NHS Physical Environment Research Programme
The NHS Physical Environment Research Programme aims to improve the patient environment by encouraging the exploration of topics related to the physical environment within the primary and secondary healthcare sectors.
The programme funds research that benefits patients by:
- improving the way NHS property and facilities are managed and maintained
- promoting safe, high quality and best value design in the healthcare environment.
Research proposals are evaluated for the contribution they make to the built environment, and are assessed on whether they support the National Service Frameworks and ministerial priorities.
Proposals and bids are invited on a quarterly basis and are welcome from the NHS, companies, consultancies and academic institutions.
New proposals are currently encouraged in the following areas with an overarching emphasis on economic and sustainable issues:
|
Topic |
Example |
|
Infection control |
• Building components to reduce infection
• Determining if spatial proximity and MRSA are related
• Use of finishes to reduce infection
• Determining the link between the management of healthcare waste and the prevalence of nosocomial infections |
|
Decontamination |
• Protein detection on surgical instruments |
|
Sustainability |
• Sustainable Buildings Learning Network
• Design strategy for low ventilation and cooling of health buildings
• Making existing healthcare buildings sustainable |
|
Older people |
• Environments to promote good nutrition
• General hospital care and the ageing population e.g. contribution of built environment to achieving dignity and autonomy, suitability of current stock to the needs of frail older people in design to reduce falls and delirium |
|
Mental health and learning disabilities |
• Environments to reduce confusion
• Environments to reduce aggression, challenging behaviour and self-harm
• Evaluating the clinical environment for users of the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services |
|
Space and design |
• Improving external spaces
• Better use of common spaces e.g. dayrooms
• Functional suitability assessment
• Designing to reduce damage by moveable items
• Wayfinding without signs
• Making the economic case for good design
• Linking efficient building design to Choice and payment by results |
|
Strategy for the physical environment |
• Strategic indicators for investment in Health and Social care facilities (i.e. exploring a link with capital investment and health outcomes)
• Business improvement, knowledge management and strategic management
• Performance management and measurement in the facilities sector
• Developing a measurable healthcare design quality benchmark
• Care setting and health outcomes e.g. Community based acute care environments
• Planning relationships in the context of new technology and the shift to primary care
• Strategic asset planning across healthcare |
Please note that the examples given are a guide but are not exhaustive. Other topics will be considered for funding but they must relate directly to the built environment or address issues of practical concern.
Results and/or outcomes from projects are disseminated via the Knowledge & Information Portal at: https://estatesknowledge.dh.gov.uk/.
How to apply
The total fund available for the financial year 2008/09 is £420,000. If you wish to apply for research funding please read the general guidance below. These should assist you in deciding if your proposal meets the criteria set by the advisory panel.
Provisional closing dates for applications 2009/10
The closing dates for applications are about four months prior to the panel meeting. Please check this site regularly as these dates can be subject to change.
Closing date: Advisory Panel Meetings:
18 December 2009 April 2010
19 March 2010 July 2010
18 June 2010 October 2010
17 September 2010 January 2011
17 December 2010 April 2011
Email: ResearchEnquiries@dh.gsi.gov.uk