Overview

I am a senior health care scientist, focusing on the use of applied evidence synthesis in research project development.

I advise and lead on projects concerning 

• Health services research at the primary health care and secondary health care interface.
• The health of older people with a focus on self-management and supportive care  
• Cancer care with a focus on self-management and supportive care.

 

Primary health care and secondary health care interface 

 

DIPP study:  a systematic review  of optic nerve imaging to distinguish papilloedema from pseudopailloedema. (UHB & Weston Above & Beyond funding Co-PI) 

PLANET study: non-urological causes of nocturia with the aim of improving referrals. (NIHR-RfPB, Co-applicant)

 

Health of older people 

Heart failure and fatigue : a systematic review and meta-analysis of self mangement approaches (SPCR Evidence synthesis working group, Co-PI) 

 

Cancer care

MAB study: pilot feasibility RCT of Mistletoe And Breast cancer.(Society for cancer research, Switzerland, Co-PI)

Women & Cancer: Supporting treatment adherance and survivorship (UoB Cancer fund, PI)

 

Background

I am a graduate the University of Bath and was awarded my PhD from the Institute of Child Health (UCL) in 1996.  I held previous appointments at the University of Leicester (1996-1999) and the University of Exeter (1999-2006).  I have contributed to several NICE guidance whilst working at the National Collaborating Centre for Women’s and children’s Health (2006-2009). I have also worked in health care consultancy.

 

Methodologies

Evidence synthesis 

I have extensive experience of systematic review and evidence synthesis methodology. I have a special interest in mixed methods synthesis reviews and has published an exemplar paper of synthesis of quantitative and qualitative data.

• Meta-analysis
• Thematic synthesis
• Mixed methods synthesis (sequential & integrated)
• Rapid reviews
• Overviews (umbrella reviews)

Patient involvement and health professional consultation

• Patient and public involvement (PPI) and health professional consultation has been a part of my stand alone and applied evidence synthesis projects since 2011. 

 

 

Teaching 

 

SC projects Year 2 and year 3 medical students 

 

Other research activities

Member of NIHR SPCR Evidence synthesis working group.

I run the Complementary and Integrative Medicine Group. This brings together people from within the Unversity of Bristol, the University of the West England and non-academic stakeholders.

 

Key words

 

Community health care 

Hospital admissions 

Supportive care for cancer

Complementary approches to health 

Systematic review and evidence synthesis methodology