The two organisations launched a collaborative strategy this month to support research, education and knowledge exchange which addresses priority areas for the hospice.
The partnership also aims to support the professional development of students and staff at both organisations.
Professor Sarahjane Jones, Associate Dean for Research and Innovation at Staffordshire University, explained: “We are proud to be collaborating with Dougie Mac to support their research priorities and help to develop both the current and future workforce in palliative care.
“Palliative and end of life care is an area of high clinical need where more educational support and research is required. There is a need to bring researchers, educators, health, and social care professionals from a range of disciplines together to find and help deliver the best palliative care services and treatments.
“Our students will also benefit hugely from having the opportunity to conduct research projects. Traditionally nursing education focuses heavily on theory and clinical skills. This education partnership will help to bridge that gap between textbook knowledge and real-world research application."
Every year, Dougie Mac provides all hospice services free of charge to over 3,500 local people with life-limiting illnesses in Stoke-on-Trent, North Staffordshire and the surrounding villages; also offering supportive care for their families and carers. The DMH also supports over 1,000 people a year with dementia.
Dr Emer McKenna, Dougie Mac’s Medical Director, said: “Dougie Mac recognises that research into palliative and end of life care is vital in the endeavour to provide excellent care. The hospice has taken part in national and regional research studies in recent years, contributing to the body of knowledge underpinning clinical practice. The next step is to enable ‘home grown’ research by staff and within our hospice community.
“At Dougie Mac we are committed to ensuring that staff are prepared to care and meet the increasing needs of the local population and recognise that education plays a crucial role. By continuously learning and updating their knowledge and skills, hospice staff can provide the highest level of care and support to their patients during their most vulnerable times. The collaboration with the School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences at Staffordshire University will help us to achieve this.”
Through the collaboration, nursing students have the opportunity to undertake a four-week research skills placement. Final year BSc (Hons) Nursing Practice (Mental Health) student Shenile Lindo and BSc (Hons) Nursing Practice (Adult) students Emma Hunter and Frances Stanmore are among the first to complete their placement.
Shenile investigated the barriers to hospice care in underserved areas of the city.
The 33-year-old from Stafford said: “I used to believe that conducting research required a PhD or a scientific background, but now I know that students can be part of research as well.
“Dougie Mac has been really helpful and I can't thank them enough. My background is mental health nursing, and I was able to bring my knowledge from my degree seamlessly into the hospice and my research placement. This experience will be very valuable in the future when I’m working as a nurse and will help me take my practice to a higher level.”