Versus Arthritis - National MSK Health Data Group
Jun 18, 2025
Location
London
Description
Dr Simone Battista presented at the 20th National Musculoskeletal Health Data Group, a key event bringing together researchers, clinicians, and policymakers to explore innovations in MSK healthcare data.
In the session "Exploring interventions to improve MSK health", Dr Battista delivered a presentation titled "Income-related inequality changes in osteoarthritis first-line interventions". The talk focused on the concept of intervention-generated inequalities in osteoarthritis care, highlighting how well-intentioned downstream interventions (such as self-management programmes) may inadvertently widen existing health inequalities. Drawing from data including the Swedish Osteoarthritis Registry (SOAR), containing data from more than 100k people with osteoarthritis, the presentation explored the impact of socioeconomic position on treatment outcomes and emphasised the need for upstream, policy-driven strategies to address inequities in MSK health.
The event featured a range of high-profile speakers from NHS England, academic institutions, and health data organisations, aiming to improve MSK care through better use of data and evidence-informed policy.
European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) 2025 Annual Congress
Jun 11, 2025
Location
Barcelona, Spain
Description
Professor Yeliz Prior, Professor of Clinical Rehabilitation and Research Environment Lead at the University of Salford, has received an Abstract Award in the Health Professionals in Rheumatology (HPR) category at the EULAR 2025 Annual Congress in Barcelona, Spain—the world’s largest rheumatology conference, attended by over 13,000 delegates.
The award recognises her presentation of the UK-wide WORKWELL Trial, a multicentre randomised controlled trial evaluating an occupational therapy-led job retention programme for people with inflammatory arthritis. Although the trial did not demonstrate statistically significant improvements in work productivity, it highlighted the complexity of supporting employment retention, particularly during COVID‑19.
Funded by Versus Arthritis, the study brought together an extensive multi-institutional team and inspired the co‑production of WORKWELL Digital—an online version of the programme—designed to broaden access to tailored work support for people with arthritis.
Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professions (NMAHP) Digital Festival
Jun 6, 2025
Location
Media City Campus
Description
The University of Salford welcomed researchers, students, practitioners and leaders as the Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professions (NMAHP) Digital Festival took place at our MediaCity campus earlier this month.
The second edition of the festival focused on disseminating and discussing research, innovation, education, and practical applications in digital nursing, midwifery, and allied health professions.
Over 100 delegates joined the event this year to connect, share experiences, and celebrate their contributions in the digital space. As well as networking, there was an opportunity to discuss strategies to overcome barriers and inequalities in accessing digital healthcare, explore the importance of patient and public involvement and engagement in digital healthcare initiatives and consider upcoming trends (including artificial intelligence and metahumans) shaping the future of healthcare. The Digital Marketplace provided an additional space to showcase our research and innovation projects.
The keynote address was delivered by Helen Balsdon, Chief Nursing information Officer at NHS England. Helen’s work seeks to ensure that nursing and midwifery practice is supported by digital technology and data science and that nurses and midwifes are equipped to work and lead in an digitally enabled environment. Helen is passionate about using technology to support the delivery of high quality, evidence-based care and empowering patients in managing their own health record. Alongside nursing and midwifery, Helen's leadership portfolio includes frontline digitisation, digital citizen and maternity and child health.
The Festival was possible with support from our partners, including:
Prof Natasha Phillips, University of Salford & Founder of Future Nurse
Sarah Webb, Chief Nursing information Office Northern Care Alliance (NCA)
Amy Vercell, Chief Clinical Information Officer for Nursing and Allied Health Professionals, The Christie Hospital Manchester
Peter White, Chief Nursing Information Officer, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital
Elaine Chesworth, Director of Allied Health Professionals, Bolton NHS Foundation Trust
Stephanie Bateman and Jaqui Cooper, Health Innovation Manchester
Sharon O’Connor, Chief Nursing Informatics Officer at NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board
Richard Cox, Chief Nursing Informatics Officer, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
Dr Cristina Vasilica, Reader in Digital Health and Head of Digital Education at the University of Salford, who co-led the event, said: “I was delighted to work with Professor Yeliz Prior (Professor of Clinical Rehabilitation and the Research Environment Lead at the School of Health and Society, University of Salford) to bring back the Digital Festival and celebrate the innovation led by NMAHP colleagues, partners and guests.
“This concludes a series of events in 2025 Yeliz and I led to strengthen local partnerships, better understand community needs, and showcase how digital can improve care. I’m passionate about creating opportunities in the spaces people use and connecting academic and NHS partners to build bridges for learning, collaboration and lasting impact.”
British Society for Rheumatology Annual Meeting 2025
Apr 28, 2025
Location
Manchester, UK
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
Location
Broughton Hub and Eccles Library
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
MSG36/37, Mary Seacole Building, University of Salford
Description
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.
