A5088754559- Clostridium difficile and Clostridium perfringens research
- Health Policy Implementation Science
- Hidradenitis Suppurativa and Treatments
- Health, psychology, and well-being
- Gut microbiota and health
- Community Health and Development
- Colorectal and Anal Carcinomas
- Antibiotic Use and Resistance
- Probiotics and Fermented Foods
- Gestational Diabetes Research and Management
- Bariatric Surgery and Outcomes
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Research
- Emergency and Acute Care Studies
- Ethics in Clinical Research
- Microscopic Colitis
- Public Health Policies and Education
- Geriatric Care and Nursing Homes
- Gastrointestinal motility and disorders
- Anorectal Disease Treatments and Outcomes
- Obesity and Health Practices
- Focus Groups and Qualitative Methods
- Nosocomial Infections in ICU
- Economic and Financial Impacts of Cancer
- Social and Behavioral Studies
- Evacuation and Crowd Dynamics
NHS Forth Valley
2025
Cardiff University
2015-2024
University of Oxford
2020
University of Derby
2020
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a long-term skin condition where evidence for management after first line treatment fails limited, and practice varies across the UK. Both medical surgical options are potential avenues treatment. Furthermore, patient perspectives on HS treatments have received little attention in research to date. To explore patients' views experiences of inform clinical care. A nested qualitative study within prospective cohort study. Interviews with 35 participants were...
Background Most patients presenting with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) in primary care are prescribed antibiotics, but these may not be beneficial, and they can cause side effects increase the risk subsequent resistant infections. Point-of-care tests (POCTs) could safely reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescribing antimicrobial resistance. Objective To determine whether or use a C-reactive protein (CRP) POCT to guide decisions for AECOPD reduces...
Probiotics are frequently used by residents in care homes (residential or nursing that provide with 24-hour support for personal care), although the evidence on whether probiotics prevent infections and reduce antibiotic use these settings is limited.To determine a daily oral probiotic combination of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG Bifidobacterium animalis subsp lactis BB-12 compared placebo reduces administration home residents.Placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial 310 residents, aged 65...
the risk factors for and frequency of antibiotic prescription antibiotic-associated diarrhoea (AAD) among care home residents are unknown.to prospectively study risks prescribing AAD residents.a 12-month prospective cohort in homes across South Wales.antibiotic prescriptions development were recorded on case report forms. We defined as three or more loose stools a 24-h period occurring within 8 weeks exposure to an antibiotic.we recruited 279 from 10 homes. The incidence was 2.16 per...
Pandemics of new and emerging infectious diseases are unpredictable, recurrent events that rapidly threaten global health security. We aimed to identify public views regarding provision information consent participate in primary critical care clinical research during a future influenza-like illness pandemic.Descriptive-interpretive qualitative study, using focus groups (n = 10) semi-structured interviews 16), with 80 members the (>18 years) Belgium, Spain, Poland UK. Local researchers...
Background Antibiotic prescribing rates in care homes are higher than the general population. Antibiotics disrupt normal gut flora, sometimes causing antibiotic-associated diarrhoea (AAD). Clostridium difficile (Hall and O’Toole 1935) Prévot 1938 is most commonly identified cause of AAD. Little known either about frequency or type antibiotics prescribed incidence aetiology AAD this setting. Objectives The Probiotics for Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhoea (PAAD) study was designed as a two-stage...
Many women in the UK stop breastfeeding before they would like to, and earlier than is recommended by World Health Organization (WHO). Given potential health benefits for mother baby, new ways of supporting to breastfeed longer are required. The purpose this study was develop characterise a novel Motivational Interviewing (MI) informed peer-support intervention. Qualitative interviews with professionals service providers (n = 14), focus groups mothers fathers 3), peer-supporters 15) were...
Abstract Background The evidence-base for whole school approaches aimed at improving student mental health and wellbeing remains limited. This may be due to a focus on developing evaluating de-novo, research-led interventions, while neglecting the potential of local, contextually-relevant innovation that has demonstrated acceptability feasibility. study reports novel approach modelling refining programme theory whole-school restorative approach, alongside plans scale up through national...
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, painful disease affecting flexures and other skin regions, producing nodules, abscesses tunnels. Laser treatment targeting hair follicles deroofing of tunnels are standard HS interventions in some countries but rarely offered the UK.
Introduction Care home residents are at increased risk of infections and antibiotic prescription. Reduced use from fewer would improve quality life. The P robiotics to R educe I nfections i N C ar E re S ident (PRINCESS) trial aims determine the efficacy investigate mechanisms daily probiotics on incidence in care residents. Methods analysis PRINCESS is a double-blind, individually randomised, placebo-controlled that will assess effect oral probiotic combination Lactobacillus rhamnosus, GG...
Abstract Objective To assess whether a weight management intervention for pregnant women with obesity was effective in reducing body mass index (BMI) 12 months after giving birth. Methods Pragmatic, cluster randomised controlled trial (RCT) embedded cost-effectiveness analysis. 598 BMI of ≥30 kg/m 2 (between and 20 weeks gestation) were recruited from secondary care maternity units England Wales. at postpartum the primary outcome. A range clinical behavioural outcomes examined. Interventions...
There is a need for high-quality research to support the management of hidradenitis suppurativa. This letter offers suggestions priority topics derived from stakeholder consensus meeting. Investigation laser hair removal treatment, potentially in combination with medical was recognized as an important focus future suppurativa research.
Background Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterised by recurrent lesions and tunnels in flexural sites such as the axilla. Deroofing of laser treatment are standard hidradenitis interventions some countries but not yet introduced United Kingdom. Objective To understand current management pathways what influences choices to inform design future randomised controlled trials. Design Prospective 12-month observational cohort study, including five options,...
Background Antibiotics are prescribed to >70% of patients presenting in primary care with an acute exacerbation chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). The PACE randomised controlled trial found that a C-reactive protein point-of-care test (CRP-POCT) management strategy for AECOPD resulted 20% reduction patient-reported antibiotic consumption over 4 weeks. Aim To understand perceptions the value CRP-POCT guiding prescribing AECOPD; explore possible mechanisms, mediators, and...
Background C-reactive protein (CRP) point-of-care testing can reduce antibiotic use in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) primary care, without compromising patient care. Further safe reductions may be possible. Aim To investigate the associations between presenting features and prescribing AECOPD Design setting Secondary analysis a randomised controlled trial participants care (the PACE trial). Method Clinicians collected participants’...
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, painful, inflammatory skin disease with estimates of prevalence in the European population 1%-2%. Despite being relatively common condition, evidence base for management HS limited. and North American guidelines rely on consensus many aspects treatment within UK variations have been identified. The James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Partnership (PSP) published top 10 list future research priorities including both medical surgical interventions....
Treatment of Hidradenitis Suppurativa Evaluation Study (THESEUS) was an observational study involving 10 centres in the UK and one its objectives to optimize outcome measure instruments for use future hidradenitis suppurativa trials. Part included sending daily text messages patients 12 weeks once intervention had been started. Our showed that response rates were 70%, 60%, 55% 20% after 2, 4, 8 weeks, respectively.
Background: It has been demonstrated that antibiotic prescribing for Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (AECOPD) can be safely reduced in primary care when general practitioners have access to C-reactive protein (CRP) rapid testing. Aim: To investigate the factors associated with post-consultation COPD health status patients presenting AECOPD this setting. Design and Setting: A cohort study enrolled a randomised controlled trial. Patients aged 40+ years clinical...
Background Violence in and around premises licensed for the on-site sale consumption of alcohol continues to burden NHS with assault-related injuries. Trial design A randomised controlled trial as unit allocation, additional process cost-effectiveness evaluations. Methods Premises were eligible ( n = 837) if they alcohol, within 1 22 local authorities (LAs) Wales had previously experienced violence. Data analysed using Andersen–Gill recurrent event models an intention-to-treat analysis. An...
Background Care homes are an increasingly important sector of care. home residents particularly vulnerable to infections and often prescribed antibiotics, driving antibiotic resistance. Probiotics may be a cheap safe way reduce use. Efficacy possible mechanisms action yet rigorously evaluated in this group. Objective The objective was evaluate efficacy explore daily oral probiotic combination reducing use care residents. Design This multicentre, parallel, individually randomised,...
Abstract Background: The evidence-base for whole school approaches aimed at improving student mental health and wellbeing remains limited. This may be due to a focus on developing evaluating de-novo, research led interventions, while neglecting the potential of local, contextually-relevant innovation that has demonstrated acceptability feasibility. study reports novel approach modelling refining theory whole-school restorative approach, alongside plans scale up through national educational...
Rapid diagnostic centres (RDCs) are being implemented across the UK to accelerate assessment of vague suspected cancer symptoms. Targeted behavioural interventions needed augment RDCs that serve socioeconomically deprived populations who disproportionately affected by cancer, have lower symptom awareness and less likely seek help for The aim this study is assess feasibility acceptability delivering evaluating a community-based intervention in an area high socioeconomic deprivation....