Research
My research career began in acute myocardial infarction, culminating in an academic MD Degree from Newcastle University (2004–2007). My thesis at the James Cook University Hospital evaluated a re-organization of myocardial infarction service delivery, specifically the transition from thrombolysis-based care—including a rescue angioplasty service—to a primary PCI service. This project included final analysis of the MERLIN randomized trial, which demonstrated no late survival benefit for early invasive versus conservative treatment after failed fibrinolysis (Am Heart J. 2007). The research received grant support from the South Cleveland Heart Fund.
Further expertise in methodology and statistical analysis was gained through completion of the MSc Evidence Based Framework (Statistics module) at the University of Teesside. My scholarly output includes:
29 peer-reviewed journal publications (17 as first author), including the Lancet, BMJ, American Heart Journal, Catheter Cardiovascular Interventions, International Journal of Cardiology, and Heart. This includes 18 original articles (11 first author), 5 reviews (3 first author), and 3 case/image reports (2 first author).
39 abstract presentations at major conferences (24 first author): TCT, AHA, ACC, ESC, BCS.
I have authored a book chapter on adjunctive PCI technology in the second edition of “Essential Interventional Cardiology,” and contributed to the EACTS clinical guideline on antiplatelet and anticoagulation management in cardiac surgery (Eur J Cardiothorac Surg 2008).
A major national impact resulted from validating the NWQIP PCI risk assessment model (Heart 2008), which led to the first UK publication of individual PCI operator outcomes (BMJ 2008). This pioneering work now informs British Cardiovascular Intervention Society (BCIS) protocols for operator and hospital outcomes reporting.
I participate as a reviewer for leading cardiology journals—including Heart, IJC, JIC, Annals of Internal Medicine, and European Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery—reviewing over 60 manuscripts since 2007.
Research at Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital (LHCH) is ongoing, focusing on quality outcome analysis in PCI through regular formal evaluations and collaborative meetings.
Selected Publications
Chew PG et al, “A direct comparison of decision rules for early discharge ...” Eur Heart J Acute Cardiovasc Care (2018)
Shahzad A et al (HEAT-PPCI investigators), “Unfractionated heparin versus bivalirudin ...” Lancet (2014)
Kunadian B et al, “Impact of Evidence-Based Strategies to Reduce Door-to-Balloon Time ...” Heart (2010)
BMJ 2008: “Cumulative funnel plots for the early detection of inter-operator variation ...”
Multiple original and review articles in the Lancet, BMJ, Heart, and leading specialty journals.
Presentations & National Impact
Invited expert presentation at Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics (TCT) Conference, Washington, USA (2007).
Regular abstract presentations at BCS, ESC, AHA, ACC (2005–2008).
Led and contributed to national guideline and quality assurance development for PCI and cardiac surgery.
Research Interests:
Service reconfiguration in acute cardiac care
Quality improvement in PCI
Risk stratification and operator performance outcomes
Simulation and data-driven feedback to improve clinical care
Application and validation of statistical process control in clinical pathways
I remain committed to advancing patient care through rigorous investigation, publication, and sharing of best practices, mentoring clinical researchers, and supporting the translation of research findings into national service improvements.