My research takes an inter-disciplinary approach, integrating theoretical perspectives and methodological techniques from Health Economics, Sociology, and Social Policy. My main area of interest relates to priority setting in healthcare, and in particular the qualitative investigation of decision-making at the micro and meso level. My doctoral research comprised a ground-breaking investigation of the dominant consensus in academic and clinical literature that more systematic and explicit rationing was preferable, and exposed that despite a majority preference for explicit rationing, in practice it could be extremely distressing for both clinicians and patients (4 papers, 6 conference presentations). My NIHR postdoctoral fellowship focussed on extending this inquiry through conducting a longitudinal, mixed methods study which constituted the first attempt to observe the operation of consultation-level rationing in practice (6 papers, 8 conference presentations). I have also contribute to research relating to priority setting at the meso level, including the impact of policies relating to de-adoption and health optimisation. My most recent research focusses on the investigation of priority-setting in mental health and how these decision-making structures within the newly formed integrated care bodies use priority setting tools in decision-making.

I work closely with colleagues in the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) West and Bristol, North Somerset & South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group to ensure that there are clear pathways to impact throughout the research process, alongside managing Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) in all the studies I am responsible for.

I am an active graduate supervisor and am interested in research supervision relating to all aspects of priority setting / resource allocation in healthcare.