Senior researcher in applied healthcare, with a background in applied and cognitive psychology.

My current role is Senior Research Fellow at PenARC (NIHR Applied Research Collaboration - South West Peninsula), and I am also part of the Community & Primary Care Research Group at the University of Plymouth.

I have both supported and led several research projects, predominantly within chronic pain, mental health, and older adult healthcare, with a focus on preventative healthcare, population health management, and health inequalities (particularly socio-economic inequality). I specialise in quantitative methods, statistical analyses, and using routinely collected data stored in electronic healthcare records in the evaluation of interventions and healthcare services.

I have an interest in the relationship between socio-economic inequality and the overprescribing of potentially dependence forming medication used to treat pain and mental health conditions (e.g. opioids and antidepressants). This includes how to support individuals to safely reduce unnecessary medication that may be causing harm. I am working within PenARC to develop a wider research programme on better/safer management of chronic pain and psychological distress, including potential roles for peer support, non-pharmaceutical interventions, and optimised person-centred approaches to prescribing that use shared decision making with patients. Some of this work is specifically focused on older adults. I am co-leading the NIHR-funded HOPE-AO project on chronic pain management in older adults.

Recent projects include: evaluating a primary care-based intervention for people with dementia and their carers (D-PACT); evaluating an intervention for offenders with common mental health problems (Engager); systematic review of multi-disciplinary occupational health interventions; evaluating Community Assessment & Treatment Units (CATUs) in Cornwall; evaluating community transformation within mental health services (ELFT); quality improvement analyses of comprehensive geriatric assessments with advanced care planning in Devon.

My published research from previous roles encompasses both applied and cognitive psychology. This includes research into problem gambling and video game loot boxes. I have also studied cognition from an experimental and theoretical perspective, covering associative learning, decision making and spatial navigation. These are all areas in which I maintain an active research interest.

Qualifications:

• PhD Psychology - University of Plymouth (2020)
• MSc Psychology - University of Nottingham (2015)

Further background information:

My methodological background is in quantitative research, statistical analyses, and modelling (both frequentist and Bayesian). However, I also have experience of mixed-methods and qualitative research, and experience of evidence synthesis, including literature reviewing. I have published two systematic reviews (one as lead author). I support the principles of open science. I have a good track record of successfully applying for research funding.

South West Pharmacy Research Network (SWPRN) steering committee member.