Research
My main research interests include the late effects of pelvic radiotherapy and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), and I am currently working on several projects in this field. I am a member of several late effects and Living with and Beyond Cancer networks, as well as being a UK member of the International Anal Neoplasia Society (IANS) based in the US, with a focus on long-term toxicities. I continue to collaborate with clinical colleagues to conduct clinically relevant research to benefit patients within the Liverpool City Region and Beyond.
'Late Effects' of Pelvic Radiotherapy/Pelvic Radiation Disease:
My dedicated research interest in Pelvic Radiation Disease (PRD) began during my postgraduate studies during which I presented a poster on PRD at the Annual Radiotherapy Conference 2018 in Newcastle, England which was awarded ‘Best Poster’. As a result, I was invited to deliver a presentation on PRD at the United Kingdom Radiological Congress and Radiation Oncology Congress 2018 by a Trustee of the Pelvic Radiation Disease Association (PRDA) Charity and NHS England Programme Manager.
Whilst undertaking my Masters degree in Radiotherapy, I developed an e-Learning education package on the long-term effects of pelvic radiotherapy to enhance knowledge and awareness of the condition amongst healthcare professionals. The tool was disseminated to hospitals across England and accessed by a range of healthcare professionals. The findings from this study have since been disseminated at the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO) 2021 and the British Institute of Radiology (BIR) 2021, and as a journal paper in the British Journal of Radiology Open (BJRO).
I co-manage a UK-wide Late Effects Special Interest Group for healthcare professionals with an interest in PRD. The group aims to increase awareness, provide support to professionals in managing PRD and support the establishment of ‘Late Effects Clinics’. I am the UK member of the International Anal Neoplasia Society (IANS), with the aim to share practice on the management of late effects and conduct collaborative research in this field with professionals internationally.
I am committed to continuing research into PRD and improving awareness of the condition amongst healthcare professionals, patients and their families. I hope to work to improve diagnosis and management of PRD, to ensure patients not only survive their cancer, but live with a good quality of life.
Public/Patient Involvement (PPI):
Patients and members of the public provide invaluable insight into current and future research projects. I was recently awarded funding from the NIHR Research Design Service to conduct a PPI event with members of the public living with Pelvic Radiation Disease. As the project continues into the next stages of development, PPI will remain embedded in the research design, collaborating with both clinical partners and patients.
Patient-Reported Outcome Measures:
A recent study I have conducted in collaboration with clinical colleagues across the UK has evaluated the use of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) within radiotherapy services nationally. Based upon the barriers and enablers identified within our study, we have developed recommendations to implement PROMs within clinical practice. I presented these findings as an oral presentation at ESTRO 2022 in Copenhagen, and as a poster at BIR 2022 in London. Findings from this study have since been disseminated as a journal paper in "Clinical Oncology" (Impact Factor 4.925). Amplifying the Patient Voice: A Survey of Practitioners' Use of Patient-reported Outcome Measures Across Radiotherapy Providers in England
Research collaborations
Kirby M, Hutton N, Hutton D, Butler C, Cummings T, Alves E, McKie L
A newly designed virtual tour of a Radiotherapy Department for improving patient experience initial staff qualitative evaluation
Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, City of Liverpool College, Laing O'Rourke, North West Radiotherapy ODN
A collaborative project was undertaken between Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, Laing O'Rourke, The City of Liverpool College and University of Liverpool to develop a novel 'Virtual Tour' of the radiotherapy department at Clatterbridge Cancer Centre. The project aimed to better inform and communicate with patients ahead of their first radiotherapy appointment, to reduce anxiety and improve the patient experience. This project was awarded the HSJ Patient Safety Award in 2023.
Bridget Porritt, Mike Kirby
Project
Collaboration to develop a novel eLearning tool to raise professional awareness of Pelvic Radiation Disease.
Daniel Hutton, Thomas Hall, Michelle Cain, Michelle Bates, Anthea Cree, Elizabeth Mullen
Research Project
NHS
Collaboration with clinical partners at Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, North West Operational Delivery Network and East of England Operational Delivery Network.