A new report launched by the Health Research Board (HRB), reveals the latest breakthroughs in Irish health research. ‘Picture of Health – a selection of Irish health research 2005’ communicates, in layman’s terms, the results of 68 research projects, which are the work of 139 researchers from 12 Institutions nationwide. The research investment by the HRB across the sector was €8.25 million.
Cancer, diabetes and improving the equality and equity of care in the Irish health system are addressed, as are more specific issues like alleviating the pain of irritable bowel disease and understanding why cannabis is bad for young brains.
‘Disadvantage is bad for your health’ is a major five-year study co-ordinated by Professor Cecily Kelleher, Head of UCD School of Public Health and Population Science. Involving a large multi-disciplinary team from UCD and NUI Galway, the aim of the study was to assess people’s current health status and to identify the social factors that affect health status. ‘We are coming to understand more fully how biological and social influences across the life-course can interact to influence long-term health and well-being’, says Professor Kelleher. The research confirmed that people who are well-off enjoy better health than those who are socially, economically and materially disadvantaged. Factors as complex as self esteem and as simple as access to healthcare services are involved. The project team is now drafting policy recommendations aimed at improving people’s health status.
‘Quality research underpins excellence in care,’ said Prof. Desmond Fitzgerald, Chairman of the HRB and Vice President for Research at UCD. ‘People want to see results – but medical breakthroughs, disease prevention and miraculous cures take time; instant discoveries are rare. A Picture of Health clearly shows there is a dedicated research community in Ireland, with innovative ideas who are committed to ensuring that today’s health research will translate into tomorrow’s health care’. ‘Better understanding, more effective treatments, preventative approaches and greater efficiency through new technology are all evident in this year’s report’, he explained.
Full details of all ‘Picture of Health’ research are available on the HRB website.
November 11, 2005
