SPHERE (Systems and People-Centric Innovation in Healthcare Redesign) is a NIHR/EPSRC funded project led by Professors Saeema Ahmed-Kristensen and Helen Dawes, working to tackle these challenges through a collaborative approach. A multidisciplinary team from the University of Exeter and the University of Plymouth, including experts in Engineering Design, Simulation, Medicine, and other fields. This team collaborates closely with individuals who have firsthand experience with MLTC, as well as healthcare providers and academics, with a focus on enhancing coordination and continuity of care for people living with MLTC in the South West.
In mid-July, a sandpit with stakeholders across the healthcare systems, GPs, consultants and healthcare service providers, and people with lived experiences of multiple-long-term conditions, together with EPSRC-facing researcher and early career researchers was held. The sandpit co-produced ideas aimed at making health services more patient-centric.
Over the coming months, these ideas will be further developed to refine and scope the systems engineering, design and AI and data-centric research approaches to secure further funding. make a tangible impact on the lives of individuals with MLTC and enhance the effectiveness of health services in these regions.
This work underscores the significance of collaboration across disciplines and the value of engaging patients and service providers in the process. By leveraging expertise from diverse fields and prioritising patient needs, the project aims to address the complex challenges of MLTC care, particularly in underserved areas.
