The iCAST Programme: Improving Care for patients with Smell & Taste Disorders

NIHA is proud to be working with UEA researchers; Philpott, C. (Principal Investigator), Garner (nee Murray), N. (Co-Investigator), Minihane, A.-M. (Co-Investigator), Naughton, F. (Co-Investigator), Richardson, K. (Co-Investigator), Sims, E. (Co-Investigator), Skinner, J. (Co-Investigator), Turner, D. (Co-Investigator), Vishwakarma, PhD, R. (Co-Investigator) & Gooding, J. (Researcher) who have been awarded a National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Programme Development Grant of £285,000 to conduct research that will lead to the development of a complex psychological and nutritional intervention for patients who suffer with loss of smell and taste. The work will include analysis of primary care (CPRD) data, focus group work with both patients and stakeholders and creation of a logical model. In partnership with the UK charity SmellTaste (Home - SmellTaste) and University of Southampton, it is hoped this preliminary work will enable the team to apply for a NIHR Programme Grant where the complex intervention will be co-produced with patients and tested in a clinical trial. The programme will also plan to involve a national survey of smell and taste and improve diversity and inclusion nationally. The programme will start Summer 2026 and is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).

Details can be found on the iCAST web page at UEA.