Health scientists in Southampton have been given their largest ever grant to help make life better for patients with long-term illnesses.

The University of Southampton’s Faculty of Health Sciences has been awarded £238,000 for a two-year study exploring how patients can manage their conditions.

Findings from the study will support policy drive towards a more person-centred healthcare system, where people are supported to make informed decisions about, and to successfully manage, their own health and care, and choose when to invite others to act on their behalf.

Initially the work, led by Dr Sara Demain, comprises a systematic review of the available literature and, following this, the team will be gathering first-hand experiences compiled through primary research to assess what really matters to patients, families and health professionals.