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To explore researchers’ experiences of funding processes, the effort and burden involved in applying for funding, obtaining funding and/or fulfilling reporting requirements with a UK health and social care research funder.
A cross-sectional online survey study with open (free-text) and closed questions (August to November 2021).
Researchers with experience of applying for/obtaining funding and/or experience of fulfilling reporting requirements for UK health and social care research funded between January 2018 and June 2021.
The survey was completed by 182 researchers, of which 176 had experience with applying for/obtaining funding, and 143 had experience with fulfilling reporting requirements during the timeframe. The majority of the 176 respondents (58%) completed between 7 and 13 key processes in order to submit an application and 69% felt that it was critically important to undertake these key processes. Respondents (n=143) reported submitting an average of 17 reports as part of research monitoring to a range of organisations (eg, funders, Higher Education Institutions). However, only 33% of respondents felt it was critically important to provide the requested reporting information to the different organisations. Thematic analysis of free-text questions on application and reporting identified themes relating to process inefficiencies including streamlining and alignment of systems, lack of understanding of processes including a need for improved communication and feedback from organisations with clear explanations about what information is needed, when and why, the support required by respondents and the time, effort and impact on workload and well-being.
Through this study, we were able to identify funding processes that are considered by some to be effortful, but necessary, as well as those that were perceived as unnecessary, complex and repetitive, and may waste some researchers time and effort and impact on well-being. Possible solutions to increase efficiency and enhance value in these processes were identified.
Introducción: El asma, enfermedad crónica infantil más frecuente, está aumentando probablemente en relación a la exposición a factores ambientales. Estos están asociados a la aparición de asma y como desencadenante de síntomas. La literatura al respecto es controvertida. El objetivo de este trabajo es comprobar la posible influencia de la exposición a animales y/o humo de tabaco en el domicilio sobre el grado de control de la enfermedad y el número de exacerbaciones en población pediátrica asmática. Metodología: Estudio observacional realizado en población pediátrica que acudía a consulta de Neumología Pediátrica del hospital de referencia diagnosticados de asma y que tuviera pautado tratamiento inhalado. Como variable dependiente se consideró el número de exacerbaciones y como variables independientes se incluyeron sociodemográficas, variables asociadas a factores ambientales, así como a la técnica de inhalación. Resultados: Participaron 204 familias (66,7% niños). El 70,6% no tenían animales y el 78% no eran fumadores. La media de las exacerbaciones durante el periodo a estudio fue de 1,62. Un 84,8% de los/las pacientes presentan un buen control de la enfermedad. Discusión: Se encuentra relación entre el tener o no animales en casa y/o estar expuestos al tabaco y el grado de control de la enfermedad y número de exacerbaciones, confirmando lo descrito por varios autores. Es importante realizar una intervención individual donde se evalúen los factores que afectan a niños asmáticos y tratar los que sean modificables: manejo guiado de síntomas y tratamiento de exacerbaciones, consejo antitabaco, fomento actividad física… para mejorar su calidad de vida.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Asthma, the most common chronic disease in childhood, is probably increasing in relation to exposure to environmental factors. These are associated with the onset of asthma and as a trigger for symptoms. The evidence on this is controversial. The objective of this study is to verify the possible influence of exposure to animals and/or tobacco smoke at home on the degree of control of the disease and the number of exacerbations in the paediatric asthmatic population. Methodology: Observational study carried out in a paediatric population that were attended at the paediatric pulmonology consultation of the reference hospital diagnosed with asthma and who had scheduled inhaled treatment. The number of exacerbations was considered as a dependent variable, and sociodemographic variables, variables associated with environmental factors, as well as the inhalation technique were included as independent variables. Results: 204 families participated (66,7% boys). 70,6% did no have animals and 78% were not smokers. The mean number of exacerbations during the study period was 1,62. 84,4% of the patients have good control of the disease. Discussion: A relationship was found between having or not having animals at home and/or being exposed to tobacco smoke and the degree of control of the disease and the number of exacerbations, confirming what has been described by several authors. It is important to carry out an individual intervention where the factors that affect asthmatic children are evaluated and treat those that are modifiable: guided management of symptoms and treatment of exacerbations, anti-smoking advice, physical activity promotion … to improve their quality of life.
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