I am a Senior Research Associate in Qualitative Health Sciences with an interest in using qualitative reseach to enhance the design and conduct of Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs). I am a member of the QuinteT research group (Qualitative Research integrated within Trials), which specialises in supporting recruitment to challenging RCTs.  

http://www.bristol.ac.uk/population-health-sciences/research/groups/social-sciences-health/quintet/

I am particularly interested in surgical and cancer trials, having led research to optimise recruitment to the TROMBONE feasibiliy trial (Oligo-metastatic prostate cancer, PCF), POUT trial (Ureteric cancer, CRUK), CHEMORAD (Oesophageal cancer, NIHR RfPB), By-Band-Sleeve (Bariatric surgery, NIHR HTA), CSAW (Shoulder arthroscopy, Arthritis Research, UK) and NAIROS (Nasal Airways Obstruction Study, HTA), (Topic 2 Chronic Post-Thoracotomy Pain, NIHR HTA).   I am a co-app on several new funding bids. 

Other recent research interests include the impact of the recent economic recession on mental health and suicide, and public engagement in higher education.   

I have a PhD in social anthropology from the University of Sussex (ESRC-funded).  My doctoral thesis explored the marketisation of health services in the Malabar region of Northern Kerala.  I joined Bristol Medical School in 2009, as an MRC-ESRC post-doctoral fellow (2009-2011) to lay perceptions of Type 2 Diabetes, the condition known locally in Kerala as 'sugar.'  I have a sustained interest in public health and participatory approaches to health care systems' research in the UK and low and middle income countries.