Evaluation and Insights Library

Survey on preparing to implement a digital breastfeeding app, Anya

We worked with Gloucestershire Local Maternity and Neonatal System (LMNS) to support their implementation of Anya, a smartphone parenting and breastfeeding app to help support new mothers and hopefully increase breastfeeding rates in their local communities. As part of a real-world evaluation, a survey was conducted amongst NHS maternity staff to understand their views and surface any concerns in order to inform the rollout.

PReCePT study – BJOG

The success of PReCePT, a programme to increase the use of magnesium sulphate to prevent cerebral palsy in premature babies, has been highlighted in a new paper published in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

The researchers found that in the year before the study started, 68% of eligible mothers in the control group and 64% of mothers in the enhanced support group received magnesium sulphate. After the study, this had gone up to 84% and 85% respectively.

PReCePT study – Archives of Disease in Childhood

The results of the PReCePT study were published in Archives of Disease in Childhood. The study, compared uptake of magnesium sulphate in 137 maternity units under a national programme to prevent cerebral palsy in pre-term labour. 

The researchers found that following the intervention, update of magnesium sulphate was 6.3% higher in maternity units. They concluded that this was a cost-effective intervention. 

Report on heart monitor patch, Zio XT

Our evaluation of North Bristol NHS Trust’s implementation of iRhythm’s Zio device shows it has successfully improved system efficiencies by increasing the number of patients completing the diagnostic pathway, decreasing waiting times for monitoring and identifying cardiac arrhythmias that otherwise would have been missed.

Frailty Pathway Evaluation

Evaluation of a new frailty pathway being piloted in South Gloucestershire shows patients feel less isolated and better able to manage their health as a result of the service.

The evaluation found that 71% of patients say the new frailty service has helped them to better manage their health and two-thirds felt less isolated. 90% of staff felt patients’ quality of life had improved, while 89% of staff agreed that the pathway enables shared decision-making.

A mixed-method evaluation of a regional quality improvement programme SHarED

The evaluation of SHarED (Supporting High impact users in Emergency Departments) conducted by NIHR ARC West, showed the project reduced ED attendances by 33% and hospital admissions by 67% among high impact users. SHarED successfully promoted better and more integrated care for high impact users and gave practical support to staff working in very difficult environments.