Dr Gemma Cherry BSc, PhD, DClinPsychol, FHEA

Research Overview

I have over 15 years' experience of health services research, and hold particular expertise in evidence synthesis (qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods systematic reviews and meta-analyses), qualitative and quantitative methodology. I conduct basic and translational psychological research which has three broad foci:

i) Decision-making and clinical communication

This theme includes research exploring decision-making, including how and why patients make ethically-challenging decisions and decisions about controversial health technologies. It also encompasses research designed to understand how patients make decisions about treatment options or participation in clinical trials, and therefore how communication can be enhanced to optimise patient experience. I am currently leading two NIHR-funded nested qualitative studies within trials looking at the feasibility of tailored exercise programmes for patients with head and neck cancer (the ACTIOHN study) and the effectiveness of treatments for severe stable slip (the paediatric orthopaedic BIG BOSS study - co-lead).

ii) Development and evaluation of trans-diagnostic psychological interventions for patients with chronic physical health conditions

This programme of research investigates the ‘fit’ of a transdiagnostic models of psychopathology to understanding emotional distress experienced by patients with physical health conditions, including cancer, chronic pain, epilepsy and diabetes. Current projects include a national Intensive Care Society Young Investigator funded study examining predictors of depression, anxiety and trauma symptoms in adult survivors of an intensive care admission due to COVID-19.

iii) Evidence synthesis within health and social care
I have published over 30 evidence syntheses within physical and mental healthcare, including Cochrane reviews, Health Technology Assessments, individual patient data meta-analyses, realist syntheses and reviews of both qualitative and quantitative evidence. I now provide methodological and topic-specific expertise and leadership to multiple evidence syntheses, with a particular focus on identifying risk factors for distress and related psychological outcomes within physical health conditions.

I would be keen to hear from PhD students who wish to pursue a PhD within these areas.