A5046181884- Cardiac Health and Mental Health
- Physical Activity and Health
- Primary Care and Health Outcomes
- Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet
- Health Systems, Economic Evaluations, Quality of Life
- Health Promotion and Cardiovascular Prevention
- Nutritional Studies and Diet
- Pharmaceutical Practices and Patient Outcomes
- Stroke Rehabilitation and Recovery
- Health disparities and outcomes
- Health and Lifestyle Studies
- Chronic Disease Management Strategies
- Healthcare Policy and Management
- Health Policy Implementation Science
- Diet and metabolism studies
- Behavioral Health and Interventions
- Mobile Health and mHealth Applications
- Cardiovascular Health and Risk Factors
- Health, psychology, and well-being
- Obesity and Health Practices
- Food Security and Health in Diverse Populations
- Acute Ischemic Stroke Management
- Child and Adolescent Health
- Musculoskeletal pain and rehabilitation
- Acute Myocardial Infarction Research
Queen's University Belfast
2015-2024
University of Ulster
1997-2021
United Kingdom Clinical Research Collaboration
2011-2021
Royal Victoria Hospital
2012-2021
Trials Methodology Research Network
2017-2019
Ollscoil na Gaillimhe – University of Galway
2009-2019
Victoria Hospital
2015
Queens University
2004-2012
Institute of Public Health
2007
Queen's University
2001-2007
Despite major improvements in diagnostics and interventional therapies, cardiovascular diseases remain a health care socio-economic burden both western developing countries, which this is increasing close correlation to economic growth. Health authorities the general population have started recognize that fight against these can only be won if their faced by our investment on interventions lifestyle changes prevention. There an overwhelming evidence of efficacy secondary prevention...
Feasible, cost-effective instruments are required for the surveillance of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) to assess effects interventions. However, evidence base validity reliability World Health Organisation-endorsed Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) is limited. We aimed GPAQ, compared accelerometer data in measuring assessing change MVPA SB. Participants (n = 101) were selected randomly from an on-going research study, stratified by...
Frailty is a geriatric syndrome characterised by vulnerability status associated with declining function of multiple physiological systems and loss reserves. Two main models frailty have been advanced: the phenotypic model (primary frailty) or deficits accumulation (secondary frailty), different instruments proposed validated to measure frailty. However measured, correlates medical outcomes in elderly, has shown prognostic value for patients clinical settings, such as coronary artery...
<h3>Abstract</h3> <b>Objective</b>: To assess the value of health education for patients with angina in reducing risk factors cardiovascular disease and lessening effect on everyday activities. <b>Design</b>: Randomised controlled trial personal given every four months. <b>Setting</b>: 18 general practices greater Belfast area. <b>Subjects</b>: 688 aged less than 75 years known to have had at least six months; 342 randomised receive 346 no education. <b>Main outcome measures</b>: Restriction...
BackgroundPeptic ulcers in patients receiving aspirin are associated with Helicobacter pylori infection. We aimed to investigate whether H eradication would protect against aspirin-associated ulcer bleeding.MethodsWe conducted a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (Helicobacter Eradication Aspirin Trial [HEAT]) at 1208 primary care centres the UK, using routinely collected clinical data. Eligible were aged 60 years or older who daily dose of 325 mg less (with four more 28-day...
First contact physiotherapy practitioners (FCPPs) are embedded within general practice, providing expert assessment, diagnosis, and management plans for patients with musculoskeletal disorders (MSKDs), without the prior need GP consultation. To determine clinical effectiveness costs of FCPP models compared GP-led care. Multiple site case-study design practices in UK. General practice sites were recruited representing following three models: 1) care; 2) FCPPs who could not prescribe or inject...
<h3>Abstract</h3> <b>Objective:</b> To explore general practitioners9 perceptions of the effects their profession and training on attitudes to illness in themselves colleagues. <b>Design:</b> Qualitative study using focus groups indepth interviews. <b>Setting:</b> Primary care Northern Ireland. <b>Participants:</b> 27 practitioners, including six recently appointed principals who also practised occupational medicine part time. <b>Main outcome measures:</b> Participants9 views about own...
This paper is a report of study to describe how treatment fidelity being enhanced and monitored, using model from the National Institutes Health Behavior Change Consortium.The objective minimize errors in interpreting research trial outcomes, ascribe those outcomes directly intervention at hand. Treatment procedures are included trials complex interventions account for inferences made outcomes. Monitoring can help improve design, maximize reliability results, increase statistical power,...
<b>Objective</b> To test the effectiveness of a complex intervention designed, within theoretical framework, to improve outcomes for patients with coronary heart disease. <b>Design</b> Cluster randomised controlled multicentre trial. <b>Setting</b> General practices in Northern Ireland and Republic Ireland, regions different healthcare systems. <b>Participants</b> 903 established disease registered one 48 practices. <b>Intervention</b> Tailored care plans (practice based training prescribing...
Workplace sedentary behaviour is a priority target for health promotion. However, little known about how to effect change. We aimed explore desk-based office workers' perceptions of factors that influenced at work and the feasibility using novel mobile phone application track their behaviours. invited employees (n = 12) managers 2) in software engineering company participate semi-structured interviews perceived barriers facilitators affecting workplace behaviour. assessed participants'...
Visual impairment (VI) is rising in prevalence and contributing to increasing morbidity, particularly among older people. Understanding patients' problems fundamental achieving optimal health outcomes but little known about how VI impacts on self-management of medication.To compare issues relating medication between people with without VI.Case-control study participants aged ≥65 years, prescribed at least two long-term oral medications daily, living within the community.The recruited 156...
Abstract Background Strong evidence links the consumption of a Mediterranean diet (MD) with reduced cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk; however, there is uncertainty as to whether non‐Mediterranean regions will adopt this diet. The present qualitative research aimed investigate attitudes towards MD in individuals at high CVD risk Northern European population. This information needed inform development interventions high‐risk populations. Methods Focus groups ( n = 12) were held from Europe...
Background Levels of physical activity decline with age. Some the most disadvantaged individuals in society, such as those a lower rather than higher socioeconomic position, are also inactive. Peer-led interventions may offer model to increase these older adults and thus help reduce associated health inequalities. This study aims develop test feasibility peer-led, multicomponent intervention socioeconomically community-dwelling adults. Objectives The aimed peer-led through rapid review...
To determine, using unsupervised walking programmes, the effects of exercise at a level lower than currently recommended to improve cardiovascular risk factors and functional capacity.12 week randomised controlled trial.Northern Ireland Civil Service; home-based walking.106 healthy, sedentary 40 61 year old adults both sexes.Participants were randomly allocated programme (30 minutes brisk three days (n = 44) or five 42)) control group 20). Participants could choose walk in bouts least 10...
The effectiveness of lifestyle interventions within secondary prevention coronary heart disease (CHD) remains unclear. This systematic review aimed to determine their and included randomized controlled trials interventions, in primary care or community settings, with a minimum follow-up three months, published since 1990. 21 10,799 patients were included; the multifactorial (10), educational (4), psychological (3), dietary (1), organisational (2), exercise (1). overall results for modifiable...
Abstract Background Recruitment and retention of patients healthcare providers in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) is important order to determine the effectiveness interventions. However, failure achieve recruitment targets common reasons why a particular strategy works for one study not another remain unclear. We sought describe used multicentre RCT primary care, report researchers' participants' experiences its implementation inform future strategies maximise retention. Methods In...
Insufficient physical activity (PA) levels which increase the risk of chronic disease are reported by almost two-thirds population. More evidence is needed about how PA promotion can be effectively implemented in general practice (GP), particularly socio-economically disadvantaged communities. One tool recommended for assessment GP and supported NICE (National Institute Health Care Excellence) The General Practice Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPPAQ) but details it may used its...