Dr Kirsty McCormack

Biography

I joined the unit in 1997 after graduating in Chemistry at the University of Edinburgh. Since joining the Unit, I have gained an MSc Health Services and Public Health Research and a PhD in Health Services Research. I have worked on a number of projects within the Health Care Assessment Programme and developed expertise in the design and conduct of randomised controlled trials and systematic reviews of effectiveness.

I am a Lecturer in Health Services Research and the Course Co-ordinator for the Postgraduate Course in Designing Real-World Trials. I am also the Research Manager for the Centre for Healthcare Randomised Trials (CHaRT), a fully registered UK Clinical Research Collaboration Clinical Trials Unit with an internationally recognised expertise in the design, conduct, analysis and reporting of multicentre trials.  

Research Overview

I am the Research Manager for the Centre for Healthcare Randomised Trials (CHaRT), a fully registered UK Clinical Research Collaboration Clinical Trials Unit with an internationally recognised expertise in the design, conduct, analysis and reporting of multicentre trials.  

Current Research

Centre for Healthcare Randomised Trials (CHaRT)

Past Research

• International network to promote the design and conduct of pragmatic trials (PRACTIHC)
• A randomised trial of different knee prostheses (KAT)
• Single Centre Appendectomy RCT: Laparoscopic vs Endoscopic Single-port Surgery (SCARLESS)
• Hysterectomy or Endometrial AbLation Trial for Heavy menstrual bleeding: A multicentre randomised controlled trial comparing laparoscopic supra-cervical hysterectomy with second generation endometrial ablation for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding (HEALTH)
• Improving intrapartum outcomes for mothers and babies in Scotland: a stepped-wedge RCT of an intrapartum emergencies training package in 15 Scottish maternity units (THISTLE)
• Male synthetic sling versus Artificial urinary Sphincter for men with urodynamic stress incontinence after prostate surgery: Evaluation by Randomised controlled trial (MASTER)
• Single-incision adjustable mini-slings versus standard tension-free mid-urethral slings in the management of stress urinary incontinence: a pragmatic multicentre non-inferiority randomised controlled-trial (SIMS)
• Use of low-dose oral theophylline as an adjunct to inhaled corticosteroids in preventing exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial (TWICS).

Funding and Grants

• Adjustable Anchored Single-Incision Mini-Slings Versus Standard Tension-Free Mid-Urethral Slings in the Surgical Management Of Female Stress Urinary Incontinence; A Pragmatic Multicentre Non–Inferiority Randomised Controlled Trial: The SIMS Trial. Awarded by the NIHR HTA Programme(12/127/157). Start date: December 2013. Value £1,456,252.
• A multicentre randomised controlled trial comparing laparoscopic supra-cervical hysterectomy with second generation endometrial ablation for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding (HEALTH). Awarded by the NIHR HTA Programme(12/35/23). Start date: January 2014. Value £1,307,643.
• Improving intrapartum outcomes for mothers and babies in Scotland: a stepped-wedge RCT of an intrapartum emergencies training package in 12 Scottish Maternity Units (THISTLE). Awarded by the CSO (CZG/2/498). Start date: August 2013. Value £200,045.
• Male synthetic sling versus Artificial urinary Sphincter Trial for men with urodynamic stress incontinence after prostate surgery: Evaluation by Randomised controlled trial (MASTER). Awarded by the NIHR HTA Programme (11/106/01). Start date: July 2013. Value £1,625,275.
• Single port laparoscopic surgery compared with standard 3 port laparoscopic surgery for appendicectomy. A pilot study for a randomised controlled trial: SCARLESS (Single Centre Appendicectomy RCT: Laparoscopic vs Endoscopic Single-port Surgery). Awarded by the CSO (CZG/2/498). Start date: January 2011. Value £50,000.
• Comparative study of new imaging technologies for the diagnosis of glaucoma. Awarded by the NIHR HTA (09/22/111). Start date: December 2010. Value £368,853.
• The effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of laparoscopic compared to open surgery for inguinal hernia repair. Commissioned by the National Institute of Clinical Effectiveness, July 2000. Value £8,000.

Teaching Responsibilities

Course Co-ordinator

Course Co-ordinator for the postgraduate course PU5038 Designing Real-World Trials.  

Teaching Responsibilities

Current:

• PU5527 Fundamentals of Research Design module: What is Research; Formulating a Research Question; and Developing a Protocol.
• ME4805 Student Selected Component III, Population based disease.

Previous:

• PU5003 Health Services Research: Protocol Development and Critical Appraisal of a Protocol, 2000-2015 (Discontinued).
• PU5003 Health Services Research (Discontinued): Course Co-ordinator, 2000-01.
• Intercalated BSc (Hons) degree in Medical Science: Writing a Protocol.