about me
I am a lecturer in the Statistical Science department at University College London. I also work in the Medical Statistics Unit at the Research and Development Directorate within University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
research interests
My major research interest is in prognostic modelling, particularly in the field of cardiac surgery. Recently we have used a national database of UK patients to develop the first single risk model for short-term mortality that can be applied to all patients. Work on this project has been presented at biostatistics and cardiac conferences and a research paper has been submitted.
In addition we have recently published a review of risk models for short-term mortality used in CABG surgery. In particular we focused on the methodology used to develop such models and made recommendations. There are many statistical challenges involved in this area such as missing data, hierarchical structure and variable selection. We are currently investigating these issues.
Another recent project investigated the level of methodological support available to NHS researchers, as we believe this relates to the quality of quantitative research produced. A survey of the R&D units in the largest trusts in England suggests that the support provided to some researchers may be too low. A research paper has been submitted.
practical statistics for medical research
Each year I am involved in the running of a course, Practical Statistics for Medical Research. This 4 day intensive course covers the essential principles and methods required. Emphasis is on study design, appropriate analysis, and interpretation of results.
More details can be found here.
interests
My interests include mountain biking and snowboarding. I try to get out on the Heckler whenever possible and like to take part in 24 hour endurance events. Once a year we pop across to the French Alps for a spot of downhilling. One day we'll get to Whistler. I try to fit in a couple of weeks of snowboarding each year - the usual locations are France and Canada.