foundation Degree in Assistive
Technology. These qualifications are designed with
employers to combine academic study with
workplace learning and partnership discussions are
at an early stage with Skills for Care, TSA and other
key organisations.
They represent two-thirds of an honours degree
and can be topped up to a full degree with an
additional year of study.
AT is also included in the Undergraduate
Occupational Therapy degree programme and
disabled volunteers set students tasks to solve their
needs using AT.
Laraine Epstein module leader for a second year
AT module said: “We have been very creative in our
approach and now use home webcams so that our
disabled volunteers can share their stories and
AT tutors
: (back) D
and Gill arren Aw
Ward ang and
(front l-r) Lara
ine Epstei
n
any barriers they encounter directly with students
who then investigate potential solutions and feed
these back.”
This inclusive approach to teaching and learning
earned the team a University Teaching Excellence
Award in June 2008, followed by conferences and
articles to disseminate good practice.
To further engage support workers and
practitioners in AT, course leaders are working with
HDTI colleagues and the College of Occupational
Therapists to develop a new online resource. The
Assistive Technology Learning Tool currently being
developed by the Occupational Therapy team uses
case based scenarios to enable learners to explore
AT solutions such as PivoTell products. PivoTell has
developed AT products to support people who need
to take pills as part of their healthcare routine. The
online tool will increase awareness and skills around
electronic AT and will be available in autumn 2009.
Darren said: “It will be a valuable learning
opportunity for anyone interested in AT – with or with-
out an academic background in the subject – who
want to be able to demonstrate up to date learning.”
For more information contact:
Darren Awang d.awang@coventry.ac.uk
or Gill Ward g.ward@coventry.ac.uk
or call + 44 (0) 24 7688 8724
A world of good
A new plan to double the number of international students in the Faculty of
Health and Life Sciences over the next three years is already on route to success
t’s an ambitious plan to take on the world, but
the six departments in the Faculty of Health and Life
Sciences are aiming to double the number of
international students over the next three years.
It is a goal in line with the University’s
internationalisation strategy as well as one that takes
advantage of the increasingly globalised health,
social care and science agendas.
Working closely with Cambridge Education Group
(CEG), one of the foremost providers of pre-university
preparation in the UK, the Faculty provides
foundation routes for international students to get on
to many of its courses. The Faculty is working with
CEG on a number of broad initiatives. For example,
8 9
from September 2009 the Faculty will be offering a
Life Sciences route for undergraduates wishing to
study Psychology, Biological Sciences and Health
Studies, and a Social Science route for Criminology
and Forensic and Investigative Studies students.
It also hopes to launch a Postgraduate foundation
for students to gain entry to much of its non-clinical
taught Postgraduate provision.
The Faculty’s focus is not just on recruiting
individual students either; it is also looking at ways to
attract a cohort of students on to particular courses.
Recently there have been discussions with new
overseas partners to develop courses that students
would want to study once they have graduated in
their home country. In many parts of the world, health
professionals do not need an honours degree for
professional registration and are therefore only trained
to diploma level. So that these students can obtain a
Coventry honours degree, the Faculty is developing
top-up courses that take into account any qualification
the students have previously received.
The lack of clinical placements for students based
outside the EU has historically been a barrier for
international health students wanting to gain a UK
postgraduate qualification. But new courses, such
as the MSc in Advancing Physiotherapy Practice,
avoid the need for a placement by offering students
the use of the Faculty’s first class clinical skills
laboratories instead.
Elsewhere in the Faculty postgraduate courses
are being developed that meet the needs of the many
students who wish to study the Biological and
Biomedical/Pharmacological Sciences in the UK.
In some countries, science is taught in a much more
theoretical way than in this country and international
students can therefore find they do not have the
practical skills necessary to study for a UK
Postgraduate Biology qualification. However, the
development of an MSc in Biology, which builds on the
theoretical expertise of these students, will allow them
to develop their laboratory experience.
A new MSc in Translational Medicine also harnesses
the diversity of expertise across the Faculty. Through
this course, students are taught how to translate the
science undertaken at the laboratory bench through
to the drugs prescribed on the hospital ward.
Alongside the efforts to internationalise the
curriculum and attract international students to
study at Coventry, the Faculty also works with its
international partners to provide courses overseas.
For example Psychology and Nursing courses are
being developed in Malaysia and in India a grant
from the UK-India Education and Research Initiative
(UKIERI) is helping to develop a Physiotherapy
course at M.S. Ramaiah Institute of Health Science
in Bangalore.
Using the expertise of the Centre for Inter-
Professional E-Learning (CiPEL), international
students can even gain a Coventry qualification
through online learning. The Faculty is already
delivering courses globally, such as the Postgraduate
certificate in Teenage and Young Person Cancer Care.
This course, sponsored by the Teenage Cancer Trust,
attracts students from across the globe and enables
them to interact in real time with students in different
countries, and with tutors back in Coventry. The
Faculty’s expertise in social and health care
leadership has created a range of online courses in
Social and Community Studies that are studied by both
UK and international students. And in Psychology,
the innovative online MSc in Parapsychology is being
actively promoted to the North American market.
The Faculty has been successful in developing
partnerships, such as the one with the Teenage Cancer
Trust, and has developed a reputation for involving all
of its stakeholders – students, employers, placement
providers, service users and partner institutions –
in the provision of education in the Faculty. It now
intends to expand its partnerships internationally and
not just for course development, but also for research
collaborations and across all facets of its business.
Dean of the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences Dr Linda Merriman (right) signs a Memorandum
of Understanding with Masterskill University College of Health Sciences, Malaysia.
The most important aspects of the Faculty’s
internationalisation are ultimately the quality of its
courses and the student experience it offers.
The Faculty is well recognised by students,
employers, professional and statutory bodies as
providing high quality education across its many
disciplines. Evidence of this includes its ranking among
the highest quality UK providers of nursing education
by the Nursing and Midwifery Council and being
the first institution in the Midlands to gain Health
Professions Council approval for its Biomedical
Science degree.
This commitment to quality is central to the
efforts the Faculty makes to enhance the learning
experience for international students. Not only is
the Faculty designing courses specifically tailored
towards the needs of international students but also
some staff are actively undertaking research projects
into the most effective ways to support international
students.
Nationally and internationally the Faculty of
Health and Life Sciences is dedicated to providing an
excellent educational experience for all its students.
For more information about the Faculty’s
commitment to international students visit:
www.coventry.ac.uk/hls/international
A world of good
A new plan to double the number of international students in the Faculty of
Health and Life Sciences over the next three years is already on route to success
t’s an ambitious plan to take on the world, but
the six departments in the Faculty of Health and Life
Sciences are aiming to double the number of
international students over the next three years.
It is a goal in line with the University’s
internationalisation strategy as well as one that takes
advantage of the increasingly globalised health,
social care and science agendas.
Working closely with Cambridge Education Group
(CEG), one of the foremost providers of pre-university
preparation in the UK, the Faculty provides
foundation routes for international students to get on
to many of its courses. The Faculty is working with
CEG on a number of broad initiatives. For example,
8 9
from September 2009 the Faculty will be offering a
Life Sciences route for undergraduates wishing to
study Psychology, Biological Sciences and Health
Studies, and a Social Science route for Criminology
and Forensic and Investigative Studies students.
It also hopes to launch a Postgraduate foundation
for students to gain entry to much of its non-clinical
taught Postgraduate provision.
The Faculty’s focus is not just on recruiting
individual students either; it is also looking at ways to
attract a cohort of students on to particular courses.
Recently there have been discussions with new
overseas partners to develop courses that students
would want to study once they have graduated in
their home country. In many parts of the world, health
professionals do not need an honours degree for
professional registration and are therefore only trained
to diploma level. So that these students can obtain a
Coventry honours degree, the Faculty is developing
top-up courses that take into account any qualification
the students have previously received.
The lack of clinical placements for students based
outside the EU has historically been a barrier for
international health students wanting to gain a UK
postgraduate qualification. But new courses, such
as the MSc in Advancing Physiotherapy Practice,
avoid the need for a placement by offering students
the use of the Faculty’s first class clinical skills
laboratories instead.
Elsewhere in the Faculty postgraduate courses
are being developed that meet the needs of the many
students who wish to study the Biological and
Biomedical/Pharmacological Sciences in the UK.
In some countries, science is taught in a much more
theoretical way than in this country and international
students can therefore find they do not have the
practical skills necessary to study for a UK
Postgraduate Biology qualification. However, the
development of an MSc in Biology, which builds on the
theoretical expertise of these students, will allow them
to develop their laboratory experience.
A new MSc in Translational Medicine also harnesses
the diversity of expertise across the Faculty. Through
this course, students are taught how to translate the
science undertaken at the laboratory bench through
to the drugs prescribed on the hospital ward.
Alongside the efforts to internationalise the
curriculum and attract international students to
study at Coventry, the Faculty also works with its
international partners to provide courses overseas.
For example Psychology and Nursing courses are
being developed in Malaysia and in India a grant
from the UK-India Education and Research Initiative
(UKIERI) is helping to develop a Physiotherapy
course at M.S. Ramaiah Institute of Health Science
in Bangalore.
Using the expertise of the Centre for Inter-
Professional E-Learning (CiPEL), international
students can even gain a Coventry qualification
through online learning. The Faculty is already
delivering courses globally, such as the Postgraduate
certificate in Teenage and Young Person Cancer Care.
This course, sponsored by the Teenage Cancer Trust,
attracts students from across the globe and enables
them to interact in real time with students in different
countries, and with tutors back in Coventry. The
Faculty’s expertise in social and health care
leadership has created a range of online courses in
Social and Community Studies that are studied by both
UK and international students. And in Psychology,
the innovative online MSc in Parapsychology is being
actively promoted to the North American market.
The Faculty has been successful in developing
partnerships, such as the one with the Teenage Cancer
Trust, and has developed a reputation for involving all
of its stakeholders – students, employers, placement
providers, service users and partner institutions –
in the provision of education in the Faculty. It now
intends to expand its partnerships internationally and
not just for course development, but also for research
collaborations and across all facets of its business.
Dean of the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences Dr Linda Merriman (right) signs a Memorandum
of Understanding with Masterskill University College of Health Sciences, Malaysia.
The most important aspects of the Faculty’s
internationalisation are ultimately the quality of its
courses and the student experience it offers.
The Faculty is well recognised by students,
employers, professional and statutory bodies as
providing high quality education across its many
disciplines. Evidence of this includes its ranking among
the highest quality UK providers of nursing education
by the Nursing and Midwifery Council and being
the first institution in the Midlands to gain Health
Professions Council approval for its Biomedical
Science degree.
This commitment to quality is central to the
efforts the Faculty makes to enhance the learning
experience for international students. Not only is
the Faculty designing courses specifically tailored
towards the needs of international students but also
some staff are actively undertaking research projects
into the most effective ways to support international
students.
Nationally and internationally the Faculty of
Health and Life Sciences is dedicated to providing an
excellent educational experience for all its students.
For more information about the Faculty’s
commitment to international students visit:
www.coventry.ac.uk/hls/international
Better involvement Cl in ic al Ps yc h ol og y
Th e Do cto rat e co
us ers an d ca rer s in
urs e in Cli nic al Ps yc ho log
the pro gra mm e sin ce
y ha s inv olv ed se rvi ce
20 03 . Th ere are se rvi
ers ee s the run nin g of
ce
the
the Bo ard , wh ich ov
us ers an d ca rer s on o inv olv ed wit h tea ch ing , res ea rch
,
e, an d the y are als to
pro gra mm vin g ac ce ss
un se llin g sk ills , im pro
Now that user involvement is part of the mainstream policy agendas in health se lec tin g tra ine es , co d de ve lop ing fun din g pro po sa
ls.
ies (IA PT ) an
ps yc ho log ica l the rap s inv olv ed se rvi ce us ers an d ca rer s
and social care, the practise is being encouraged even more in higher education. Sp ec ific all y the tea ch ing ha
lla bo rat ed wit h firs t
the reg ion . In the firs t ye ar the y co to an d
Martin Bollard reveals how Coventry has faced the challenges of involving service fro m ac ros s ion ca lle d, ‘Li ste nin g
ar tra ine es in a ha lf-d ay tea ch ing se ss ce us ers an d
users to enhance student learning ye rvi ce s.’ Se rvi
of Me nta l He alt h Se
wo rki ng wit h Us ers es of me nta l he alt h se rvi ce s an d
in
pe rie nc
ca rer s sh are d the ir ex y sa id ho w the y wo uld lik e
ion s wit h tra ine es the
sm all gro up dis cu ss al ps yc ho log y.
olv ed in the tra ini ng of cli nic
to be mo re inv s be en us ed by the
tea ch ing se ss ion s ha
nvolving service users in education has long in educational activities are universal across the Th e ou tco me of the se hip gro up , wh o ha ve
me t reg ula rly for
an d ca rer pa rtn ers
been regarded as a healthy contribution to the Higher Education sector. Overcoming the cries of se rvi ce us er
classroom. Recent political drivers to modernise the ‘tokenism’ and ‘populism’ and ensuring effective ma ny ye ars . ye ar tra ine es on
ss ion inv olv es se co nd
delivery of health and social care services through payment methods to the variety of users that help A se co nd tea ch ing se se rvi ce us er or ca rer
to
al org an isa tio n of a
active service user participation demonstrate the enhance the learning of our student body are just a a ful l-d ay vis it to a loc co nc ern s. It als o
an isa tio ns an d the ir
eagerness of Government for the practise to be few of the pressures involved. At Coventry, some bu ild kn ow led ge of org us ers an d ca rer s an d de ve lop s
ion wit h
widely used. members of academic staff across the Faculty are inc rea se s co lla bo rat Aft er the da y the tra
ine e
It is not a new concept in Higher Education, but working with Human Resources and Finance staff to ati on sh ips wit h reg ion al org an isa tio ns . vis it.
rel ou t the ir
res t of the co urs e ab se
HEFCE’s Strategic Plan 2006-2011 has endorsed the improve the payment methods for our users. mu st fee db ac k to the ng Ka lifa ni ha s be en ac tiv e in all the
ctu rer He len Lie bli ac hin g
use of service user involvement to ensure it is part Professionally-based courses have worked hard to Se nio r Le ive rsi tie s/U se r Te
ise s clo se ly wit h Un
of academic activities. value the contribution users can make to complement de ve lop me nts an d lia TR AP ) at Wa rw ick Un ive rsi
ty.
The benefits are clear but there is additional the learning that already takes place and the d Re se arc h Ac tio n Pa rtn ers hip (UN
an
time, planning and logistics often associated with following are examples from Social Work, Clinical
developing this aspect of teaching and clinical Psychology, Physiotherapy, Mental Health and
work that also need to be considered. Many of the Learning Disability Nursing courses.
challenges surrounding the involvement of users

Ph ys io th er ap y
The Phy siot hera py dep artm ent
So cia l Wor k deli veri ng lect ures and in prac
has invo lved serv ice use rs in
tica l ses sion s ove r rece nt yea
rs and
see its con trib utio n as a key obje
rs from a dive rse rang e of ctiv e. Ser vice use rs act as pati
Invo lvin g serv ice use rs and care mes . mod els for stud ents to wor k alon ent
teac hing of Soc ial Wor k pro gram gsid e and at the sam e time can
bac kgro und s has ben efite d the tal hea lth pro blem s, sha re thei r indi vidu al exp erie nce
airm ent, men of livin g with a con ditio n.
Ser vice use rs with a visu al imp olde r peo ple with Foc us grou ps with serv ice use
y, you ng peo ple, rs high ligh ted sev eral fact ors
a lear ning or phy sica l disa bilit were imp orta nt to them abo ut that
r resp ecti ve care rs and Asia n wom en from Sah il hav e all as a dire ct resu lt the adm issi ons
thei r exp erie nce of phy siot hera
py and
thei rs
ps, the serv ice use rs and care team has mad e cha nge s to the
con trib uted . With all thes e grou to sup por t stud ents in non -aca dem ic adm issi on crite
ria for the Phy siot hera py pro gram
exp erie nce
sha re thei r exp ertis e, idea s and and prac tice . Ser vice Cha nge s hav e also bee n mad e
to the curr icul um to emp has ise
me.
een theo ry
mak ing the imp orta nt link s betw ual imp orta nce of pro fess iona lism the
rs and care rs also mak e an imp orta nt con trib utio n to the ann emp athy, goo d liste ning skil ls
and com mun icat ion skil ls, incl
udin g
use ing is rele van t
that Soc ial Wor k train and the imp orta nce of hav ing
Stu den t Rec all Day, to ens ure pos itive attit ude and a sen se of
hum our. Sho win g resp ect for
a
and fit for pur pos e. serv ice use rs was also see n as
rea Hor ley and coll eag ues are ess enti al and was inte gral to the
Ser vice Use r Coo rdin ator And pati ent- ther apis t rela tion ship .
indi vidu als to ens ure the leve l of
dev elop ing way s of scre enin g ing to To this end , serv ice use rs hav
use rs them selv es and are hop e now con trib uted to recr uitm
invo lvem ent is stee red by the for a grou p of serv ice curr icul um dev elop men t and teac ent,
es train ing hing with in the dep artm ent.
pilo t som e Ant i Opp ress ive/ Valu
use rs/c arer s this sum mer.

10 11
Better involvement Cl in ic al Ps yc h ol og y
Th e Do cto rat e co
us ers an d ca rer s in
urs e in Cli nic al Ps yc ho log
the pro gra mm e sin ce
y ha s inv olv ed se rvi ce
20 03 . Th ere are se rvi
ers ee s the run nin g of
ce
the
the Bo ard , wh ich ov
us ers an d ca rer s on o inv olv ed wit h tea ch ing , res ea rch
,
e, an d the y are als to
pro gra mm vin g ac ce ss
un se llin g sk ills , im pro
Now that user involvement is part of the mainstream policy agendas in health se lec tin g tra ine es , co d de ve lop ing fun din g pro po sa
ls.
ies (IA PT ) an
ps yc ho log ica l the rap s inv olv ed se rvi ce us ers an d ca rer s
and social care, the practise is being encouraged even more in higher education. Sp ec ific all y the tea ch ing ha
lla bo rat ed wit h firs t
the reg ion . In the firs t ye ar the y co to an d
Martin Bollard reveals how Coventry has faced the challenges of involving service fro m ac ros s ion ca lle d, ‘Li ste nin g
ar tra ine es in a ha lf-d ay tea ch ing se ss ce us ers an d
users to enhance student learning ye rvi ce s.’ Se rvi
of Me nta l He alt h Se
wo rki ng wit h Us ers es of me nta l he alt h se rvi ce s an d
in
pe rie nc
ca rer s sh are d the ir ex y sa id ho w the y wo uld lik e
ion s wit h tra ine es the
sm all gro up dis cu ss al ps yc ho log y.
olv ed in the tra ini ng of cli nic
to be mo re inv s be en us ed by the
tea ch ing se ss ion s ha
nvolving service users in education has long in educational activities are universal across the Th e ou tco me of the se hip gro up , wh o ha ve
me t reg ula rly for
an d ca rer pa rtn ers
been regarded as a healthy contribution to the Higher Education sector. Overcoming the cries of se rvi ce us er
classroom. Recent political drivers to modernise the ‘tokenism’ and ‘populism’ and ensuring effective ma ny ye ars . ye ar tra ine es on
ss ion inv olv es se co nd
delivery of health and social care services through payment methods to the variety of users that help A se co nd tea ch ing se se rvi ce us er or ca rer
to
al org an isa tio n of a
active service user participation demonstrate the enhance the learning of our student body are just a a ful l-d ay vis it to a loc co nc ern s. It als o
an isa tio ns an d the ir
eagerness of Government for the practise to be few of the pressures involved. At Coventry, some bu ild kn ow led ge of org us ers an d ca rer s an d de ve lop s
ion wit h
widely used. members of academic staff across the Faculty are inc rea se s co lla bo rat Aft er the da y the tra
ine e
It is not a new concept in Higher Education, but working with Human Resources and Finance staff to ati on sh ips wit h reg ion al org an isa tio ns . vis it.
rel ou t the ir
res t of the co urs e ab se
HEFCE’s Strategic Plan 2006-2011 has endorsed the improve the payment methods for our users. mu st fee db ac k to the ng Ka lifa ni ha s be en ac tiv e in all the
ctu rer He len Lie bli ac hin g
use of service user involvement to ensure it is part Professionally-based courses have worked hard to Se nio r Le ive rsi tie s/U se r Te
ise s clo se ly wit h Un
of academic activities. value the contribution users can make to complement de ve lop me nts an d lia TR AP ) at Wa rw ick Un ive rsi
ty.
The benefits are clear but there is additional the learning that already takes place and the d Re se arc h Ac tio n Pa rtn ers hip (UN
an
time, planning and logistics often associated with following are examples from Social Work, Clinical
developing this aspect of teaching and clinical Psychology, Physiotherapy, Mental Health and
work that also need to be considered. Many of the Learning Disability Nursing courses.
challenges surrounding the involvement of users

Ph ys io th er ap y
The Phy siot hera py dep artm ent
So cia l Wor k deli veri ng lect ures and in prac
has invo lved serv ice use rs in
tica l ses sion s ove r rece nt yea
rs and
see its con trib utio n as a key obje
rs from a dive rse rang e of ctiv e. Ser vice use rs act as pati
Invo lvin g serv ice use rs and care mes . mod els for stud ents to wor k alon ent
teac hing of Soc ial Wor k pro gram gsid e and at the sam e time can
bac kgro und s has ben efite d the tal hea lth pro blem s, sha re thei r indi vidu al exp erie nce
airm ent, men of livin g with a con ditio n.
Ser vice use rs with a visu al imp olde r peo ple with Foc us grou ps with serv ice use
y, you ng peo ple, rs high ligh ted sev eral fact ors
a lear ning or phy sica l disa bilit were imp orta nt to them abo ut that
r resp ecti ve care rs and Asia n wom en from Sah il hav e all as a dire ct resu lt the adm issi ons
thei r exp erie nce of phy siot hera
py and
thei rs
ps, the serv ice use rs and care team has mad e cha nge s to the
con trib uted . With all thes e grou to sup por t stud ents in non -aca dem ic adm issi on crite
ria for the Phy siot hera py pro gram
exp erie nce
sha re thei r exp ertis e, idea s and and prac tice . Ser vice Cha nge s hav e also bee n mad e
to the curr icul um to emp has ise
me.
een theo ry
mak ing the imp orta nt link s betw ual imp orta nce of pro fess iona lism the
rs and care rs also mak e an imp orta nt con trib utio n to the ann emp athy, goo d liste ning skil ls
and com mun icat ion skil ls, incl
udin g
use ing is rele van t
that Soc ial Wor k train and the imp orta nce of hav ing
Stu den t Rec all Day, to ens ure pos itive attit ude and a sen se of
hum our. Sho win g resp ect for
a
and fit for pur pos e. serv ice use rs was also see n as
rea Hor ley and coll eag ues are ess enti al and was inte gral to the
Ser vice Use r Coo rdin ator And pati ent- ther apis t rela tion ship .
indi vidu als to ens ure the leve l of
dev elop ing way s of scre enin g ing to To this end , serv ice use rs hav
use rs them selv es and are hop e now con trib uted to recr uitm
invo lvem ent is stee red by the for a grou p of serv ice curr icul um dev elop men t and teac ent,
es train ing hing with in the dep artm ent.
pilo t som e Ant i Opp ress ive/ Valu
use rs/c arer s this sum mer.

10 11
 New HDTI
Better involvement

building opens
M e nt al He al th Nu rs in g
Use r invo lvem ent has bee n inte
pro gram mes with in Hig her Edu
gral to man y Men tal Hea lth
cati on for a num ber of yea rs. Sen
wn and coll eag ues
ior
from
for business
Yve tte Bro
Lec ture r in Men tal Hea lth Nur sing e
lead ing men tal hea lth cha rity in Eng land and Wal es, hav
MIN D, the take
lth volu ntee rs befo re they
focu sed on prep arin g men tal hea
acti vity . The y hav e dev elop ed awa rene ss
part in any edu cati ona l hing
indu ctio n pac ks to dev elop teac
and indu ctio n day s, alon g with arou nd the Uni vers ity.
orie ntat ion
skil ls, buil d con fide nce and give rvie w
tal Hea lth use rs are also inte gral to the recr uitm ent and inte
Men
pro ces s for stud ents .
efit from hea ring the first han d
Men tal hea lth stud ents now ben e of
tal hea lth diso rder s from a rang
exp erie nce s of livin g with men
serv ice use rs.

new iconic building for the Health Design and said the new suite would be an enormous help in
Technology Institute opened for the first time carrying out applied research and gathering data.
this June. “Monitoring and recording focus groups using
Based on the Technology Park, next door to its discreet cameras and microphones controlled by
former offices in the Design Hub, the new HDTI a remote audiovisual lab is essential as it helps
Le ar n in g D is ab il i t y N ur building is an impressive construction made from participants feel more at ease,” said Guy. “Usability
si ng brick, glass and zinc. studies enable clients to validate a product’s
Th e Le arn ing Dis ab ilit
y Nu rsi ng pro gra mm The Institute, which was set up to take a national performance and get it tested by the intended end
an d es tab lis he d in 20 e wa s co mm iss ion ed
05 fol low ing a wid e lead in responding to the future challenges of users. The report produced at the end of the study is
wit h lea rni ng dis ab ilit co ns ult ati on wit h pe
ies . Th e pro gra mm e op le community healthcare provision, has developed the a rigorous, academic or healthcare professional-led
the ir fee db ac k to en wa s de ve lop ed us ing
su re it cre ate d nu rse building to further enhance its work in this area. document that can be cited by a company in its
co ns ult ati on ha d hig s wit h the att rib ute s
hli gh ted . the HDTI helps individuals and businesses launch marketing materials.”
Ma ny of the us ers wh new and improved products and services that enable The design of the building, which includes a
o we re inv olv ed in the
he lp wit h a ran ge of co ns ult ati on sti ll
ed uc ati on al ac tiv itie people to live independent and fulfilled lives in their bistro and seating area on the first floor, encourages
rec rui tin g sta ff an d stu s tha t inc lud e tea ch
de nts . ing an d own homes and communities, rather than in hospital. collaboration between businesses, academics,
A pa rtn ers hip be tw ee Developing these innovative products will be easier healthcare professionals and users.
n loc al ad vo ca cy org
in pa rtic ula r the H Te an isa tio n (G rap ev ine
am fro m tha t org an isa ), now that designers and service users can make use There are also hot desking facilities for University
Dis ab ilit y Te am is no tio n, an d the Le arn ing
w we ll es tab lis he d. Me of a new design studio, a dedicated workshop for employees and two seminar rooms, which can be
as sis t wit h co mm un mb ers of the H Te am
ica tio n tra ini ng for firs building prototypes and a mock up area. rented out and have already been used for lectures
as se ss me nt of me nta t ye ar stu de nts , the
l he alt h for se co nd ye The flexible mock up space can be customised and HDTI business seminars.
pla y/s im ula tio n ac tiv ar stu de nts an d rol e
itie s for thi rd ye ar stu to suit most evaluation requirements and includes The second floor is available for companies to rent
All Le arn ing Dis ab ilit de nts .
y sta ff are co mm itte vehicle access. Clients can also rent the space, and most spaces are now taken.
inv olv em en t an d se e d to su pp ort ing us efu
it as an im po rta nt wa l which has been set up to ensure confidentiality and The ergonomic and inclusive design of the building
of the stu de nts ac ros y to en ric h the lea rni
s the Fa cu lty. ng Intellectual Property are protected. is compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act,
Service users who are taking part in product providing easy access for all occupants. It includes
trials can enjoy the relaxing environment of the new an innovative disabled parking scheme, hearing loop
usability suite, which includes a lounge area with systems, appropriate floor and wall coverings, colour
comfortable furnishings. schemes and furniture which allow effective depth
Commercial Development Director, Guy Smallman perception for the partially sighted.
12 13
 New HDTI
Better involvement

building opens
M e nt al He al th Nu rs in g
Use r invo lvem ent has bee n inte
pro gram mes with in Hig her Edu
gral to man y Men tal Hea lth
cati on for a num ber of yea rs. Sen
wn and coll eag ues
ior
from
for business
Yve tte Bro
Lec ture r in Men tal Hea lth Nur sing e
lead ing men tal hea lth cha rity in Eng land and Wal es, hav
MIN D, the take
lth volu ntee rs befo re they
focu sed on prep arin g men tal hea
acti vity . The y hav e dev elop ed awa rene ss
part in any edu cati ona l hing
indu ctio n pac ks to dev elop teac
and indu ctio n day s, alon g with arou nd the Uni vers ity.
orie ntat ion
skil ls, buil d con fide nce and give rvie w
tal Hea lth use rs are also inte gral to the recr uitm ent and inte
Men
pro ces s for stud ents .
efit from hea ring the first han d
Men tal hea lth stud ents now ben e of
tal hea lth diso rder s from a rang
exp erie nce s of livin g with men
serv ice use rs.

new iconic building for the Health Design and said the new suite would be an enormous help in
Technology Institute opened for the first time carrying out applied research and gathering data.
this June. “Monitoring and recording focus groups using
Based on the Technology Park, next door to its discreet cameras and microphones controlled by
former offices in the Design Hub, the new HDTI a remote audiovisual lab is essential as it helps
Le ar n in g D is ab il i t y N ur building is an impressive construction made from participants feel more at ease,” said Guy. “Usability
si ng brick, glass and zinc. studies enable clients to validate a product’s
Th e Le arn ing Dis ab ilit
y Nu rsi ng pro gra mm The Institute, which was set up to take a national performance and get it tested by the intended end
an d es tab lis he d in 20 e wa s co mm iss ion ed
05 fol low ing a wid e lead in responding to the future challenges of users. The report produced at the end of the study is
wit h lea rni ng dis ab ilit co ns ult ati on wit h pe
ies . Th e pro gra mm e op le community healthcare provision, has developed the a rigorous, academic or healthcare professional-led
the ir fee db ac k to en wa s de ve lop ed us ing
su re it cre ate d nu rse building to further enhance its work in this area. document that can be cited by a company in its
co ns ult ati on ha d hig s wit h the att rib ute s
hli gh ted . the HDTI helps individuals and businesses launch marketing materials.”
Ma ny of the us ers wh new and improved products and services that enable The design of the building, which includes a
o we re inv olv ed in the
he lp wit h a ran ge of co ns ult ati on sti ll
ed uc ati on al ac tiv itie people to live independent and fulfilled lives in their bistro and seating area on the first floor, encourages
rec rui tin g sta ff an d stu s tha t inc lud e tea ch
de nts . ing an d own homes and communities, rather than in hospital. collaboration between businesses, academics,
A pa rtn ers hip be tw ee Developing these innovative products will be easier healthcare professionals and users.
n loc al ad vo ca cy org
in pa rtic ula r the H Te an isa tio n (G rap ev ine
am fro m tha t org an isa ), now that designers and service users can make use There are also hot desking facilities for University
Dis ab ilit y Te am is no tio n, an d the Le arn ing
w we ll es tab lis he d. Me of a new design studio, a dedicated workshop for employees and two seminar rooms, which can be
as sis t wit h co mm un mb ers of the H Te am
ica tio n tra ini ng for firs building prototypes and a mock up area. rented out and have already been used for lectures
as se ss me nt of me nta t ye ar stu de nts , the
l he alt h for se co nd ye The flexible mock up space can be customised and HDTI business seminars.
pla y/s im ula tio n ac tiv ar stu de nts an d rol e
itie s for thi rd ye ar stu to suit most evaluation requirements and includes The second floor is available for companies to rent
All Le arn ing Dis ab ilit de nts .
y sta ff are co mm itte vehicle access. Clients can also rent the space, and most spaces are now taken.
inv olv em en t an d se e d to su pp ort ing us efu
it as an im po rta nt wa l which has been set up to ensure confidentiality and The ergonomic and inclusive design of the building
of the stu de nts ac ros y to en ric h the lea rni
s the Fa cu lty. ng Intellectual Property are protected. is compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act,
Service users who are taking part in product providing easy access for all occupants. It includes
trials can enjoy the relaxing environment of the new an innovative disabled parking scheme, hearing loop
usability suite, which includes a lounge area with systems, appropriate floor and wall coverings, colour
comfortable furnishings. schemes and furniture which allow effective depth
Commercial Development Director, Guy Smallman perception for the partially sighted.
12 13
Putting theory
into practice
Visiting Professor Bryan Stoten plays a
major role in local and national healthcare
policy and believes academia, especially
Coventry University, is vital to the future
of the UK’s health service
Q. As well as your role as a Visiting Professor at
Coventry, what else do you do?
A. I am also a Fellow of the University of Warwick Business
School and I’m Chairman of the joint commissioning board
for NHS Coventry and Warwickshire. We spend £1.3-1.4bn
a year on the health service across the city and the county.
I’m also Chairman of the National Health Service
Confederation, an organisation that represents the whole
of the NHS to Government. It is a voluntary, independent
body but we have virtually 100% membership from NHS
organisations.
I’m Director of the Tobacco Control Collaborating
Centre, which was set up by the Health Development
Agency half a decade ago to implement the Government’s
tobacco policies and most especially make work places
and public places compliant. I am also Chief Executive
of Public Management Associates (PMA) an independent
public health research organisation working with local
authorities through major changes.
My weeks consist of hop-scotching between my
academic interests, my local Warwickshire interests and
my national NHS interests.
Q. What do you see as the current priorities of the
health service?
A. The reality is over the next half decade any Government
is committed to borrowing around £700bn to fund public
service activities and that is a monumental challenge –
far greater than anything we have ever seen before.
Coming out of the recession is not going to resolve those
problems in any way either.
My job – both as an academic as well as in a practical,
hands-on role – is to ensure we manage the resources
available to the health service in ways that have the
greatest impact on improving the health of the nation.
14
I believe that only by dealing with public health issues
such as tobacco control, addressing health inequalities
and improving breast feeding rates, are we likely to
come through the next five to seven years in reasonably
good shape.
Q. What interests you the most about health policy?
A. How we address the unequal health experiences in
Britain. We have got an extraordinary gap in life
expectancy between the poorest and the richest in our
society. And the overall effect of that is to diminish all of us,
not just the poor but the most affluent too. Professor
Richard Wilson has written about this most recently in his
book The Spirit Level and he points out that it’s not the
richest societies in terms of gross domestic product which
are the healthiest, it is the societies which are egalitarian,
where no one is allowed to fall off the wagon. In Scandina-
vian social democracies we find far better health experi-
ences, not just for the poor but for the rich also. The more
equal a society the better is the health of everyone. That’s
intellectually
really interesting. Coventry University has the most to
offer here because it educates professional staff that go
out and engage with the very people experiencing those
inequalities. Understanding what that means and
addressing those issues, as academic researchers as well
as NHS practitioners, is the most exciting and valuable
thing we could do at the moment in the health service.
Q. What drew you to academia?
A. After my first degree I did Voluntary Service Overseas
(VSO) in Africa but unusually I found myself teaching
social science in the University of Malawi – the fifth
poorest nation in the world. It was that understanding of
how academic thought could be practical that drew me
into this. I returned to England to do a higher degree
and ended up staying at Birmingham University to set
up a Health Services Management Centre just at the
point where the NHS was undergoing its first major
reorganisation since its inception in 1948. The
realisation that you really could make a difference
from a university base drew me into academia.
It was for that reason I also allowed myself to be
put on the Birmingham Health Authority and a whole
variety of other organisations. I have rattled around
the system but always with that academic interest
behind it.
What excites me most is the idea of grounded
theory and it’s that balance between the world of
academia on the one hand and practice on the
other that motivates me. Making sense of the
pragmatic interventions we make to improve health
in our society is what is most valuable.
Q. What role can Coventry play in the future of
healthcare?
A. We educate the frontline troops – the clinical staff,
the nursing staff, the physiotherapists, the raft of
professions allied to medicine, the people who are
in hands-on contact with the patients and carers on
a daily basis. We also think about how to improve
the ways in which those services are provided.
In terms of the applied sciences and applied
information technology, Coventry is up there with the
best and doing really innovative and challenging work
– it is potentially at the very forefront of the next wave
of technological advances in healthcare.
Professor Louise Wallace has been leading
groundbreaking academic research in this area and
I think her work is as important as anything else
being done at the moment across the public health
sphere in the NHS.
My priority for the next couple of years is to
address what I think is the most severe challenge
we’ve had in the NHS specifically and in the public
sector generally in terms of reductions in resources.
There are likely to be 10-15 percent reductions in
the resources available and I want to be part of the
answer to that and how we handle it in ways that
don’t affect service.
Coventry can make an incredibly powerful
contribution too by being at the forefront of
developing solutions and answers to those issues
rather than just analysing them,
It was Karl Marx who said ‘philosophers have only
interpreted the world. The point is to change it!’
and universities like Coventry understand that.
There’s no sterility in the work Coventry does, it is
using practical forensic analysis to craft solutions to
the challenges that we confront.
15
Putting theory
into practice
Visiting Professor Bryan Stoten plays a
major role in local and national healthcare
policy and believes academia, especially
Coventry University, is vital to the future
of the UK’s health service
Q. As well as your role as a Visiting Professor at
Coventry, what else do you do?
A. I am also a Fellow of the University of Warwick Business
School and I’m Chairman of the joint commissioning board
for NHS Coventry and Warwickshire. We spend £1.3-1.4bn
a year on the health service across the city and the county.
I’m also Chairman of the National Health Service
Confederation, an organisation that represents the whole
of the NHS to Government. It is a voluntary, independent
body but we have virtually 100% membership from NHS
organisations.
I’m Director of the Tobacco Control Collaborating
Centre, which was set up by the Health Development
Agency half a decade ago to implement the Government’s
tobacco policies and most especially make work places
and public places compliant. I am also Chief Executive
of Public Management Associates (PMA) an independent
public health research organisation working with local
authorities through major changes.
My weeks consist of hop-scotching between my
academic interests, my local Warwickshire interests and
my national NHS interests.
Q. What do you see as the current priorities of the
health service?
A. The reality is over the next half decade any Government
is committed to borrowing around £700bn to fund public
service activities and that is a monumental challenge –
far greater than anything we have ever seen before.
Coming out of the recession is not going to resolve those
problems in any way either.
My job – both as an academic as well as in a practical,
hands-on role – is to ensure we manage the resources
available to the health service in ways that have the
greatest impact on improving the health of the nation.
14
I believe that only by dealing with public health issues
such as tobacco control, addressing health inequalities
and improving breast feeding rates, are we likely to
come through the next five to seven years in reasonably
good shape.
Q. What interests you the most about health policy?
A. How we address the unequal health experiences in
Britain. We have got an extraordinary gap in life
expectancy between the poorest and the richest in our
society. And the overall effect of that is to diminish all of us,
not just the poor but the most affluent too. Professor
Richard Wilson has written about this most recently in his
book The Spirit Level and he points out that it’s not the
richest societies in terms of gross domestic product which
are the healthiest, it is the societies which are egalitarian,
where no one is allowed to fall off the wagon. In Scandina-
vian social democracies we find far better health experi-
ences, not just for the poor but for the rich also. The more
equal a society the better is the health of everyone. That’s
intellectually
really interesting. Coventry University has the most to
offer here because it educates professional staff that go
out and engage with the very people experiencing those
inequalities. Understanding what that means and
addressing those issues, as academic researchers as well
as NHS practitioners, is the most exciting and valuable
thing we could do at the moment in the health service.
Q. What drew you to academia?
A. After my first degree I did Voluntary Service Overseas
(VSO) in Africa but unusually I found myself teaching
social science in the University of Malawi – the fifth
poorest nation in the world. It was that understanding of
how academic thought could be practical that drew me
into this. I returned to England to do a higher degree
and ended up staying at Birmingham University to set
up a Health Services Management Centre just at the
point where the NHS was undergoing its first major
reorganisation since its inception in 1948. The
realisation that you really could make a difference
from a university base drew me into academia.
It was for that reason I also allowed myself to be
put on the Birmingham Health Authority and a whole
variety of other organisations. I have rattled around
the system but always with that academic interest
behind it.
What excites me most is the idea of grounded
theory and it’s that balance between the world of
academia on the one hand and practice on the
other that motivates me. Making sense of the
pragmatic interventions we make to improve health
in our society is what is most valuable.
Q. What role can Coventry play in the future of
healthcare?
A. We educate the frontline troops – the clinical staff,
the nursing staff, the physiotherapists, the raft of
professions allied to medicine, the people who are
in hands-on contact with the patients and carers on
a daily basis. We also think about how to improve
the ways in which those services are provided.
In terms of the applied sciences and applied
information technology, Coventry is up there with the
best and doing really innovative and challenging work
– it is potentially at the very forefront of the next wave
of technological advances in healthcare.
Professor Louise Wallace has been leading
groundbreaking academic research in this area and
I think her work is as important as anything else
being done at the moment across the public health
sphere in the NHS.
My priority for the next couple of years is to
address what I think is the most severe challenge
we’ve had in the NHS specifically and in the public
sector generally in terms of reductions in resources.
There are likely to be 10-15 percent reductions in
the resources available and I want to be part of the
answer to that and how we handle it in ways that
don’t affect service.
Coventry can make an incredibly powerful
contribution too by being at the forefront of
developing solutions and answers to those issues
rather than just analysing them,
It was Karl Marx who said ‘philosophers have only
interpreted the world. The point is to change it!’
and universities like Coventry understand that.
There’s no sterility in the work Coventry does, it is
using practical forensic analysis to craft solutions to
the challenges that we confront.
15
 career
Develop your

fiting you in the workplace.

Your training may already be bene
your career further?
Why not let Coventry enhance

offers you the chance to add a range

Postgraduate and part-time study
and advance your career options.
of specialist skills to your portfolio
Development (CPD) training
We also offer Continuing Professional
of Lifelong Learning to further
programmes through our School
enhance your career progression.
duate and Part-time open days to
Come along to one of our Postgra
find out about the opportunities:

12 November 4pm – 7pm

14 November 10am – 2pm

advise you about our courses

Subject experts will be available to
ed facilities for Postgraduate,
and you can tour round our dedicat

Fu ll- t ime
s.
ional Development (CPD) student
Part-time and Continuing Profess
te & CPD Centre, Jaguar
Our open days take place in the Gradua
, accessible from Gosford Street,

Un de rg radu ate
Building on the City Centre campus
off Junction 3 of the ring road.

For further information and to

register:
Email: gradopendays.uni@coventry.
Visit: www.coventry.ac.uk/postgra
ac.uk
duate
o p e n d ays:
Call: +44 (0) 24 7688 8614

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nd
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Marketing Ad
Gail Williams, er, Fa culty of
ent Man ag
and Recruitm s
Lif e Sc ien ce
Health and
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m the Robert
ive 75 Matt fro overed fibre
Printed on Rev at least 75% rec
tain s
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t holds the ISO
Telephone: + co ventry.ac.uk
and is produc nta l ma nagement. The
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ill ia m s@ certificate for
environ me
ntal Chlorine
Email: gail.w c.uk/health ng a com bin ation of Eleme
methods.
w.coventry.a bleached usi ne Free (TCF)
Website: ww Free (ECF) and
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