SPARC symposium

Liz Walker's presentation on Type 2 daibetes

The newly formed research cluster SPARC (Social and Psychological Research into Long Term Conditions) held its first research symposium on February 2^nd 2018, at the University of Hull. The symposium focussed on ‘Living with Long Term Conditions’ and provided an opportunity for University researchers and PhD students to present recent and ongoing research. This included studies which explored people’s experiences of living with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Further presentations explored forms of support for people with long term conditions provided by primary care and long terms conditions clinics, as well as the experiences of family carers who provide support from a distance.

Liz Walker (left) and Joanne Reeve

The symposium was attended by participants representing a broad range of disciplines including nursing, social work, primary practice, clinical psychology, engineering and drama, providing an opportunity for interdisciplinary discussion and sharing of ideas and perspectives.

Following the success of this initial event, we plan to organise further opportunities to share research and open up interdisciplinary conversations about living with long-term conditions in the near future.