Inga Farafontova, a Community Psychiatric Nurse specializing in care for older adults, is currently contributing to vital dementia research at the Oxford Brain Health Clinic (OBHC). This work is part of a secondment from her role within the Older Adult Community Mental Health Team.
Bridging Research and Practice
Ms. Farafontova’s interest in research was sparked during her master’s degree, and she notes that it has opened new professional opportunities, including her current position at OBHC. Her daily responsibilities focus on strengthening the connection between clinical practice and ongoing research, specifically by identifying patients who may be eligible for studies and raising awareness of research initiatives among both staff and those receiving care.
Current research at OBHC encompasses a range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and psychosis. Studies are underway to evaluate both pharmacological – or medication-based – and psychological interventions.
A Collaborative Approach to Mental Health
The department at OBHC emphasizes a dual focus: providing direct mental health care alongside supporting research aimed at improving understanding and treatment of psychiatric conditions. This approach reflects Ms. Farafontova’s belief that research should be accessible to the public, moving beyond traditional academic settings.
Ms. Farafontova has a history of contributing to research projects, including the setup of a mixed-method study and close collaboration with the NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre’s (OH BRC) Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) in Research Group. She has also assisted researchers studying behavioral changes in patients at a memory clinic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a ‘secondment’?
A secondment is a temporary transfer of an employee from one role or department to another, allowing them to gain experience and contribute their skills in a different area.
What is the role of the NIHR Oxford Health BRC?
The NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre supports research into mental health, dementia and neurological disorders, translating discoveries into improved treatments and care.
What is meant by ‘pharmacological interventions’?
Pharmacological interventions refer to treatments that use medication to manage or improve a health condition.
How might increased collaboration between researchers and clinicians ultimately benefit patients?
