UWE Bristol experts win funding for project looking at inequalities faced by black people living with after-effects of stroke

Researchers from UWE Bristol will be looking at how health inequalities faced by black people in the UK living with the after-effects of a stroke can be addressed.

The 12-month project, funded by the National Institute for Health and Social Care Research (NIHR), is due to start in October. It will see UWE Bristol researchers team up with academics from Kingston University.

The project, entitled Inclusivity in Stroke Self-Management Support (ISSMAS), will develop resources to help black people who have experienced a stroke manage their condition. It also aims to inform healthcare professionals about how they can best support, and communicate with, Black African and Caribbean stroke survivors as they navigate their rehabilitation journey.

Working on the project from UWE Bristol will be Dr Jo White and Dr Emily Dodd (Centre for Public Health and Wellbeing) along with Dr Mary Cramp (Centre for Health and Clinical Research).

Dr White, Project Co-Lead, said: “The UWE team has been collaborating with community members from Bristol living with stroke for a number of years. They have been instrumental in getting this project off the ground. We aim to deepen understanding of the experiences of black people who have experienced stroke and come up with resources and approaches which ensure they receive the advice and support they need. Projects such as this which promote community voices and experiences are crucial to reducing health inequalities and we are delighted to receive NIHR funding.”

Stroke is a leading cause of adult disability and death in the UK, with black people twice as likely to have a stroke, more likely to experience stroke younger, and at higher risk of multiple strokes. Those living with sickle cell disease are particularly vulnerable.

The project builds on previous research that revealed how black people often struggled to find resources to help them when they returned home from hospital following a stroke. It also found many healthcare professionals lacked cultural awareness and understanding, furthering health inequalities. The project will follow a co-design approach which will see black people living with the after-effects of stroke working closely with representatives of community organisations and health and social care professionals in advising the production of new resources.

Professor Tushna Vandrevala, of Kingston University, project Co-Lead, said: “Our ultimate aim is to come up with solutions that make sure black people living in the community following a stroke are supported and their needs are met. Even more importantly it is vital that we can make recommendations for an inclusive and culturally relevant approach – inclusivity is absolutely key.”

Recruitment is now under way for two research fellows – one from UWE Bristol and one from Kingston University – who will support the project. Candidates will ideally have a PhD in health service research or a social science background, either be from the black community or have experience working with ethnically diverse communities, and have experience of doing qualitative research. For further information about the UWE Bristol post please contact Jo.White@uwe.ac.uk.