Clinical Research Office. A partnership between Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Sheffield

Sheffield Hand Centre

Key Contacts

Name Role
Chris Baldwin Research Lead
Mark Hobson Clinical Director
Nicola Fields Operational Manager
Sally Care General Manager
Kaye Molyneux DIrectorate Accountant
Katie Allen Principle Finance Manager

 

Researchers are advised to contact Chris Baldwin on christopher.baldwin4@nhs.net with any queries about research opportunities with us.

 

Current Projects:

We are actively engaged with the BSSH Audit database which aims to capture prospective patient reported outcome information on a range of specified hand and wrist problems

We will shortly commence an exciting new venture to assess patients in the clinic area using an electronic system for documenting range of movement, grip strength and other important indicators of hand capacity. This involves not only new equipment but also dedicated therapist time and would not be possible without the support of the Sheffield Hospitals Charity.

Recently completed projects:

A Randomised Controlled Trial of plaster immobilisation versus early mobilisation following Trapeziectomy and ligament reconstruction was carried out between 2010 and 2012. It had full ethical approval and revealed that there was no significant difference in patient outcomes. This has affected our practice and patients are no longer placed in cast after this type of surgery

Patient Reported Outcome Measure Scoring (PROMS) were initially collected in a paper based pilot in the SHC. PROMS are being used nationally to investigate the impact healthcare interventions have from the patients’ point of view. From 2012 to 2016 we utilised pre-programmed iPads (software developed with epiGenesys and the University of Sheffield) in the SHC. To collect this information and the statistical analysis is now underway to determine whether the change of collection method alters the validity of the outcome measures we used.

Sheffield Hand Surgeons were proud to be involved in a nationwide recruitment of individuals with Dupuytren’s Disease. The study group at Oxford University recruited over 350 residents of Sheffield and the surrounding areas to take part. The study has provided vital information regarding the cause of this common condition.

Areas of Interest:

  • Peripheral Nerve Injury and Repair including Brachial Plexus
  • Collagenase treatment of Dupuytren’s Disease
  • Hand & Wrist Trauma
  • Service Development