Hospital-Based Youth Work Programme Evaluation
Research type
Research Study
Full title
London Violence Reduction Unit Hospital-Based Youth Work Programme Evaluation
IRAS ID
342836
Contact name
Leonie Nicks
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Violence Reduction Unit at the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 7 months, 26 days
Research summary
Children and young people (CYP) aged 11–25 who are admitted to hospital due to violence, abuse or exploitation are at high risk of future harm. The Hospital Based Youth Work (HBYW) programme embeds youth workers in hospitals to provide immediate and medium-term support to CYP following their presentation to hospital. However, its effectiveness in reducing repeat hospital visits has not been fully established due to challenges with data access and quality, and sample size in previous studies.
This study aims to assess whether the HBYW service reduces re-attendance to hospital for violence-related reasons. The findings will provide evidence on whether the programme improves outcomes for young people, helping policymakers, healthcare professionals, and support services improve future interventions.
The research uses a quasi-experimental approach and secondary data analysis. It does not involve the recruitment of any participants. It will compare two groups of young people who attended hospitals offering the HBYW service:
- Recent patients who were eligible for the service in the past couple of years.
- Historical patients who would have been eligible, had the programme existed at the time.The study will analyse whether those eligible to receive support from the programme are less likely to return to hospital for similar reasons within 12 months. Researchers will ensure the groups are as comparable as possible by matching them on key characteristics (including age, gender, ethnicity, borough).
The research is funded by the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) and conducted by the Behavioural Insights Team (BIT), an independent research company. It will focus on hospitals where the HBYW service is currently being delivered, including London’s four Major Trauma Centres and additional Accident & Emergency departments.
This research will guide improvements in hospital-based youth support services, with findings available to healthcare providers, policymakers, and researchers.
REC name
London - Bromley Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/LO/0234
Date of REC Opinion
20 Mar 2025
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion