Dr Avril Nicoll

Biography

I joined HSRU on 1st March 2020 as a Research Fellow on the VOICES study, which aims to improve healthcare for people with systemic vasculitis. We are using qualitative methods to understand how patient and staff experience of care varies. I am a qualitative social science researcher curious about how patients and staff together bring about practice change. This interest comes from my clinical background in speech and language therapy, 14 years as publisher and editor of Speech & Language Therapy in Practice magazine, and extensive experience as a user representative in maternity services. I also have a personal interest in care for people with rare autoimmune disease.

Prizes and Awards

Fellowship of the Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists (2011)

Research Overview

Qualitative inquiry; the work involved in practice change / implementation; intervention description; patient and staff experience of care

Current Research

I am working with Professor Louise Locock and patient partners on the qualitative aspect of a Versus Arthritis study led by Dr Rosemary Hollick. My role in VOICES (Vasculitis Outcomes In relation to Care ExperienceS) includes carrying out interviews for Healthtalk.org with people who have systemic vasculitis, a group of rare autoimmune diseases. I am also contributing to organisational case studies, using qualitative methods to understand variation in care. 

I completed my PhD on practice change in speech and language therapy in 2018. My previous research contracts have covered a variety of topics and methods. Most recently I was a researcher on the PD COMM trial of speech and language therapy interventions for people with Parkinson's, where my role included using case notes to describe the trial interventions.

Past Research

Researcher, PD COMM trial, Glasgow Caledonian University

Research Fellow, 'Frameworks to maximise effective intervention sustainability on the ward - a systematic review', University of Stirling

Research Assistant, 'Challenges and opportunities for career progression of staff employed by the University of Stirling undertaking part-time research doctorates', University of Stirling

Research Assistant, 'Improving quality of life and swallowing function in patients with head and neck cancer. Development and feasibility of a Swallowing Intervention Package (SiP)', University of Stirling

Research Assistant, IPEC (Improving Patient Experience of Care) study, University of Dundee

Research Assistant, Process Evaluation of Alcohol Brief Interventions in Wider Settings, University of Stirling