Research Overview

Trial methodology & trial management

Current Research

I work on the BICS trial - a multicentre trial investigating the effectiveness of the beta-blocker bisoprolol in preventing exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

I am the senior trial manager on RAACENO, ALLEGRO, CATHETER II, REGAL, DIAMOND and Game of Stones, and have previously been the senior trial manager on EMPOWER and ELECTRIC (both now completed).   I am also involved in the SCOTCAP evaluation project.  I am interested in methodological research that can be carried out alongside existing trials, including the provision of information to potential participants and strategies to increase response rates.

Past Research

Since joining HSRU I have worked on a number of trials that have now been completed. 

TWICS  - a multicentre trial investigating the effectiveness of low dose oral theophylline as an adjunct to inhaled corticosteroids in preventing exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

CLASS - a multicentre trial comparing foam sclerotherapy and endovenous laser ablation with conventional surgery in patients with varicose veins;

NIAMI - a phase II multicentre trial investigating whether an intravenous injection of sodium nitrite given immediately before the infarct related artery is opened reduces ischaemia reperfusion injury in patients with myocardial infarction;

FOCCUS - a pragmatic multi-centred randomised controlled trial of surgical HDU care versus HDU care delivered in an ICU and pre-operative fluid loading in high-risk patients undergoing major elective surgery

REFLUX - a multi-centre randomised trial comparing a policy of relatively early laparoscopic surgery with a continued best medical management policy for people with more severe gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

The Cysteamine in CF study - a single-centre, single group open label study of oral cysteamine in patients with Cystic Fibrosis.