OPTIMAL research project

OPTIMising therapies, disease trajectories, and AI assisted clinical management for patients Living with complex multimorbidity

Uni of Birm_OPTIMAL Study_Logo 2 (002)image - group
OPTIMAL project - improving the lives of people living with multiple long term conditions

 

Our team

Our team includes patients, public members, and world leading experts from three universities with expertise in biology, AI, medicine, health service research, public health, and general practice.

Team members

University of Birmingham / University Hospitals Birmingham

University of Oxford:

Univesity of St Andrews:

NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde:

MHRA CPRD:

Patient Advisory Group:

Our patient advisory group (PAG) consists of our 2 public co-applicants, plus 6 people with a range of diverse lived experiences of multiple long-term conditions, either managing their own conditions or supporting someone they are close to. Our PAG influences how the research is carried out across all work packages.

Frequently asked questions

Why is this research important?

As the ageing population increases, larger numbers of older people will experience multiple long-term conditions which require medical treatment. 

A better understanding of how to manage these conditions with the best combination of medical treatments will help older people to manage their symptoms more effectively and improve their quality of life.

How will this work impact on patients in the future?

We hope that this work will mean that patients with multiple long-term conditions in the future receive the best possible combination of medical treatments.

How have you involved patients and members of the public in the design of this programme?

Two Patient/Public partners have been involved with the development of the OPTIMAL programme from the application stage. Both partners attend regular management, executive and data meetings, as well as a Patient Advisory Group.

Who is funding the research?

This project is funded by the National Institute for Health & Care Research (NIHR) under its Programme Artificial Intelligence for Multiple and Long-Term Conditions (NIHR202632). The views expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care.

The OPTIMAL programme has received just under £2.5m in funding from the NIHR and will run until April 2025.

NEW NIHR logo (national institute for health and care research)

 

UKRI | UK Research and Innovation

Contact us

Public Involvement & Engagement enquiries: Leah Fitzsimmons (l.fitzsimmons@bham.ac.uk

Any other enquiries – optimal@contacts.bham.ac.uk