ACADEMICS at the University of Bradford are set to play a key role in a new study designed to shape the future of education and training around dementia within the NHS.

Health researchers at three Yorkshire universities - Bradford, Leeds Beckett, and Leeds - are involved in the 'What Works?' study, which will investigate the most effective approaches to educating health and social care staff.

Results from the evaluation, which is being funded on behalf of Health Education England, will help to ensure money is invested in training that supports better care for people with dementia.

Professor Claire Surr, professor of dementia studies at Leeds Beckett University, will lead the research team, which is due to complete the study by July 2017.

"Providing high-quality care for people with dementia relies on knowledgeable and skilled staff," she said.

"Research shows that effective education and training can lead to better quality care.

"However, we also know not all training is effective, meaning it is wasting time and money.

"We need to know more about what effective dementia training looks like, and this research will provide the field with good evidence about the ingredients needed."

Professor Jan Oyebode, from the University of Bradford, said: "Dementia and dementia education finally have the profile and attention they deserve.

"We are heartened that Health Education England are putting money into this rigorous, in-depth evaluation of training, and at Bradford we are very pleased to be playing a central role in this, along with Professor Surr."

The study will gather data on existing dementia training programmes, with researchers then conducting more detailed analysis on selected schemes to identify ways they can be improved further and provide the best value for money.

The results will be used to develop policy and commissioning guidelines for use by the Government, Health Education England, and Local Education and Training Boards, alongside good practice guidelines for health and social care organisations and education and training providers.

Professor David Sallah, of Health Education England, said the organisation was committed to ensuring that the diagnosis, treatment, and care of people with dementia in England should be among the best in Europe.

"We are particularly interested in knowing whether, and how, education and training is having a positive impact on staff attitudes, skills and behaviours, and delivering better outcomes for people living with dementia and their carers," he said.

"We are delighted to be working with Professor Surr and colleagues to assess the effectiveness of our dementia education and training programme."

In February, a new dementia focused training centre, one of eight across the country co-ordinated and funded by the Alzheimer's Society, opened at the University of Bradford.

Studies at the Doctoral Training Centre focus on improving care at points of transition for people affected by dementia.