Loughborough University’s Dr Antuela Tako and her team have been awarded The Operational Research Society’s President's Medal 2021 for research that is helping to transform health and social care.

The Simulation to Evaluate Great Care (SIMTEGR8) project actively involved stakeholders in co-designing changes that are enhancing the community-based services offered by organisations across Leicestershire and Rutland that enable elderly and vulnerable people to live at home – relatively independently – for longer.

Involving stakeholders in this way has greatly increased the commitment to, and success of, the organisational changes – enhancing services and making cost efficiencies.

One SIMTEGR8 beneficiary is Lightbulb which provides patient-centred housing support solutions – including level-access showers and stairlifts for the frail and elderly – helping them to stay safe and prevent falls, reducing the need for hospitalisation.

The redesign of the service has resulted in a streamlined and shorter user journey, so that alterations or services take less time to complete and put in place. It has also delivered a 50% reduction in service costs per case.

The Former Director of Health and Care Integration at Leicestershire County Council said:

“The SIMTEGR8 modelling was an essential part of developing the care pathway.”

The project team – led by Dr Tako – comprised Professor Stewart Robinson (Loughborough University), Anastasia Gogi (Business Process Consultant at Hellenic Sea Lines SC), and Professor Zoe Radnor (Deputy Vice-Chancellor at The University of Law).

Commenting on the award, Professor Jan Godsell (Dean of the School of Business and Economics at Loughborough University) said:

“Modelling approaches such as SIMTEGR8 demonstrate the benefits that can be achieved when academic expertise is harnessed to address societal issues.

“It is fantastic to see the real-life impact of the team’s work being recognised by the Operational Research Society’s most prestigious award.”

To find out more about the research and its impacts, please visit the University’s website.