Dr Luke Hodgson’s is an Intensive Care and Respiratory Consultant and Associate Clinical Research Director. His research predominantly focuses on two main areas. Firstly, the use of digital wearable technology to support physical activity in patients undergoing acute care locally. Secondly, improving risk stratification of acutely unwell patients using prediction modelling and biomarkers.
He said: “As people come into contact with hospital services, I want to explore whether we can perform interventions to improve their outcomes.
“We know physical activity is beneficial to physical and mental health, yet a large proportion of our population are inactive. Exploring ways to encourage physical activity whilst people undergo acute care is of significant importance. Our research enables robust assessment of the care delivered and testing interventions to then improve.”
Getting involved in research…
Dr Hodgson was inspired to get involved in research by Dr Howard Wakeling, Professor Lui Forni and Dr Richard Venn, who demonstrated that being research active goes alongside delivering the best medical care.
He said: “I worked with Dr Howard Wakeling initially on non-invasive cardiac output monitoring and subsequently with Professor Lui Forni and Dr Richard Venn on predicting acute kidney injury (AKI).
“As part of my MD with the University of Southampton, I implemented a prediction model into the electronic system of the hospital so that AKI risk estimation could be automated. This won national funding and attracted global media to Worthing, including a film crew from Japan’s national broadcaster!
“I have been lucky to be well supported in developing my research at the Trust with a wide team of doctors, nurses and physiotherapists, and I collaborate with researchers from a range of disciplines and backgrounds to help answer complex questions.
“During the Brighton Marathon, for example, I collaborated with researchers with expertise working with the fire service and armed forces. Our exercise research is done alongside psychologists and frailty work is with anthropologists.”
Proudest research achievement…
“I was pleased to deliver the Covid-OR study. During the first wave of the pandemic, I was cognisant about learning more about the history of the disease, how best to support individuals and to bear witness to their experiences.