The theme for the Solent NHS Trust Academy of Research & Improvement Conference 2018 is

“Side by Side: Working with Patients, Colleagues and Communities to Learn and Improve”.

This theme has been picked by our Side by Side patient and community group who, as with previous years, have worked in partnership on the design and programme for the event, making it one of the leading patient-led NHS events in the country.

Each year, we hold this conference to showcase and celebrate the excellent work happening across the Trust. This popular event sees health professionals and patients come together to learn about the impact research and improvement has on the care that we deliver. The day will play host to a variety of engaging speakers and workshops. We will be giving preference to presentations given in partnership with patients or other public delegates. The event will be opened and closed by the Side by Side group, and they will chair a number of the breakout sessions. All sessions are open to all attendees.

We will also be presenting our annual Academy of Research and Improvement Awards, which have been designed with, and awarded by our Side by Side group and they will make the winning presentations on the day.

Attendance is free - travel and accommodation expenses for patients or carers participating in the advertised programme will be paid, and transport arranged where necessary. Please contact academyconference@solent.nhs.uk or call 0300 123 3994 to arrange this.

We are committed to making this event as accessible as possible. In 2017, our conference became the first NHS event to be awarded the International ‘Patients Included’ accreditation, which recognises our dedication to including patients in our event, and we are committed to achieving this status again. If you have any additional requirements to support you to attend, please contact us. It is branded as ‘jargon free’, with accessible information formats; there will be quiet zones, hearing loops and the venue is fully wheelchair friendly.

The event will be streamed online, and advertised in advance on social media. All presentations will be available after the event, with accompanying sound bites.

The Academy of Research and Improvement: Conference 2018