Health Data Science

Protecting and improving health through advanced statistical techniques and clinical trials methods.

The increasingly large amount of healthcare data currently collected opens the door to exciting challenges and opportunities. The application of complex statistical approaches can be used to optimise the information available, with the primary goal of improving healthcare delivery processes and interventions in our community and beyond. We focus on the development and application of statistical techniques and clinical trials methodology to address a variety of healthcare problems.

Our challenges

Clinical trials methodology

Better care requires quality research. We accelerate the development of new methods for designing, conducting, and analyzing clinical trials, especially in challenging areas.
Evidence synthesis

Health decisions need strong evidence. We create and apply evidence synthesis methods to help healthcare professionals deliver safe, effective care.
Health informatics

Electronic health data is vital for future research. We develop methodologies to enhance health outcome measurement in trials, registries, and electronic health records.
Statistical modelling

Reliable health outcomes need solid statistics. Our research groups focus on multivariate data modeling, genetic analysis, prognostic modeling, and causal analysis.

Research centres

Liverpool Clinical Trials Centre (LCTC)

The LCTC is a leading UK clinical trials unit and research group which works with the NHS and commercial partners, patients and the public to contribute to the identification and evaluation of new and innovative treatments and devices.

Liverpool Reviews and Implementation Group (LRiG)

Specialising in systematic review methodologies, LRiG's expert team produces high-quality, policy relevant research on behalf of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and others to facilitate evidence-based decision making in healthcare.

chemistry

Research groups

Clinical Trials Methodology

Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials (COMET) Initiative

Evidence Synthesis and Health Technology Assessment

Statistical Genetics and Pharmacogenomics

Joint longitudinal and event history modelling

Multivariate data modelling group

Bayesian Methods Research Group

Prognostic modelling

Causal Analysis Research Group

Study with us

Courses and workshops

A wide selection of courses and workshops are delivered by the Department of Health Data Science. From day workshops to 3 day events or longer, these will introduce delegates to the fundamentals of Health Data Science covering topics such as identifying issues in the design of projects, various types of analysis, and how to use R software.
MSc in Health Data Science

Offering specialist training for current and aspiring health data scientists, this MSc combines research-focused teaching, training and development in an emerging discipline. The MSc in Health Data Science is supported by Health Data Research UK – the national institute for health data science.

Case studies

Informing clinical policy on epilepsy treatment

We have informed practice and policy worldwide in the management of patients presenting with newly diagnosed epilepsy, which has achieved international impact on health. Seizures are common and 3-5% of the population will be given a diagnosis of epilepsy during their lifetime. Decisions about when to start treatment, and if so with which drug are crucial and can have a significant effect on outcomes for the individual and have significant economic consequences for society. The research includes the undertaking and analysis of data from randomised controlled trials. The research identified the most appropriate first line treatments for patients with newly diagnosed epilepsy, addressing both clinical and cost effectiveness. This work has underpinned national policy and triggered the most recent update of the NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) epilepsy guidelines in 2012.

HLA alleles as genetic predictors for drug-induced hypersensitivity reactions

We have had health impact on immune-mediated drug hypersensitivity reactions, which can be severe and life-threatening. It has shown that predisposition to hypersensitivity reactions caused by abacavir, nevirapine, carbamazepine and flucloxacillin is due to specific HLA genes on chromosome 6. This has led to changes in the drug label and guidelines for abacavir, increased HLA-B*57:01 gene testing in the NHS through a University spin-out company, and a reduction in the incidence of hypersensitivity from 7% to less than 1%. The more recent demonstration of HLA-A*31:01 and predisposition to carbamazepine hypersensitivity, has led to drug label changes for carbamazepine.

Treatment outcomes in epilepsy

We have undertaken a programme of work assessing treatment outcomes associated with antiepileptic drug treatment in patients with epilepsy. This includes two large pragmatic trials in patients with first seizures and newly diagnosed epilepsy, and cohort studies assessing malformations and cognitive development in children exposed to antiepileptic drugs in utero, and the work of the Cochrane Epilepsy Group. This work has influenced prescribing in the UK and worldwide. In particular, it triggered NICE guidelines update (2012), underpins guidance on management of first seizures, new epilepsy, women with epilepsy, led to changes to drug labelling (SPC) for sodium valproate (2011), informed guidance in other countries (e.g. German guidelines, International League Against Epilepsy Guidelines; US Medicine guidelines), and underpins UK and EU policy on driving following first seizures and antiepileptic drug withdrawal.

Key Staff

Professor Marta Garcia Finana

Head of Department

Professor Catrin Tudur Smith

Research and Impact Lead

Dr Susanna Dodd

Education Lead

Dr Angela Boland

Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing Lead.

Dr Anna Auer-Fowler

Events and Forum Lead

Dr Laura Bonnett

Communication and Engagement Lead

Dr Girvan Burnside

PGR lead

Watch on YouTube: Drs Angela Boland, Ruaraidh Hill and Michelle Maden – Doing a systematic review: top tips

Drs Angela Boland, Ruaraidh Hill and Michelle Maden – Doing a systematic review: top tips

Systematic reviews bring existing evidence together in a structured way to inform policy, practice questions or research methods. Here, Drs Angela Boland, Ruaraidh Hill and Michelle Maden showcase our successful book ‘Doing a systematic review: a student’s guide’ and share their top tips.

Accreditations and partnerships

The Cochrane Collaboration