QSD is a multidisciplinary research area that uses a range of methods to address issues of quality of care and service delivery. These include evidence synthesis, qualitative work to build theory, the development of interventions, and their testing in pragmatic trials as well as work focused on policy. Examples of current and recent work include qualitative explorations of continuity of care and the patient experience in prostate cancer (both funded by the NIHR SDO programme), a mixed methods examination of barriers to early assessment of patients with stroke or TIA (funded by NIHR RfPB)  and a trial of intermediate care clinics for diabetes (SDO programme) and a formative evaluation of a local service to assist decisions at the end of life.

We have a longstanding interest in the development and testing of methods of getting evidence into practice, and are fully engaged in the NIHR CLAHRC for LNR. This includes studies of methods of implementation, for example the recent update of our Cochrane review of tailored strategies, and studies of barriers and enablers of implementation in management of obesity in general practice or falls in emergency departments. We are also investigating means of translating research evidence into improved outcomes in projects with NHS Trusts. We have strong links with other research area's in the department, particularly cardiovascular epidemiology and ageing, as well as qualitative and quantitative methodologists, including members of the NIHR Research Design Service. Much of the research area's work is international, and includes ongoing collaborations with researchers in the US and Netherlands.