Dr R.J.S. Jones: Head, MS Research and Resources Unit:

This post involves overall management of research staff and programmes, teaching projects (post-graduate) and administrative duties related to research. Main responsibilities include research management, publications and the preparation, submission of research grant applications. This includes liaison with clinical and scientific colleagues, preparation of work plans and schedules, submissions to ethics boards, adherence to research governance and maintenance of deadlines for outcomes and deliverables. Recent activities have been mostly EU BIOMED funded programmes (FESTIVAL "Functional Electrical Stimulation to Improve Value and Lifestyle", MARCH (Multiple Sclerosis and Rehabilitation, Care and Health services in Europe.) and TREMOR ("Development and Validation of New Assistive Devices for the Treatment of Disabilities Caused by Tremor") In addition the Unit makes regular submissions to NICE and has recently taken a major role in the development of the new NICE guidelines for MS.

Provision of information:

The MS Unit provides an information service for professionals with an interest in MS. The team prepares lay and professional summaries and reviews of national and international MS research. Promoting research and development activities with MS groups and potential funding organisations.

Teaching and training activities:

Project work supervision based in the MS Unit at post-graduate level. Neuroscience lectures on postgraduate University courses and to clinical and other specialist groups. Training for professionals on general MS topics and in rehabilitation research methodology.

Preparation of reports and publications. These include peer reviewed research publications, research project reports and both formal and lay dissemination of research outcomes in the context of clinical application of new biotechnologies.

Membership of Professional bodies and networks:

The British Physiological Society. RIMS (EU platform Rehabilitation in MS). Founder member of International FES Society. FESnet EPSRC Functional Stimulation Network.

BOOKS:

  • Vrbova, G. Gordon, T. & Jones.R 1995 "Nerve Muscle Interaction" 2nd Edition Chapman & Hall London.
  • Jones R Vrbova G & Clifford ROSE F."Neuromuscular Stimulation, Basic Concepts and Clinical Implications". Demos, New York. 1989
  • Clifford Rose, F and Jones R "Immunological Diagnostic and Therapeutic Aspects of Multiple Sclerosis" Published by John Libbey, London.1987

OTHER ACTIVITIES:

Organisation of International Symposia and resulting publications:

  • 1) "Immunological Diagnostic and Therapeutic Aspects of Multiple Sclerosis" Published by John Libbey, London.1987
  • 2) "Neuromuscular Stimulation, Basic Concepts and Clinical Implications". Published by Demos, New York. 1989
  • 3) Co-organiser of 5th International Symposium on the "Biochemistry and Biophysics of Stroke, Neurotrauma and Neurological Disorders" Published by Humana Press.

Submissions to NICE:

  • JONES R & HARVEY L. (2000) A review of studies on the physical treatments of multiple sclerosis and their contribution to the management of MS.
  • DAVIES SMITH A & JONES R (2000) Contributions to "Appraisal of Interferon-beta/Glatiramer Acetate. Current therapies and their Delivery" Published in Front line. Official Journal of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists Jan 2001.
  • Development of NICE guidelines for the management of MS in primary and secondary care settings (2003)

NICE and the National Collaborating Centre for Chronic Conditions have published a guideline for the NHS in England and Wales on the management of multiple sclerosis (MS).

Recent relevant papers:

  • Gee AS, Jones R & Durdey P. (2000) On line quantitative analysis of surface EMG of the pelvic floor in patients with faecal incontinence. Brit J Surg 87, 814-818
  • Feys,P Romberg A, Ruutiainen J, Davies Smith A, Jones R Avizzano CA, Bergamasco, M & Ketelaer P (2001) Assistive Technology to improve PC interaction for people with intention tremor. J Rehab Research and Development 38 (2) 235-243
  • Feys, PG, Davies Smith A, Jones R, Romberg. A, Ruutianen J Helsen WF and Ketalaer P. (2003) Intention tremor rated according to different finger to nose test protocols: A survey. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 84, 79-82.

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