NIHR INSIGHT SOUTH-WEST CENTRAL CONFERENCE 2026
Research Showcase The NIHR INSIGHT South West Central team are pleased to share the abstracts of Early Career Researchers from across the region on this year’s conference. The event offers an excellent opportunity for INSIGHT students and other early career researchers to showcase the research they have been working on as well as meet other Health and Care researchers from across the region.
This year’s conference will be held on Thursday 10th September 2026 at Bournemouth University in the Bournemouth Gateway building.
ABSTRACTS
Annabel Upshall; Ema Swingwood The role of the Physiotherapist within the extubation process in adult intensive care units: A UK Survey University of the West of England; Bristol Foundation Trust. Background Extubation failure is the inability to sustain spontaneous breathing after the removal of the endo-tracheal tube, requiring reintubation within 48 hours. Extubation failure is associated with increased mortality rates, prolonged duration of mechanical ventilation and reduced quality of life. Research has demonstrated the benefits of ‘extubation checks’ to support clinical decision making, yet, to date, it is unknown if and how physiotherapists contribute to this decision making. The aim of this project was to describe current physiotherapy practice within the extubation process in adult intensive care units. Methods An online survey was developed including open and closed questions exploring the role of the physiotherapist during the extubation process, disseminated via social media and special interest groups. Ethical approval was gained in December 2025. Quantitative analysis was descriptive with data presented as percentages. Free text responses were analysed using thematic analysis. Results Fourty-seven physiotherapists completed the survey, with twenty-nine (29/47, 62%) physiotherapists reporting routine involvement in the extubation process. Where physiotherapists were not routinely involved (18/47, 38%), multi-disciplinary team (MDT) perception of the physiotherapy role and perceived lack of clinical need were reported. Physiotherapists completed similar pre-extubation assessments but varied treatments post-extubation. Physiotherapists felt their contribution to the extubation process was effective, but training and protocols would improve their role. Three themes were identified; 1. Variation of current practice and influences on the physiotherapy role; 2. The wider MDT and barriers to the physiotherapy role and 3. Future recommendations. Discussion The role of the physiotherapist in the extubation process is variable and lacks consistency. Despite physiotherapists’ perceptions of their role being effective, barriers to involvement included MDT perceptions of the physiotherapy role and lack of clinical guidance. Participants felt a standardised protocol, improved MDT collaboration and extubation timing would improve consistency of the physiotherapy role in this process. References 1- Boles J-M, Bion J, Connors A, et al. Weaning from mechanical ventilation. Eur Respir J. 2007 May; 29: 1033-56. DOI: 10.1183/09031936.00010206 2- Tanaka A, Shimomura Y, Uchiyama A, et al. Time definition of reintubation most relevant to patient outcomes in critically ill patients: a multicenter cohort study. Crit Care. 2023 Sep 30; 27(1): 378. DOI: 10.1186/s13054-023-04668-3 3- Statlender L, Singer P. Weaning from Mechanical Ventilation. In: Lovich-Sapola J, Alter J, Harders M, editors. Mechanical Ventilation. London: IntechOpen; 2022. 4- Cork G, Camporota L, Osman L, et al. Physiotherapist prediction of extubation outcome in the adult intensive care unit. Physiother Res Int. 2019 Oct; 24(4). DOI: 10.1002/pri.1793 5- Castro A, Calil SR, Freitas SA ,et al. Chest physiotherapy effectiveness to reduce hospitalization and mechanical ventilation length of stay, pulmonary infection rate and mortality in ICU patients. Respir Med. 2013 Jan; 107(1): 68-74. DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2012.09.016
Anneli Bale How do qualified mental health professionals perceive dual identities in colleagues with lived experience? A qualitative enquiry University of the West of England; Background Mental health professionals with lived experience can occupy both professional and patient roles, referred to as dual identities. Inner conflict may arise as these roles are seen as opposites. This can negatively affect self-concept and professional identity. Identity integration is the cohesion of opposing parts of the self, and is beneficial to self-identity. Understanding how dual identities are perceived by colleagues could reveal barriers and facilitators to identity integration. This will contribute to the evidence-base and could influence support for this population. Aim To explore how multi-disciplinary qualified mental health professionals perceive dual identities in colleagues with lived experience. Methods Qualitative methodology was employed. Participants were recruited through convenience and snowball sampling. Data was gathered through anonymous online survey and analysed using Thematic Analysis (1). Results 28 qualified mental health professionals participated. Four themes emerged: Stigma contextualises dual identities, the value of dual identities, the risk of dual identities and perceived personal costs of dual identities. These align with current literature, and illustrate the complexity of negotiating dual identities. Issues around self-disclosure and concealment were contextualised by stigma. Value and risk of dual identities was seen to co-exist, with the potential to benefit service-users and the team coinciding with concern for professionalism and ethical practice. Central to all points, is the lived experience clinician who is viewed to experience personal and professional costs. Conclusions Both research and service improvement promote lived experience as a valuable source of expertise. However, there are complexities with integrating lived experience for mental health professionals, due to prioritising professional expectations. Current policy addresses dual identities indirectly, through separate policies such as managing health at work and professional boundaries. A more balanced policy could include reducing risks, while acknowledging the personal impact, and provide guidance on harnessing positive aspects, and making disclosure decisions.
References 1. Braun V, Clarke V. Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology. 2006 Jan 1;3(2):77–101. doi:10.1191/1478088706qp063oa
Charlotte Kingston How do community occupational therapists support disabled young people and their caregivers to manage menstruation and puberty needs? University of the West of England; Introduction Disabled young people often experience significant barriers to managing menstruation independently, yet menstruation remains largely absent from occupational therapy education, assessment and intervention. This study aimed to explore how occupational therapists can understand and support menstruation for disabled young people, and how cultural, organisational and personal factors shape practice. Method Semi structured focus groups and one to one interviews were conducted with nine practising paediatric occupational therapists. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, with themes refined through repeated engagement with the dataset and ongoing reflexive discussion. Findings Three overarching themes were developed: taboo and silence, infantilisation, and occupational engagement. Participants described menstruation as a neglected and uncomfortable topic within society, services and professional training. Personal experience was relied upon rather than structured guidance, which can lead to infantilised approaches and missed opportunities for intervention. Menstruation intersected with sensory processing, functional skills, executive functioning, autonomy and occupational participation, yet was inconsistently addressed in assessments and multidisciplinary discussions. Conclusion Menstruation management is a meaningful occupation that significantly affects participation, dignity and wellbeing for disabled young people. This study suggests that occupational therapy is well placed to address this gap by recognising menstruation as a whole cycle experience shaped by sensory, cognitive and environmental factors. Effective support requires strong clinical reasoning, person centred and age appropriate interventions, and proactive efforts to reduce taboo. Occupational therapists must actively include all caregivers, and acknowledge how menstruation affects routines, privacy, dignity and carer strain. Integrating these elements into practice is essential for enabling fuller occupational engagement for disabled young people.
Claud Steward Becoming Invisible: Understanding Social Experiences After First Episode Psychosis (FEP) Through Family Perspectives Bournemouth University Background Social challenges are common after First Episode Psychosis (FEP) with prolonged trajectories even after symptomatic recovery is achieved, highlighting the need for further understanding of the complex and contextual nature of these social experiences and the implications these can have for recovery outcomes. Family members are underrepresented in the literature despite often being integral to the support, observation and input in their relative’s recovery after psychosis. Aim This study aimed to explore family members’ observational and relational perspectives of the social experiences following FEP. Methods Six family members of individuals who had experienced FEP within the past 3 years took part in semistructured interviews, five of which were recruited from three charity organisations and one participant through prior involvement through Patient and Public Involvement (PPI). Reflexive Thematic Analysis (RTA) was used to identify shared patterns across participant accounts. Results Findings highlighted social experiences as complex and contextually variable, yet recurring patterns of social safety, relational belonging, and sustained familial support were constructed as conceptually meaningful. Four themes captured these findings: (1) Becoming invisible (social withdrawal, shifts in identity and external expression), (2) Witnessing loss (the loss of independence, purpose and confidence), (3) Rebuilding connection in a changed social world (changes to relational dynamics and opportunity for new relationships), (4) Better, but not restored (moving on and residual social challenges). These overarching themes formed a natural chronological order, highlighting three distinct timeline eras: The early stages (1, 2), discovery (3), and moving on (4). Discussion Family members provided meaningful perspectives that capture the social experiences for individuals after FEP. Perceptions of being different and fear of judgement, alongside shifting family dynamics and relational attitudes shaped social experience and recovery trajectories, with psychological vulnerabilities and dependence on family further compounding these challenges. Clinical implications include personalised approaches to FEP social recovery, increased familial input in decision-making, and enhanced social acknowledgement when implementing care.
Annabel Upshall; Ema Swingwood
The role of the Physiotherapist within the extubation process in adult intensive care units: A UK Survey
University of the West of England; Bristol Foundation Trust.
Background Extubation failure is the inability to sustain spontaneous breathing after the removal of the endotracheal tube, requiring reintubation within 48 hours. Extubation failure is associated with increased mortality rates, prolonged duration of mechanical ventilation and reduced quality of life. Research has demonstrated the benefits of ‘extubation checks’ to support clinical decision making, yet, to date, it is unknown if and how physiotherapists contribute to this decision making. The aim of this project was to describe current physiotherapy practice within the extubation process in adult intensive care units. Methods An online survey was developed including open and closed questions exploring the role of the physiotherapist during the extubation process, disseminated via social media and special interest groups. Ethical approval was gained in December 2025. Quantitative analysis was descriptive with data presented as percentages. Free text responses were analysed using thematic analysis. Results Fourty-seven physiotherapists completed the survey, with twenty-nine (29/47, 62%) physiotherapists reporting routine involvement in the extubation process. Where physiotherapists were not routinely involved (18/47, 38%), multi-disciplinary team (MDT) perception of the physiotherapy role and perceived lack of clinical need were reported. Physiotherapists completed similar pre-extubation assessments but varied treatments post-extubation. Physiotherapists felt their contribution to the extubation process was effective, but training and protocols would improve their role. Three themes were identified; 1. Variation of current practice and influences on the physiotherapy role; 2. The wider MDT and barriers to the physiotherapy role and 3. Future recommendations. Discussion The role of the physiotherapist in the extubation process is variable and lacks consistency. Despite physiotherapists’ perceptions of their role being effective, barriers to involvement included MDT perceptions of the physiotherapy role and lack of clinical guidance. Participants felt a standardised protocol, improved MDT collaboration and extubation timing would improve consistency of the physiotherapy role in this process. References 1- Boles J-M, Bion J, Connors A, et al. Weaning from mechanical ventilation. Eur Respir J. 2007 May; 29: 1033-56. DOI: 10.1183/09031936.00010206 2- Tanaka A, Shimomura Y, Uchiyama A, et al. Time definition of reintubation most relevant to patient outcomes in critically ill patients: a multicenter cohort study. Crit Care. 2023 Sep 30; 27(1): 378. DOI: 10.1186/s13054-023-04668-3 3- Statlender L, Singer P. Weaning from Mechanical Ventilation. In: Lovich-Sapola J, Alter J, Harders M, editors. Mechanical Ventilation. London: IntechOpen; 2022. 4- Cork G, Camporota L, Osman L, et al. Physiotherapist prediction of extubation outcome in the adult intensive care unit. Physiother Res Int. 2019 Oct; 24(4). DOI: 10.1002/pri.1793 5- Castro A, Calil SR, Freitas SA ,et al. Chest physiotherapy effectiveness to reduce hospitalization and mechanical ventilation length of stay, pulmonary infection rate and mortality in ICU patients. Respir Med. 2013 Jan; 107(1): 68-74. DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2012.09.016