Alexis Foster (nee Kilgarriff) BA Politics and Social Studies (1st Class Honours), Masters in Public Health (Distinction)
Research Associate on the Healthlines Project, Health Services Research
Address:
Health Services Research
School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR)
University of Sheffield
Regent Court, 30 Regent Street
Sheffield S1 4DA
Telephone number: (+44) (0)114 222 6129
Fax: (+44) (0)114 272 4095
Email: alexis.foster@sheffield.ac.uk
Room: 3039
Biography
I started working as a research assistant at ScHARR in January 2011 in the Mental Health Group. I was involved in a number of projects including statistical analysis, reviews, qualitative research and stakeholder consultation. During this time I completed my Masters in Public Health gaining a distinction. This included a dissertation exploring whether client-associated variables are related to deterioration in psychological therapies.
Since February 2012 I have worked as a research associate. I currently project manage the South Yorkshire site of the Healthlines Randomised Controlled Trial.
Before joining ScHARR I worked in a number of health related roles including:
- Health Promotion Trainee- NHS Sheffield
- Development Officer- Sheffield Local Involvement Network
- Team Leader and Carer Support Officer- Rethink
These roles enabled me to develop my skills and knowledge of project management, health improvement initiatives, service evaluation, health inequalities and patient and public involvement.
Research Interests
My current research projects are related to providing innovative interventions in primary care to help people better manage their health conditions and considering how these can be evaluated. I am currently working on a randomised controlled trial. I also have experience in conducting qualitative and quantitative primary and secondary research. I enjoy the challenge of considering how findings from research using different methods can be amalgamated and translated into health services.
Other research areas I am interested in is supporting people to better manage their health, outcome measures and health inequalities.
Teaching Interests
I am involved in delivering various aspects of Master level programs at ScHARR including:
- Supervising and marking dissertations on the Masters in Public Health
- Lecturing regarding trial regulations and marking on the Randomised Controlled Trials Module
- Personal tutor to 4 students taking the Masters in Public Health.
Current Projects
My main project is managing the South Yorkshire site of the Healthlines Randomised Controlled Trial. This is researching the effectiveness of a NHS Direct condition management intervention for people with long term conditions. The project involves recruiting 15 GP practices in the local area and supporting 600 participants through the trial process.
I am also conducting a review on the impact of social prescribing in primary care for patients.
Publications
I am currently involved in writing a number of reports and publications in relation to research regarding management of long-term depression and adverse effects of psychological therapies.
Section
I am based in the section of Health Services Research