Proof of Concept funding for respiratory physiotherapy research

Congratulations to a multidisciplinary team of clinical engineering and physiotherapy colleagues from across Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust on receiving the UKRI Translation: Proof of Concept award. The project is co-ordinated by Dr Gemma Stanford, clinical specialist physiotherapist in adult cystic fibrosis.  

This national award recognises research projects with potential for commercial application, helping to accelerate the development of new or improved technologies, products, processes, and services arising from research.  

The funding application was developed through close collaboration with clinical engineering teams, innovation experts at the Centre for Innovation, Transformation and Improvement (CITI) and physiotherapy colleagues across the Trust.  These partnerships will continue as the project progresses.

Known as Project Phoenix, the team’s research focuses on addressing an unmet need in respiratory physiotherapy and improving the support available to patients who may have difficulty with lung expansion and airway clearance.

Dr Stanford is also the Allied Health Professional (AHP) research lead for the Heart, Lung and Critical Care clinical group and is currently supported by the NIHR Senior Clinical and Practitioner Research Award (SCPRA) programme to further develop her research career.

When asked for comment, Dr Stanford stated:

“I am thrilled that our team has been successful with this funding and cannot wait to get to work on our project”.