The Centre for Integrated Health Care Research provides an academic interface for health care professionals. A primary focus of our work is clinical research, including ongoing studies in gastroenterology, cardiovascular disease and diabetes, and with an emphasis on the management of patients across the primary/secondary care interface. We are particularly concerned with the early detection of disease, effective evidence based management and interventions which can be applied generalisably. The Centre provides research training and mentoring and is funded to facilitate academic development to primary care professionals, particularly from the Durham locality. We work closely with NHS research bodies, and we have partnerships with Acute Trusts and Primary Care Trusts.

CIHCR is led by Prof James Mason, who succeded Professor Pali Hungin in this role in 2011. CIHCR includes the Research Design Service, Durham Clinical Trial Unit, The Evaluation Research and Development Unit (ERDU, led by Prof Greg Rubin), The Obesity Related Behaviours Research Group (ORB, led by Prof Carolyn Summerbell) and The Mental Health Research Group (led by Prof Joe Reilly). CIHCR conducts and supports clinical and health services research. A number of studies are in progress. Some examples include:

• A HRUK funded national survey of variability in heart failure diagnosis and management
• A NIHR-funded study (ADVANCE) evaluating the impact of the new PFI builds at Roseberry Park and Lanchester Road on patient experience and outcomes
• A National Cancer Action funded implementation of a risk assessment tool for lung and colorectal cancer
• A NIHR-funded study addressing inequalities in obesity, specifically the effectiveness of public health interventions in reducing socio-economic inequalities in obesity amongst children and adults.

Within CIHCR, the RDS team offer advice and methodological support for research groups seeking national funding in applied health research. The DCTU provides support to clinicians and academics, collaborating in funded studies. We encourage colleagues to look at our website www.rds-ne.nihr.ac.uk/ and to contact us to discuss their ideas by contacting Rachel Pears on (0191) 3440826 or by email rds@durham.ac.uk.

The DCTU is currently supporting 4 NIHR funded studies in gastroenterology and breast cancer.