Since its inception in 2004 the Medical School has placed an emphasis on having impact on clinical practice and health. We do this through innovation, technology and research excellence. We are distinctively interdisciplinary in approach and this has impacted on global health, wellbeing and wealth, as attested by the REF2014 results.
Introduction of the concept of “safe” genotoxin exposure levels and how this benefitted patients and the pharmaceutical industry
We showed that very low level exposures to DNA damaging agents (carcinogens) are not always biologically relevant due to our inherent protective mechanisms. This means minute quantities of carcinogenic contamination are not a major health concern, with important consequences for drug development. These discoveries reflect the fact that we live in an environment where we are surrounded by low level exposure to DNA damaging agents, such as oxygen, sunlight and dietary agents etc.
Reducing emergency hospital attendances, for patients, carers and health providers, by improving out-of-hospital care.
Widespread application of research into alternatives to ambulance dispatch and onward transport has reduced emergency hospital attendance and costs, without compromising patient experience, safety or quality of care.
Influencing national policy to improve service delivery and patient care in gastroenterology
This impact case study demonstrates the clinical- and cost-effectiveness of two Swansea innovations: open access to hospital services for patients with inflammatory bowel disease; and increased responsibility for nurses, particularly as endoscopists.
Developing and implementing national standards to improve the structure and content of patient records
Patient records underpin the delivery of healthcare, providing information to support service delivery, audit and research. Studies conducted at Swansea from 2000 to 2011 first showed that NHS records were limited in both quality and utility. We then collaborated with the Royal College of Physicians to develop national standards for the structure and content of patient records.
