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Reflecting on the achievements of the RIPEN network – supporting research to improve palliative and end of life care

The RIPEN network – Research in Palliative and End of Life Care North East – was established in 2022, funded by a NIHR Health and Social Care Delivery Research Award.

The Network, supported by the NIHR ARC North East and North Cumbria, has been a catalyst for palliative and end of life care research and practice collaborations in our region, and a new report has just been published which highlights its successes and outlines the next steps for the group.

Why did our region need RIPEN?

The North East is one of the most disadvantaged areas of England with end-of-life care needs shaped by high levels of disability, physical and mental ill health. The programme of work aimed to set the foundation for the development of a palliative and end of life care research community, equipped to meet local and national challenges.

The Network brought together researchers, clinicians, patients and members of the public, to develop and expand research that can improve care experiences at the end of life. Its aim was to grow palliative and end of life care research in areas where patients and families are most likely to benefit.

Successes

The report sets out how the RIPEN network has successfully helped to promote palliative and end of life care research in the North East and North Cumbria by providing a framework for collaborations to develop and knowledge to be shared across research and practice.

Success has been demonstrated through strong engagement with workshops and meetings, capacity building awards, successful applications for research fellowships and project funding,  and the formation of a core group to maintain momentum and develop future research proposals.

The Network supported a level of research activity that went far beyond the funding and provided a much-needed stimulus for end of life and palliative care research in the North East and North Cumbria region.

Building on the foundations laid by RIPEN

Professor Barbara Hanratty from Newcastle University leads the RIPEN Network. She also leads the multi-morbidity, ageing and frailty theme for the NIHR ARC North East and North Cumbria.

Professor Hanratty said: “The RIPEN network set out to strengthen the research we do here in our region, and ultimately provide better care for those approaching end of life. Funding for the Network has enabled increased capacity in multidisciplinary palliative and end of life care research, sustained ability to attract substantial research funding, and ultimately delivered a measurable impact on practice and the end of life experiences of older people and their families.”

The work of the RIPEN network will continue to be supported by the NIHR ARC North East and North Cumbria.

Read the full report