The NHS aims to provide the highest quality healthcare services possible. Research helps ensure that high-quality service provision is supported by evidence-based practice.
The Research Team work to make sure that any research that takes place involving patients, service users and staff is of the highest quality.
Research studies looking for participants
Current research studies
Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust has a diverse range of services and different types of research projects which take place across the Trust in a variety of settings including inpatient units, clinics, GP surgeries and patient homes.
Our own research
Here are some examples of research studies led by staff at Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust.
Re-ASCed Research – Realist Evaluation of Autism Service Delivery
The Re-ASCed study was a national research project that aimed to examine existing models of Autism diagnosis and to investigate which approaches offer the most timely, cost-effective, high quality and child and family friendly solutions.
MOTION (Mechanised Orthosis for Children with Neurological Disorders)
The MOTION project addresses two challenges – to advance development validation and adoption of bionic rehabilitation technology for children with neurological disorders and to set up a transregional network to transfer this rehabilitation technology and related knowledge.
Speech and Language: developing an intervention together
This research programme aims to develop and trial a complex intervention for pre-school children with co-occurring features of a speech sound disorder (SSD) and developmental language disorder (DLD).
Eating and Drinking Ability Classification System for Individuals with Cerebral Palsy
We developed the Eating and Drinking Ability Classification System for people with cerebral palsy, by consulting with people with cerebral palsy, parents and experts around the world.
The Breathe-Easy Study
The Breathe-Easy Study provided important information about the experiences of children with complex neurodisability and their families when they used a new postural management night-time intervention.
Research findings
Patients and public
Clinical research focuses on the way we improve and provide health care and covers a wide variety of methods and treatments. This can include medication (for example pain killers), diagnostic tests (for example blood tests), medical devices (for example epipens) and therapies (for example cognitive behavioural therapy), as well as preventative care and education.
Research is also about improving through experience, seeking opinions and reviewing how healthcare is delivered. Participating in research may involve tracking how you experience your healthcare and treatment and this could be by phone, completing a form or online survey.
The NHS constitution states that it is every patient's right to be able to participate in a research study, should they wish to and should they meet the requirements of the study.
If you are a patient with us, you may be approached and asked if you wish to take part in a research study. Alternatively, you may wish to ask your clinician if they are involved in any research studies.
Clinicians and researchers
There is evidence to suggest that research active Trusts have better patient outcomes.
We identify research as a direct contributor to improving the quality of services and implementing models of good practice.
All staff are encouraged to participate in research, as it is an excellent opportunity to learn new skills. You can get involved in a number of ways:
- sign up to the Sussex Community Foundation NHS Trust Research newsletter by contacting
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - become a key contact in your service for research
- collaborate in a study on the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Portfolio
- design and carry out your own research project
- consent to be a research participant
If you are about to undertake a piece of research, it is essential that you read the SCFT Research Guide and contact the Research Team for guidance and information. Please note, we only support postgraduate research projects. Masters and PhD students – Please contact us for advice as soon as you start preparing your research proposal.
Events and resources
Research Week 2024
‘Research in our Communities' - Monday 10 June to Friday 14 June 2024
In partnership with Kent Community NHS Foundation Trust and Medway Community Healthcare.
Online lunchtime sessions on Microsoft Teams across the week.
The week will encompass three key themes:
Rural and Coastal Communities, Public Health and Across the Ages
To view the agenda and free registration visit: https://bit.ly/ResearchCommunities
Performance in research
As an NHS provider holding National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) contracts, we are required every quarter, to publish our performance on study initiation of non-commercial clinical trials and our performance on delivery of commercially sponsored clinical trials.
Order Chailey resources
Get in touch
We have a dedicated team of research support staff to facilitate your study set up, recruitment and ongoing management.
For all enquiries:
Email:
Phone: 01273 696 011 extension 3795