I am a medical anthropologist by background. I have expertise in qualitative and ethnographic approaches. I do applied research which seeks to improve health and social care services for the people needing them.  This research approach often cuts across the boundaries of ‘primary’ and ‘secondary’ health and social care and involves working closely with patients, clinicians, practitioners and third sector partners.  Applied work also necessitates using multiple methods in complementary ways, for example, qualitative methods in a process evaluation as part of a trial.  Depending on the problem that needs addressing, a study may require a randomised controlled trial design, critical discourse analysis, a co-production approach or, an understanding and use of knowledge mobilisation. 

Key topic areas are: improvements in cardiovascular health care; improving services to for people experiencing mental health problems; tackling the problem of domestic violence and abuse, the use of complementary and alternative medicines, and gender differences in health care.

Current projects

Domestic violence and abuse research

I am currently working on the REPROVIDE study (work stream II) testing the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of a group program for men who wish to change their abusive behaviour. A related study is looking closely at the REPROVIDE pilot data and the change processes involved in domestic abuse programs. 

I am also currently involved in a co-produced peer advocacy project to improve access to primary healthcare for women with complex needs (Bridging Gaps project). 

Previous projects

Primary/front-line care related projects: a feasibility study of an intervention for frequent attenders in primary care (Footprints); an ethnographic study examining advice giving about complementary and alternative medicines over-the-counter in pharmacies and health shops.

Primary – secondary care interface projects: opportunities for reducing unplanned admissions for patients with heart failure (Holdfast); a qualitative review of case management for patients with chronic heart failure; an ethnographic study of frail, older patients’ health care journeys in Emergency Multidisciplinary Units.

Cardiovascular projects in secondary care: an ethnographic study of NSTEMI heart attack care (ViCC); a pilot study in chest pain clinics to support to improve clinical decision-making for angina (OMA).

Mental health related projects: a pilot study of group cognitive behavioural therapy for women with mild to moderate depression (Back on Track); a project looking at whether depressed men would find group support acceptable.

Young people’s wellbeing: a qualitative study looking at the impact of incontinence on young people (ROCCA); a focus group study on adolescent body image; a survey of short breaks (respite care) for disabled children. 

Knowledge mobilisation: Researcher-in-Residence project at Bristol Clinical Commissioning Group (2014-2016) aiming to bring the worlds of health care commissioning and research closer together. 

Research methodology: an ethnography of decision-making in trial steering committees and trial management groups (QUANTOC).

PhD supervision

• The use of complementary and alternative therapies on British dairy farms. Kayleigh Crouch.  Current.
• Shared decision-making for cardiovascular conditions: How can shared decision-making for patients with hypertension and chronic heart failure be supported? Rachel Johnson.  Completed.
• A process evaluation of a patient-centred intervention in general practice to improve the management of multimorbidity. Cindy Mann. Completed.