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Research

Table of Contents

This page contains information about my PhD research project and other research projects.

PhD
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The title of my thesis was “A national, collaborative analysis of the NCMP ‘routine feedback’ process with parents, carers, and other stakeholders”. The aims were:

  1. Understand and gain insights into the NCMP, particularly result letters.
  2. Develop a new version of letters based on the insights.
  3. Evaluate the new letters against standard ones, gauging parental perceptions.

Study 1
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Study 1 analysed responses to an online survey disseminated to representatives of 92 LGAs (Local Government Authorities) and 300 result letters from 115 LGAs.

  • 86% of LGAs commissioned providers to deliver the NCMP.
  • Standard letters exhibited a systematic pattern across six narrative themes.
  • Language analysis revealed that the letters medicalised children living with an overweight condition.

Study 2
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Analysed the user experience of 86 parents with standard and experimental result letters:

  • Parents’ experience of both letters was significantly lower when the children were classified with any status other than ‘healthy weight’.
  • The impact of the letter versions was inconclusive due to an insufficient sample size.
  • The study demonstrated the feasibility of embedding a short feedback questionnaire as part of the NCMP.

Study 3
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Explored experiences of 20 parents through semi-structured interviews:

  • Parents preferred the experimental version of the letter over the standard version, especially for non-healthy weight status.
  • Reasons for preference included less threatening language and a supportive tone in the experimental letter.
  • Neutral feelings for both versions were observed when the child had a healthy weight.

Discussion
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The research provides updated evidence on NCMP operations, highlights language impacts in result letters, and identifies medicalising language.

Recommendations:

  • PHE and DHSC should provide sensitive templates, avoiding medical terms.
  • Explore different delivery methods.
  • Tailor letters to individual children’s needs.
  • Direct and personalised recruitment routes are more effective.

The final version of my thesis was submitted in 2022. The thesis is freely available here.

Publications
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You can view all of my publications at: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4800-6543