Click on each image below to explore the studies I’ve worked on.
The Generation Study is a pioneering UK research initiative aiming to sequence the genomes of 100,000 newborns to identify over 200 rare, treatable genetic conditions early in life. By analysing DNA from umbilical cord blood shortly after birth, the study seeks to enhance early diagnosis and intervention, potentially improving health outcomes for affected infants.
While our hospital isn't yet recruiting for this study, I am preparing to support it through participant recruitment and data collection once it launches. I'm eager to contribute to this groundbreaking project that could transform the future of newborn screening and personalized medicine.
The GBS3 study is a large-scale clinical trial investigating whether routine testing for Group B Streptococcus (GBS) in pregnant women can reduce the risk of serious infections in newborns. GBS is a common bacterium carried by about 1 in 4 pregnant women in the UK, typically without symptoms. However, it can be passed to babies during labour and birth, potentially leading to severe illnesses like sepsis, pneumonia, or meningitis. The trial compares two testing strategies—lab-based screening in late pregnancy and rapid bedside testing during labour—against the current UK approach, which offers antibiotics based on risk factors rather than routine testing.
I supported the study setup at our site, reviewed protocols and amendments, and ensured smooth operation until its closure. It was rewarding to contribute to research that could inform future guidelines and improve neonatal health outcomes.
The iGBS3 study is a large-scale research initiative aiming to determine the level of natural immunity (antibodies) a pregnant woman needs to pass to her baby to protect against Group B Streptococcus (GBS) infection. GBS is a common bacterium that can cause serious infections in newborns, including sepsis and meningitis. By collecting cord blood samples from thousands of births, the study seeks to establish a protective antibody threshold, which could accelerate the development and approval of a maternal GBS vaccine.
I have been involved in setting up the study at our site, reviewing protocols and amendments, and ensuring smooth operation as the study progresses. It's rewarding to contribute to research that has the potential to significantly improve neonatal health outcomes.
The SPIROMAC study is a nationwide clinical trial investigating whether incorporating spirometry—a simple lung function test—into asthma treatment decisions can reduce asthma attacks in children. Traditionally, asthma management relies on reported symptoms like coughing and wheezing. This study compares the standard symptom-based approach with a combined method that includes spirometry results to guide treatment adjustments. The goal is to determine if this integrated strategy leads to better asthma control and fewer attacks.
In my role as a Clinical Research Practitioner, I have been actively involved in recruiting children aged 6 to 15 years for the study and conducting follow-up appointments alongside their parents. This hands-on experience has deepened my understanding of paediatric asthma care and the potential benefits of personalised treatment plans.
The CASTLE Sleep-E study is a UK-based clinical trial evaluating whether an online behavioural sleep intervention, known as the CASTLE Online Sleep Intervention (COSI), can improve sleep quality in children with epilepsy, particularly Rolandic epilepsy. Sleep disturbances are common in children with epilepsy and can exacerbate seizure activity, affecting overall well-being. This study compares standard care with and without the addition of COSI to determine its effectiveness in managing sleep problems.
I supported the setup and coordination of this study at our site, ensuring adherence to protocols and smooth operation until its closure. It was fulfilling to contribute to research aimed at enhancing the quality of life for children with epilepsy and their families.
The FIDO study was a UK-wide observational trial aiming to improve the assessment and management of infants under 90 days old presenting with fever. Traditionally, these young patients undergo invasive procedures like lumbar punctures and receive broad-spectrum antibiotics as a precaution against serious bacterial infections. FIDO evaluated various clinical decision aids (CDAs) to identify low-risk infants who could safely avoid such interventions. The study found that certain CDAs, even without advanced tests like procalcitonin, effectively distinguished infants at low risk, potentially reducing unnecessary treatments and hospital stays.
I supported the study setup at our site, reviewed protocols and amendments, and ensured smooth operation until its closure. It was rewarding to contribute to research that could lead to more tailored and less invasive care for vulnerable infants.
The AZTEC-2 study is a follow-up to the original AZTEC trial, which investigated whether a 10-day course of intravenous azithromycin could improve survival without the development of chronic lung disease (CLD) in preterm infants born before 30 weeks' gestation. AZTEC-2 aims to assess the long-term effects of this early treatment by evaluating respiratory, neurodevelopmental, and growth outcomes up to two years of corrected age. This follow-up is crucial to determine the lasting impact of azithromycin therapy on the health and development of these vulnerable infants.
I supported the setup and coordination of this study at our site, ensuring adherence to protocols and smooth operation until its closure. It was fulfilling to contribute to research that could inform future neonatal care practices and improve outcomes for preterm babies.
The WHEAT study is a UK-based clinical trial investigating the best approach to feeding very preterm babies during blood transfusions. Currently, practices vary: some neonatal units pause feeds to reduce the risk of necrotising enterocolitis (NEC), while others continue feeding. WHEAT compares these two strategies—pausing feeds versus continuing them—to determine which is safer and more effective for these vulnerable infants.
As a Trial Facilitator at a continuing care site, I supported the study's implementation by ensuring our neonatal team adhered to the trial protocols and maintained accurate data collection. It was rewarding to contribute to research aimed at improving care for preterm babies.
The FEED1 study is a UK-based clinical trial investigating whether starting full milk feeds from the first day of life, instead of the traditional gradual approach with intravenous fluids, can reduce hospital stays for preterm infants born between 30 and 33 weeks' gestation. This approach aims to minimize the use of IV lines, reduce infection risks, and promote earlier bonding and breastfeeding. The trial enrolled over 2,000 infants across 40 neonatal units to compare outcomes between the two feeding strategies.
In my role as a Trial Facilitator at a continuing care site, I ensured our neonatal team adhered to the trial protocols and maintained accurate data collection. It was rewarding to contribute to research that could inform and improve feeding practices for preterm babies.
The DOLFIN study is a UK-based clinical trial investigating whether adding a daily nutrient supplement to the milk or food of babies born very early or who experienced low oxygen at birth can improve their brain development. The supplement contains nutrients like long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs), choline, uridine-5'-monophosphate (UMP), and cytidine-5'-monophosphate (CMP), which are important for brain growth. The trial compares this supplement to a placebo to see if it makes a difference in children's development at two years of age.
In my role as a Trial Facilitator at a continuing care site, I supported the implementation of the study by ensuring our neonatal team adhered to the trial protocols and maintained accurate data collection. It was rewarding to contribute to research aimed at improving outcomes for vulnerable infants.