British Society for Rheumatology Annual Meeting 2025
Apr 28, 2025
Description
In April 2025, Professor Yeliz Prior was an invited presenter at the British Society for Rheumatology (BSR) Annual Conference, the UK’s flagship event for rheumatology professionals. She presented findings from the process evaluation of the WORKWELL Trial, a national randomised controlled trial of a vocational rehabilitation programme for people with inflammatory arthritis. The presentation shared insights from therapists and line managers on the delivery and implementation of the intervention, highlighting its value in supporting job retention alongside the challenges of embedding it within NHS services.
Professor Prior also presented the results of the UK Rheumatology Occupational Therapy Capabilities Framework Scoping Survey, which captured the clinical roles, training needs, and development priorities of occupational therapists across the UK. The findings are now informing the co-development of a national capabilities framework to support consistent, high-quality care and workforce development in rheumatology services.
These presentations showcased the collective leadership of the Clinical Rehabilitation research theme at the University of Salford, with contributions from Dr Simone Battista, Dr Jen Parker and wider collaborators. The work highlights a strong interdisciplinary commitment to advancing AHP-led care, service improvement, and workforce transformation in rheumatology and musculoskeletal health.
PPIE Community Engagement – Increasing Inclusion in Digital Health Research
Apr 15, 2025
Description
In April 2025, Professor Yeliz Prior and Dr Cristina Vasilica led two public engagement events in Salford (at Broughton Hub and Eccles Library) to strengthen public and patient involvement in digital health research across the School of Health and Society. The sessions were designed to connect with communities often underrepresented in research, particularly individuals living with musculoskeletal conditions and mental health challenges.
Over 100 local residents attended, including people with long-term health conditions, carers, health professionals, line managers, and small business employers. The events provided a welcoming space for participants to share their lived experiences of managing health in the workplace, accessing support, and navigating digital resources.
Insights from these conversations are now shaping how researchers co-design and deliver digital tools that are accessible, culturally relevant, and grounded in real-world needs. Attendees emphasised the importance of inclusive language, flexible formats, and support for those with limited digital access or health literacy.
This work reflects a strong commitment within the School to embedding PPIE in research and ensuring that digital health innovation reaches and reflects the diverse communities it aims to support
Prof Yeliz Prior delivered a keynote speech at the Occupational Therapy Conference held at the University of Salford, attended by external stakeholders, including NHS occupational therapists, educators, social service professionals, and Salford staff and students. Her keynote, “Bridging Theory and Practice: Advancements in Rheumatology Rehabilitation and Digital Health Integration,” highlighted her current research on innovative digital health solutions. She discussed WORKWELL Digital, a self-management platform for work participation; MSKHUB, a platform supporting rheumatic and musculoskeletal health; and the IDEAL Study, which focuses on improving the diagnosis and early referral of patients with Axial Spondyloarthritis (AxSpA). Prof Prior emphasised the importance of integrating digital health technologies into clinical practice to enhance rehabilitation outcomes for people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions, whilst encouraging occupational therapists to think about their role in the digital future of healthcare.
Location
MSG36/37, Mary Seacole Building, University of Salford
