RESEARCH THEMES
At present the major themes of Clare’s research are methods for undertaking test accuracy reviews, in particular ensuring contextual fit and effective dissemination of test accuracy information for decision makers. Other research interests that have developed as a result of her involvement in Health Technology Assessment, guideline development and research into diagnostic decision making include methods for systematic reviews of qualitative research, mixed methods research and systematic reviews of complex interventions.
- Systematic review methodology; in particular systematic reviews of test accuracy, systematic reviews of complex interventions, systematic reviews of qualitative research.
- Mixed methods synthesis
- Diagnostic decision making
RESEARCH ACTIVITY
Test accuracy systematic review methods
The main emphasis of Clare’s work over the last 8 years has been methods for undertaking and disseminating systematic reviews of test accuracy. This work has included:
-A review of existing test accuracy reviews to assess the degree to which existing systematic reviews contextualise test use when framing questions, undertaking narrative and quantitative synthesis and when reporting results.
-A review of empirical and qualitative research concerned with understanding and application of test accuracy information.
-Mapping the epidemiology of existing test accuracy reviews.
-Contribution to the revision of QUADAS – a quality assessment tool for test accuracy systematic reviews.
-Methods for quality assessment of comparative test accuracy primary research.
Systematic Review methodology and Health Technology Assessment
Since joining the University Clare has contributed 7 health technology assessments and two systematic reviews – all leading to publications in peer reviewed journals. This evidence synthesis activity reflects diverse topic areas including test accuracy, health impact assessment, pharmacological interventions, complex behavioural interventions, population level interventions and qualitative research, on the basis of successful grant applications to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, the Centre for Public Health Excellence, NETSCC HTA and WHO. The research activity reflects Clare’s particular interest in systematic reviews of complex interventions, methods for undertaking systematic reviews of qualitative research and mixed methods reviews.
Clare has also collaborated in research concerning the use of on-going trials in health technology assessment.
Evidence based decision making
As part of her doctoral research Clare has been investigating how test accuracy information is used in the clinical encounter and barriers and facilitators to the use of test accuracy information in its current presentation format. Clare is also collaborating on an NIHR Cochrane Engagement award investigating the accessibility of Cochrane Test Accuracy reviews to clinicians and policy makers. The aims of this research are to develop methods of test accuracy presentation that meet the needs of decision makers.
Clare also collaborated on a systematic review concerning the extent to which the results of health impact assessment were used to inform policy, barriers and facilitators to its use.