Research group

Primary Care Behavioural Science Group

Abstract illustration of two overlapping human silhouettes in profile, one red, one blue. We can see their brains as white outlines, one looks more like a scribble than a brain.

We focus on behavioural research across a wide range of conditions and populations. We aim to improve health-related outcomes at individual, community and population level.

Part of Medicine, Psychology

About

We apply behavioural science to primary care research to support and improve health and well-being. Our research encompasses a wide range of approaches, including:

  • randomised controlled trials
  • qualitative methods
  • cross-sectional studies
  • systematic reviews
  • citizen science
  • public engagement

We have developed and evaluated complex behavioural interventions for a wide range of conditions, including:

  • emotional distress
  • deprescribing
  • back pain
  • chronic dizziness
  • eczema
  • acne
  • respiratory infections
  • sleep problems/ ADHD
  • diabetes
  • asthma

Our group is based in the Primary Care Research Centre. We aim to provide a supportive and encouraging environment for the development of world-leading behavioural science research, applied in a primary health care context.  We also aim to provide a collaborative and supportive environment for early and mid-career researchers to build skills and develop research ideas.  

People, projects and publications

People

Mrs Lucy Smith

Senior Research Assistant
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Dr Mary Steele

Research Fellow
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Dr Rachel Dewar-Haggart BSc (Hons) MSc PhD CPsychol

Public Health Teaching Fellow

Research interests

  • Primary care
  • Health psychology
  • Qualitative methods
Connect with Rachel

Miss Riya Tiwari

Senior Research Assistant
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Dr Rosie Essery

Senior Research Fellow
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Dr Samantha Hornsey BSc MSc PhD CPsychol

Senior Research Fellow

Research interests

  • Child and family health
  • Sleep problems 
  • Behavioural health interventions
Connect with Samantha

Dr Sascha Miller

Senior Research Fellow (Qualitative)

Research interests

  • Implementation of digital intervention Mixed methods process evaluations of digital interventions Antimicrobial resistance and infection prevention
Connect with Sascha

Dr Sebastien Pollet

Research Fellow
Connect with Sebastien

Dr Sian Holt

Research Fellow Intervention Development
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Dr Stephanie Easton PhD

Research Fellow
Connect with Stephanie

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