West Midlands Evidence Synthesis Group (WM-ESG)
The West Midlands Evidence Synthesis Group turns research evidence into practical knowledge, helping decision-makers understand what works, what doesn’t, and where more evidence is needed to improve health and social care.
Who are we?
The West Midlands Evidence Synthesis Group is a team of researchers and professional services staff based across the University of Birmingham, Keele University and the University of Warwick. We bring together and analyse existing research studies to answer important questions about health, public health and social care.
Our team undertakes evidence synthesis reviews, which involves locating and combining all relevant existing evidence. We turn research evidence into practical knowledge which helps policymakers, the NHS, government and public sector organisations understand “what the evidence says” before making decisions that affect patients, services and communities.
WM-ESG is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) through its Evidence Synthesis Programme (ESP). It is one of 13 Evidence Synthesis Groups across the UK and has funding from April 2023 to March 2028.
What kind of research do we do?
What kind of research do we do?
We carry out evidence synthesis reviews on topics that matter to government, the NHS, public services and the public. These topics are often commissioned by organisations such as:
- NHS England (NHSE)
- Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC)
- UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC)
- Devolved UK administrations
Examples of research questions include:
- Do rapid tests help clinicians manage respiratory infections?
- What are the benefits and harms of whole genome sequencing in newborn babies?
- Does green health prescribing improve health and wellbeing?
- How does regular contact with a social worker affect outcomes?
- How should outcomes from newborn screening programmes be measured?
- What is the impact of integrated care for people living with multiple long-term conditions?
- How can barcode scanning improve patient safety?
These reviews help policymakers, healthcare professionals and service providers make informed decisions based on the best available evidence.
What is the intended outcome?
What is the intended outcome?
The aim of our research at WM-ESG is to ensure that healthcare and social care decisions are based on the best available evidence, rather than opinion or assumptions.
The group's work is intended to:
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Inform national policy and guidance.
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Support NHS and government decision-making.
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Improve health and social care services.
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Identify where more research is needed.
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Help commissioners spend resources effectively.
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Improve outcomes for patients, service users and the public.
WM-ESG also aims to strengthen evidence synthesis expertise in the UK by developing researchers, improving research methods and building collaborations across institutions.
Contact Us
For more information about the West Midlands Evidence Synthesis Group, email Viv Close, Project Officer at v.close@bham.ac.uk