Dr Kirsty McCormack

Biography

I am a Lecturer in Clinical Trials 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.

I joined the unit in 1997 after graduating in Chemistry at the University of Edinburgh. I have an MSc Health Services and Public Health Research and a PhD in Health Services Research. I have developed expertise in the design and conduct of randomised controlled trials and systematic reviews of effectiveness.

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

• ColoCap: determining the diagnostic accuracy of colon capsule endoscopy compared to standard colonoscopy in patients at risk of colorectal disease. Awarded by the NIHR HTA Programme (NIHR158034). Start date: April 2024. Value ££3,066,964.
• 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

I am the Course Co-ordinator for two University of Aberdeen courses -  Designing Real-World Trials PU5068 (on-campus) and Designing Real-World Trials PU5038 (fully online). These courses form part of the Masters in Public Health and Nutrition programmes. I also contribute to Fundamentals of Research Design (PU5527) and the Masters Research Project (PU5922).

I supervise Masters students across the MPH and other in-person and online Masters courses. 

I am an External Examiner for the MSc Clinical Trials programme at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.