
Dr Nicola Mills
B.Sc.(Sus.), Ph.D.(Bristol), MSc (LSHTM)
Current positions
Senior Research Fellow
Bristol Medical School (PHS)
Contact
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Research interests
I have specialist expertise in the application of qualitative research methods within randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to improve recruitment and informed consent. In recent years I have used qualitative methods to understand the barriers to recruitment, building these findings into flexible training packages to support staff who recruit patients to RCTs. I also use a range of qualitative methods more broadly to ascertain experiences and acceptability of healthcare interventions. I worked within the MRC ConDuCT and ConDuCT-II (COllaboration and iNnovation in DifficUlt or complex randomised Controlled Trials In Invasive procedures) Hubs for 10 years to develop methodological research in trial recruitment. I have been an active member of the University of Bristol Qualitative research integrated within Trials (QuinteT) team since its inception, developing research and training activities to improve the design and conduct of RCTs. I am the RCT recruitment training lead for the QuinteT group; co-lead for the Bristol Medical School short course - 'Optimising recruitment to Randomised Controlled Trials' and a former Associate Editor for Trials journal.
Projects and supervisions
Research projects
Advancing training for health professionals and trialist to optimise RCT recruitment and informed consent
Principal Investigator
Managing organisational unit
Bristol Medical School (PHS)Dates
01/09/2018 to 30/06/2019
Thesis supervisions
Publications
Recent publications
01/01/2025Clinical and patient-reported outcomes in women offered oncoplastic breast conserving surgery as an alternative to mastectomy
British Journal of Surgery
Patient-reported outcomes 3 and 18 months after mastectomy and immediate prepectoral implant-based breast reconstruction in the UK Pre-BRA prospective multicentre cohort study
BJS
Comparison of cognitive behaviour therapy versus activity management, both delivered remotely, to treat paediatric chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis
Health Technology Assessment
Extended pleurectomy decortication and chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone for pleural mesothelioma (MARS 2): a phase 3 randomised controlled trial
Lancet Respiratory Medicine
Graded exercise therapy compared to activity management for paediatric chronic fatigue syndrome / myalgic encephalomyelitis
European Journal of Pediatrics
Thesis
Evaluation of a primary care epilepsy specialist nurse service
Supervisors
Award date
01/01/2000