Nicola Walsh

Professor Nicola Walsh is a Professor of Knowledge Mobilisation and Musculoskeletal Health at the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol), affiliated with the HAS - Allied Health Professions department. She holds a PhD, MSc, and MCSP qualifications. Her work bridges academia and healthcare systems, currently serving as academic lead for the Impact Accelerator Unit at Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire ICB, and leading the Integrated and Optimal Care theme within ARC-West.

Research Interests: Her research focuses on primary care workforce development, musculoskeletal health, and implementation science. Key areas include First Contact Physiotherapy models, paramedic roles in primary care, and the clinical/cost-benefits of healthcare service innovations. She has pioneered interventions like ESCAPE-pain for osteoarthritis self-management and developed tools to optimize osteoarthritis guideline implementation.

Publications & Awards: Over 50+ peer-reviewed articles across 2022-2025 highlight her work on healthcare models, workforce adaptation, and digital health. Notable achievements include a 3/4* REF Impact Case Study for her ESCAPE-pain program and leadership in national evaluations (e.g., FRONTIER study).

Funding & Collaborations: Supported by NIHR HS&DR, Versus Arthritis, and others, her research networks span institutions like the University of Manchester, Keele University, and Queen’s University Belfast. She collaborates with the Centre for Advancement of Realist Evaluation & Synthesis (CARES).

Grants & Labs: Current funding supports studies on paramedic integration in primary care, virtual wards for frailty, and implementation of nursing associates. Her work often employs realist evaluation and mixed-methods designs to assess complex healthcare interventions.