Nicola Walsh

Professor of Knowledge Mobilisation & Musculoskeletal Health at University of the West of England

Corsham, England, United Kingdom

About

My research focusses on primary care. I'm particularly interested in primary care workforce and models of care, and the clinical and cost-benefits of new ways of working. For example, I currently co-lead an NIHR funded research workforce partnership investigating same day and urgent care workforce (SURGE); I have recently led a large UK wide evaluation of First Contact Physiotherapy; am involved in an evaluation of Paramedics in Primary Care; and also lead a study investigating the implementation of Nursing Associates into practice. I and also CI on a study recently funded by NIHR investigating cervical screening. I am also interested in implementation of research findings and previously led a (3/4*) REF Impact Case Study demonstrating the impact of ESCAPE-pain, a self-management intervention for people living with osteoarthritis. I have expertise in a variety of methods including realist evaluation; implementation studies; and mixed methods designs. My current role spans the University (UWE) and NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire ICB, where I am the academic lead for the Impact Accelerator Unit, which facilitates and expedited the use of evidence in healthcare decision making. My research is mainly funded by NIHR. I have over £14m grant funding, and almost 100 peer reviewed publications. I am a recently appointed NIHR Senior Invstigator

Experience

  • Senior Investigator at NIHR (National Institute for Health and Care Research)
    Apr 2026 - Present · 3 mos

  • University of the West of England (13 yrs 6 mos)
    • Professor of Knowledge Mobilisation & Musculoskeletal Health
      Apr 2016 - Present · 10 yrs 3 mos

    • Associate Professor
      Jan 2013 - Jun 2016 · 3 yrs 6 mos

      My research involves developing safe, effective and affordable exercise programmes based within the community for people with arthritis and chronic joint pain. Our research team delivers high quality mixed methodology approaches to achieve these aims.

    • Associate Professor in Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation
      Jan 2013 - Jun 2016 · 3 yrs 6 mos

  • Senior Lecturer at UWE Bristol
    Apr 2004 - Jan 2013 · 8 yrs 10 mos

  • Research Associate at King's College London
    Apr 2000 - Apr 2004 · 4 yrs 1 mo