Research
I have over 15 years' experience of health services research, and hold particular expertise in evidence synthesis (qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods systematic reviews and meta-analyses), qualitative and quantitative methodology. I conduct basic and translational psychological research which has three broad foci:
i) Decision-making and clinical communication
This theme includes research exploring decision-making, including how and why patients make ethically-challenging decisions and decisions about controversial health technologies. It also encompasses research designed to understand how patients make decisions about treatment options or participation in clinical trials, and therefore how communication can be enhanced to optimise patient experience. I am currently leading two NIHR-funded nested qualitative studies within trials looking at the feasibility of tailored exercise programmes for patients with head and neck cancer (the ACTIOHN study) and the effectiveness of treatments for severe stable slip (the paediatric orthopaedic BIG BOSS study - co-lead).
ii) Development and evaluation of trans-diagnostic psychological interventions for patients with chronic physical health conditions
This programme of research investigates the ‘fit’ of a transdiagnostic models of psychopathology to understanding emotional distress experienced by patients with physical health conditions, including cancer, chronic pain, epilepsy and diabetes. Current projects include a national Intensive Care Society Young Investigator funded study examining predictors of depression, anxiety and trauma symptoms in adult survivors of an intensive care admission due to COVID-19.
iii) Evidence synthesis within health and social care
I have published over 30 evidence syntheses within physical and mental healthcare, including Cochrane reviews, Health Technology Assessments, individual patient data meta-analyses, realist syntheses and reviews of both qualitative and quantitative evidence. I now provide methodological and topic-specific expertise and leadership to multiple evidence syntheses, with a particular focus on identifying risk factors for distress and related psychological outcomes within physical health conditions.
I would be keen to hear from PhD students who wish to pursue a PhD within these areas.
Research groups
Research grants
The British Orthopaedic SCFE Surgery Study for Severe Stable Slips (The BIG BOSS Study): A multi-centre prospective randomised superiority trial of an acute deformity correction versus pinning in-situ for severe stable SCFE in children (BIG BOSS)
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE (UK)
November 2021 - October 2027
Reframing ‘wandering’ as a meaningful activity using realist synthesis and qualitative exploration: the FREEDEM study (FREEDEM)
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE (UK)
March 2024 - August 2025
Understanding the Experiences of Black and Minority Ethnic (BAME) individuals who have a Diagnosis of Comorbid Cancer and a Long-Term Condition that impairs their Cognition and/or Communication
NORTH WEST CANCER RESEARCH INCORPORATING CLATTERBRIDGE CANCER RESEARCH (UK)
October 2023 - February 2026
A qualitative study exploring the experience of treatments for BXO
CHILDRENS RESEARCH FUND (UK)
June 2022 - December 2025
Exercise as medicine in oncology: a feasibility study investigating a patient-centred approach to exercise for head and neck cancer survivors (ACTIOHN study)
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE (UK)
April 2022 - March 2024
Making research more accessible to patients from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds by optimising trial communication
LCCG - LIVERPOOL CLINICAL COMMISSIONING GROUP (UK)
March 2021 - September 2021
Phase 3 evaluation of PET-guided, Response-Adapted therapy in patients with previously untreated, high tumour burden follicular lymphoma (PETReA)
CANCER RESEARCH UK (UK)
November 2016 - December 2023
Decision Making About Prognostication in Uveal Melanoma (D-PROG)
ROYAL LIVERPOOL AND BROADGREEN UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS NHS TRUST CHARITABLE FUNDS (UK)
January 2019 - July 2020