Research & Enterprise at Stirling
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Shifting the Balance of Care Seminar Partnership with the University of Stirling
The significant Scottish Government initiative of Shifting the Balance of Care is aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of the people of Scotland by increasing the emphasis on health improvement and anticipatory care, providing more continuous care and more support closer to home. This requires a partnership approach between the NHS, Local Authorities and the third sector. The University of Stirling added to the agenda our relevant expertise which straddles Health and Social Care. A key aspect of achieving Shifting the Balance of Care is the joined-up working of these services, which we are mirroring with more cross-departmental working.
In August and September 2009, the Scottish Government and the University of Stirling jointly hosted two seminars focusing on how Non-Medical Prescribing and Enabling Independent Living can contribute to Shifting the Balance of Care in Scotland. These events brought together experts from academic, policy and service provision backgrounds to discuss existing policies, priorities and future challenges that would enable improved implementation of the principles underpinning Shifting the Balance of Care. In addition to presentations delivered by policy and academic experts, practitioners presented case studies outlining how these policies work on the ground.
Non-Medical Prescribing
Non-Medical Prescribing is one of the high impact areas which will support Shifting the Balance of Care. 80 delegates from NHS, Scottish Government and University of Stirling attended and identified specific areas where more work is required to make Non-Medical Prescribing a reality. Stirling’s research background in this area includes the Evaluation of Non-Medical Prescribing project, led by Prof. Andrew Watterson, which was commissioned by the Scottish Government. Nursing & Midwifery also have a long-established course on Non-Medical Prescribing.
A round up of the event, case studies and presentations from the Non-Medical Prescribing event can be accessed here.
Enabling Independent Living
Enabling Independent Living examines how we can facilitate people to stay in their own home for longer (older people and vulnerable adults). The seminar was led by the Housing Policy & Practice Unit in DASS and involved colleagues across departments in Nursing & Midwifery and Computing Science particularly. More than 80 delegates from Housing Associations, Local Authorities, NHS, Scottish Government and academics also attended and had mixed professions round table discussions to identify ways forward.
A round up of the event, case studies and presentations from the Enabling Independent Living event can be accessed here.