Research
Causal analysis
My NIHR-funded PhD research investigated the use of causal methods to account for deviations from randomised treatment in the analysis of randomised trials. My review of published trials (Dodd, White, & Williamson, 2012) demonstrated that, although the vast majority of trials are subject to treatment deviations, appropriate methods to account for these deviations in trial analysis are very rarely implemented; instead trialists use simple analysis methods (such as per protocol or as treated analyses) when seeking to estimate treatment efficacy, thereby introducing confounding and selection biases by naively analysing according to treatment received. More appropriate causal methods exist which seek to overcome these inherent biases, but they remain underused, primarily due to their complexity and unfamiliarity. The aim of my research has therefore been to explore, explain, demonstrate and compare the use of causal methodologies in the analysis of trials, in order to increase the accessibility and comprehensibility by non-specialist analysts of the available, but somewhat technical, statistical methods to appropriately adjust for treatment deviations. A practical application of appropriate causal methods is demonstrated in the analysis of a trial featuring typical complications when assessing treatment in chronic disease with longitudinal treatment and follow up periods, trials of which are often subject to deviation from randomised intervention (Dodd, Williamson & White 2017, SMMR). The work has culminated in publication of a framework of guidance for trialists and trial statisticians who are seeking to account for treatment deviations in the design, conduct and analysis of a trial, highlighting issues that must be considered from the trial planning stage regarding data collection and analysis, summarised as a list of recommendations (Dodd, White & Williamson, 2017 Trials).
Trial outcome methodology research
I was involved in the ORBIT (Outcome Reporting Bias In Trials) project, helping to develop the study classification system for missing or incomplete outcome reporting in reports of randomised trials, and in the outcome classification project associated with the COMET (Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials) initiative. This project led to the development of a classification system for outcomes included in systematic reviews, core outcome sets and trial reports, with the aim of promoting efficient searching, reporting and classification of trial outcomes. Current work relates to the profiling of outcomes in core outcome sets for practice. I continue to work in numerous COS uptake projects, assessing the representation of COS in trials, systematic reviews, health technology assessments, clinical and regulatory guidelines.
Optimising patient-reported adherence data
Nonadherence is common in general medical practice and clinical trials, with significant economic and clinical consequences. It complicates trial analysis and interpretation, as the underlying random assignment mechanism, which forms the basis for unbiased hypothesis testing, no longer reflects treatment received. Adherence information is crucial to inform efficacy (or causal) analysis, but although several adherence measurement techniques exist, each has considerable limitations such that no method is considered a gold standard. Trials typically rely on patient-reported adherence data, but such methods are susceptible to distortion, as patients are reticent to fully disclose their true adherence. Substantial amounts of adherence research have been conducted regarding its causes, impact and solutions, but research into improving the accuracy of adherence data, particularly when provided by patients, is severely lacking. I am therefore interested in research that aims to determine how to obtain acccurate patient-reported adherence information in order to reliably inform causal analyses.
Research grants
Data Accelerator Project (System P & AMR-X)
NHS CHESHIRE AND MERSEYSIDE ICB (UK)
December 2023 - October 2027
Alignment, Harmonisation, and Results: translating Core Outcome Measures to Improve Care (COM-IC) for People Living with Dementia into Australian practice
NATIONAL HEALTH AND MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL (AUSTRALIA)
June 2021 - November 2024
A definitive multi-centre randomised controlled trial and economic evaluation of a community-based rehabilitation package following hip fracture (FEMUR III)
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE (UK)
August 2018 - May 2024
A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2 evaluation of the efficacy and mechanism of trientine in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy TEMPEST
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE (UK)
January 2020 - December 2024
Cardiac rehabilitation for people with chronic stable angina: a randomised controlled trial. Angina Controlled Trial Investigating the Value of the "Activate your heart" Therapeutic E-intervention (ACTIVATE)
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE (UK)
August 2021 - July 2024
Evaluation of digital health interventions: workshop and “Issues to consider” document
MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL
August 2019 - December 2019
DECIDE study: Dapagliflozin Pragmatic Randomized Trial
MEDICINES & HEALTHCARE REGULATORY AGENCY (MHRA) (UK)
April 2018 - October 2024
NIHR Clinician Scientist Award: Prediction and prevention of adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with chronic vascular disease
UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER (UK)
February 2014 - March 2019
PIROUETTE A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2 study of the efficacy and safety of PIRfenidOne in patients with heart failUre and preserved lEfT venTricular Ejection fraction
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE (UK)
February 2017 - February 2021
Hyperbaric Oxygen to Prevent Osteoradionecrosis of the Irradiated Mandible (HOPON)
CANCER RESEARCH UK (UK)
May 2008 - April 2011
UK CLL Trials Biobank
BLOODWISE (UK), LEUKAEMIA RESEARCH FUND
December 2008 - November 2018