Dr Ruth Riley BSc, MSc, PhD

• PhD Medical Sociology. University of Bath.
• MSc Health Promotion. Queen Margaret University Edinburgh.
• BSc (Hons) Psychology. University of Sussex.

Ruth's PhD employed a mixed-method approach to understand the ways in which GPs, nurses and pharmacists manage patients' emotional cues and concerns in healthcare encounters.

Previously, she has worked on a range of research and evaluation projects within the health and social sectors. Examples of the type of research Ruth has undertaken to date, include:  comparing the communication styles of different healthcare professionals working in primary care; undertaking a qualitative synthesis of lay perspectives of taking prescribed psychotropic medication; managing and conducting a process and outcome evaluation into the closure of a rehabilitation unit for individuals with complex needs; exploring meanings of health and access to health promotion activities in individuals with severe mental illness; exploring meanings of health and access to health promotion services in young, homeless people; and identifying homeless women’s experiences of verbal, physical and sexual violence.

• Qualitative Methods on Population and Health Sciences and Humanities (PoSH)
• Medicine and Surgery MBChB
• Bachelor of Medical Science, Population Sciences and Humanities BMedSc

Ruth is currently the Principal Investigator of study ‘A mixed method study to identify working conditions and work cultures associated with psychological distress and suicidality among junior doctors working in the NHS’, funded by the NIHR RfPB.  In addition Ruth is Chief Investigator for 'Identifying the impact on and support needs of NHS staff following a colleague's suicide: A study to inform postvention guidance', a project developed by a multidisciplinary team of researchers in clinical settings, academia and the charity sector as well as front-line medical staff. It is funded by the National Institute for Health Research Health Services and Delivery Research Programme. 

There are currently 55, 000 junior doctors working in the NHS; comprising half the medical workforce. Evidence suggests junior doctors are particularly vulnerable to work-related psychological conditions such as chronic stress, anxiety, depression, or burnout. Junior doctors face specific pressures related to their professional stage and development which may account for their increased vulnerability to work related stress and distress. This mixed method study will examine and identify specific working conditions and work cultures associated with elevated psychological distress or suicidality amongst junior doctors, including doctors who have self-harmed and attempted suicide.

Previously, Ruth was the Principal Investigator of a study ‘Exploring the barriers and facilitators to help-seeking by GPs: improving access to support’, funded by the NIHR SPCR.

This was a multi-centre qualitative study aiming to explore what helps and hinders General Practitioners (GPs) when they seek help and support for mental health problems and/or stress and burnout. Doctors, including GPs, are more likely to experience reduced well-being and mental health symptoms, including anxiety, low mood, depression, high stress and burnout. Despite this, evidence suggests that the NHS workforce, including doctors, have insufficient access and face barriers to mainstream healthcare provision for such problems.

Turning Research into Performance Art

This creative approach to dissemination and public engagement has been showcased as a NIHR Impact Case Study

PreScribed (a life written for me) explores the side effects of being a GP navigating the NHS. 
Viv Gordon was commissioned by The Elizabeth Blackwell Institute at University of Bristol to work with researcher Ruth Riley to make a show for the Feel It Festival 2016. Viv’s own lived experience of mental ill health, combined with verbatim extracts from anonymised research transcripts, creates a powerful account of a GP on the brink of a crisis. 

• See the trailer for show on YouTube.