Research Assistant
My background lies in clinical practice as a podiatrist in the NHS. Working with individuals impacted by the complications of non-communicable long-term health conditions led me to undertake a master's in clinical exercise physiology. Understanding the experience of these people on an individual level led me to create a qualitative research project titled "Information seeking habits, experiences and understanding of advice relating to exercise in those with type 2 diabetes".
The challenges for those wanting support to enable lifestyle changes and self-care are great and often beyond the limitations of the current healthcare system. Spending time working within social prescribing emphasized to me the disparities between communities in being able to make these changes. Working within an area of deprivation, the inequalities and barriers these populations face only appeared to compound their current health problems. This has informed my practice and working collaboratively with patients and supporting their individual needs has always been a motivating factor for me.
My research lies in health literacy and improving access to advice to improve engagement in care and empower patients where they might otherwise feel overwhelmed.