We host a number of PhD candidates, and you can read summaries of their research here.

 

Mary Feeney, Research Associate, NIHR Pre-Doctoral and Allergy Dietician

Project: Dietary adherence and dietary outcomes on allergy studies: development and validation of template questionnaires.

Aim: to describe current approaches to dietary data collection in allergy research, identify factors that influence data completeness and to develop validated prototype questionnaires acceptable and feasible for use in future studies.

The project will use a mixed-methods approach across three work packages and engage patients with lived experience of food allergy as well as stakeholders from allergy research and health care professionals. The review has been registered with Propero, see link below.

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=592860

 

Rosie Vincent, Research Associate, NIHR Pre-Doctoral and Dermatology Registrar

Project: What is the optimal way to stop or reduce topical steroids in eczema?

Eczema (otherwise known as atopic dermatitis) is common, affecting around 20% of children and 5% of adults worldwide. The signs and symptoms of eczema can have a significant impact on quality of life, sleep and daily activities, as well as self-esteem and confidence. Although newer targeted treatments have revolutionised outcomes for those with moderate-to-severe eczema, in the UK most people are managed in primary care with emollients and topical corticosteroids, with the minority referred into secondary care dermatology services.

Topical corticosteroids have different potencies, with a UK system classifying them into mild, moderate, potent and ultra-potent. There is good evidence for their use once daily to treat flares, with the recommended potencies depending on various factors such as body site, severity and age. There is a lack of consensus on how to stop the topical steroid once the flare has settled, with multiple methods used in clinical practice.

My PhD project’s aims are

1. To find out the evidence for the different ways of stopping or reducing topical steroids
2. To explore the current guidance given to people with eczema
3. To provide clear and standardised information for clinicians and patients.

 

Anna Gilbertson, Research Associate, NIHR Pre-Doctoral and Qualified Nurse

Project: Exploring the impact of maternal dietary changes for infant symptoms attributed to cow’s milk protein allergy

Background: Cow’s milk protein allergy is commonly reported in infants under 1 year. Symptoms can overlap with normal symptoms and for mothers who breastfeed, the treatment is to exclude milk from their own diets or stop breastfeeding.

There is limited evidence of the value of this and the impact on mothers has been questioned but not yet thoroughly explored.

I will explore the impact of maternal dietary changes in this mixed-method project, which will include a systematic review, cross-sectional survey and qualitative interviews with mothers.