Research
Improving trial design and conduct
Based on my extensive qualitative research, I have identified the challenges that trial recruiters encounter in communicating trials and developed strategies to help recruiters address these challenges and improve recruitment. I have conducted ~200 qualitative interviews with a range of stakeholders and collected ~175 audio-recorded patient-doctor trial consultations, generated rich datasets, and led/contributed to ~30 peer-reviewed articles. I have used findings to develop and deliver tailored communication training and resources to hundreds of health professionals in the UK, Europe and Australia. Evaluation of the training shows it is associated with improved trial recruitment rates, qualitative changes in trial consultation content, and improvements in health professional confidence. The findings have also informed improvements to patient-facing materials, such as information sheets.
Making trials more inclusive
I will begin an NIHR Advanced Fellowship in January 2026, which will focus on making clinical trials more inclusive by using behavioural science theory to improve communication (COMMCLUSIVE). Prior to this, I led two projects focused on making trials more inclusive: (1) CO-ACT; (2) The INCLUDE Socioeconomic Disadvantage Framework. CO-ACT is the first study to evaluate how recruiters verbally communicate about trials with patients from an underserved group compared to those who are more privileged. The findings identified ways to support recruiters in communicating with patients experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage and informed the basis of my NIHR Advanced Fellowship. I co-developed the INCLUDE Socioeconomic Disadvantage Framework (https://www.trialforge.org/trial-forge-centre/socioeconomic-disadvantage-framework/) with key stakeholders, including members of the public. The Framework supports researchers to make trials more inclusive.
Research grants
Vagus Nerve Stimulation for epilepsy in children and adults: Assessment of Longer term clinical and cost Effectiveness in a Randomised controlled Trial (VNS-ALERT) (VNS-ALERT)
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE (UK)
June 2025 - May 2032
CONservative TReatment of Appendicitis in Children – a randomised controlled Trial (CONTRACT2)
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE (UK)
October 2021 - April 2027
Making research more accessible to patients from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds by optimising trial communication
LIVERPOOL CLINICAL COMMISSIONING GROUP (UK)
March 2021 - September 2021
A critical appraisal of mobile apps to aid smoking cessation: Preliminary evaluation
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE (UK)
October 2016 - March 2017