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Long term conditions

Our research theme is cross-discipline and cross-professional and focuses on developing understanding of the biological, psychological and social factors that impact on health outcomes in people living with complex health conditions.

We test the utility of applied theories and models to health conditions and explore the experiences of people living with complex, long-term conditions and those who care for them. We also develop and test interventions to enhance the management, support and quality of life for people living with complex, long-term conditions.

Research portfolio

Our research portfolio currently addresses:

  • understanding the behavioural/lifestyle risk factors associated with long-term and life-limiting conditions and supporting people to self-manage those conditions
  • testing interventions to limit the impact on people living with long-term conditions including cancer, dementia, inflammatory skin and joint conditions
  • evaluating the provision of high-quality, patient-centred care in the community and hospital for people with life-limiting conditions and their families
  • exploring new approaches to supporting women and families during pregnancy and childbirth

Expertise and collaboration

Within the context of real world research we have members with expertise in qualitative, quantitative and mixed methodology. Our team has experience of multi-professional collaborative research that involves health psychology, medicine, midwifery, nursing, occupational therapy and physiotherapy.

We have an established international reputation for excellence with wide collaborative links beyond Wales, in the UK, in key centres in the EU and globally. Our research demonstrates best practice in patient and public involvement.

Our members are actively engaged with health policy, strategy development, and clinical and educational innovation in Wales and beyond.

The research group also offers peer support and practical guidance, and are committed to building capacity and capability across healthcare research. Working with us will help you further develop your knowledge and skills, providing opportunities for you to become more research active.

Theme lead

Professor Christine Bundy

Professor Christine Bundy

Professor of Health Psychology/Behavioural Medicine; Research Theme Lead - Optimising Well-being in Health and Illness, Management of Long-Term Conditions

Email
bundyec@cardiff.ac.uk
Telephone
+44 (0)29 206 87842

Deputy theme lead

Dr Tessa Watts

Dr Tessa Watts

Reader: Adult Nursing

Email
wattst1@cardiff.ac.uk
Telephone
+44(0)29 225 10963

Current research projects

Antibiotics

Peritoneal dialysis and peritonitis: the experiences of patients and their families

Exploring what people using peritoneal dialysis know about infection.

Graphic of elderly women

Facilitating continence for people with dementia in acute hospital settings

Using sociology to improve the quality and humanity of care for people with dementia in acute hospitals.

Living with skin condition

Measuring the impact of living with serious skin conditions

The development, refinement and use of an impact measure for the disease burden in skin disorders.

Skincare products

Improving access to support for those with psoriasis to make lifestyle behaviour changes

Integrating well-being and behaviour change into dermatology care across the UK.