Mesothelioma UK Research Centre

at the University of Sheffield

Research

centre

In July 2020 the Mesothelioma UK Research Centre was established at the University of Sheffield, funded by Mesothelioma UK. The Research Centre is based in the School of Allied Health Professions, Nursing and Midwifery.

The aim of the Mesothelioma UK Research Centre is to conduct a portfolio of robust and rigorous research with a reputation for excellence. The goal is for the research to benefit the care of people diagnosed with mesothelioma and their families.

Their multi-disciplinary research team includes academic and research staff, clinicians and PhD students with a wealth of expertise in mesothelioma research.

The Research Centre has a webpage dedicated to its activities and a mailing list so you can keep up to date with all of the latest information. It has also produced a range of free, evidence based resources relating to mesothelioma which can be used by health and social professionals, asbestos support groups, legal firms and others, to support the care of patients with mesothelioma and their families:

www.sheffield.ac.uk/murc/resources

The core objectives of the Research Centre are:

Conduct robust and rigorous research with a reputation for excellence nationally and internationally that is of benefit to the care of people diagnosed with mesothelioma and their families
Produce research outputs from the outset that demonstrate the success of the Research Centre and facilitate application of findings

Ensure the research is disseminated rigorously to enable practice, patients and healthcare professionals remain informed and receive maximum benefit from any evidence generated between Mesothelioma UK and the Mesothelioma UK Research Centre
Develop and maintain the infrastructure and systems necessary to ensure the good governance and efficient running of the Research Centre
Develop research capacity to inform mesothelioma policy and practice and develop opportunities for future academic and clinical academic workforce related to mesothelioma
Generate a clear pathway to impact that improves patient experience

The researchers at the University of Sheffield have collaborated with Mesothelioma UK on research projects in the past.

More information on past research projects funded by Mesothelioma UK can be found here.

The current projects that the Research Centre is undertaking can be found here.

The Research Centre is led by Dr Clare Gardiner.

For more information on the research team click here.

Dr Clare Gardiner

How the Mesothelioma UK team is involved with research at MURC Sheffield:

Sarah Thomas

Our study exploring family experiences of coroner/procurator fiscal involvement in mesothelioma arose out of the work led by Sarah Thomas to examine coronial practices in mesothelioma.

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Sarah set up a ‘Focus Group’ of nurses, legal representatives, and MURC researchers to discuss the topic and to provide feedback for the ongoing research. She undertook a survey of coroners and developed links with coronial services, such as the Cambridgeshire service which led to opportunities to share the research and influence practice in supporting mesothelioma families. Sarah’s vision of a joint project report, and her drive to share findings and bring about beneficial changes for families will ensure that the project is highly impactful.

Kate Slaven

Kate is currently conducting a study to capture patient experience of cough as a symptom of mesothelioma.

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The aim is to generate insight into how people live with and cope with the symptom and what can be done to help. Kate has led the study with support and encouragement from members of MURC. She is currently at the stage of analysing the data and developing important recommendations to support practice.

Sam Westbrook

Sam has been joint principal investigator of a study exploring variability in patient pathways in peritoneal mesothelioma.

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This large study has been conducted over two years and Sam has led clinical data collection, and analysis of complex mixed methods data. Sam has been able to deliver research recommendations directly into clinical practice, highlighting her commitment to improving care for patients with peritoneal mesothelioma. She has also produced a number of conference outputs and a manuscript which is being finalised for a peer review journal publication.

Simon Bolton

Simon is leading the IRAMP study exploring patients experiences of clinical trials.

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Simon has led the study from inception and his drive and commitment have ensured the success of the project. Supported by researchers from MURC Simon is currently analysing data to develop recommendations for improving practice around clinical trial participation.

Leah Taylor

Leah has an impressive portfolio of research involvement and is linked to a number of studies including:

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the role of palliative care in mesothelioma; a retrospective review of treatment and care in pleural mesothelioma, experiences of coroners in mesothelioma and the HIT-MESO clinical trial. Leah’s experience and expertise is always in demand and her involvement in research has supported a number of important outputs including an animation on palliative care, and patient facing infographics.