Professor Stephen Walters

BSc, PGCE, MSc, PhD, CStat.

Population Health, School of Medicine and Population Health

Professor of Medical Statistics and Clinical Trials

Stephen Walters
Profile picture of Stephen Walters
s.j.walters@sheffield.ac.uk
+44 114 222 0730

Full contact details

Professor Stephen Walters
Population Health, School of Medicine and Population Health
Regent Court (ScHARR)
30 Regent Street
Sheffield
S1 4DA
Profile

I graduated with a degree in Mathematics and Economics. This was followed by a PGCE and an MSc in Medical Statistics and Information Technology. My PhD involved using computer intensive statistical methods for estimating sample sizes and analysing quality of life outcomes. I joined ScHARR in January 1995. I was promoted to Senior Lecturer in 2003; Reader in 2008 and to a Personal Chair in 2009. I was the first Director of the Design, Trials and Statistics section in ScHARR from 2012-18.

I am a Chartered Statistician with over 27 years’ experience of health services research and technology assessment. The main focus of my research has been in the design, conduct, analysis, and reporting of trials of complex interventions; and the design, assessment, analysis and interpretation of patient reported outcomes in clinical trials. I work with clinicians from a variety of backgrounds to develop pragmatic clinical trial designs to capture the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a variety of health technologies. I have been co-investigator for more than 30 randomised controlled trials.

From 2018 to 2022 I was National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Senior Investigator. I have been a member of the NIHR Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Clinical Evaluation and Trials Board (2011-17) and the East Midlands Regional Funding Committee for the NIHR Research for Patient Benefit Pogramme (2011-2012). I have also been a member of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Public Health Interventions Advisory Committee (2008-2013).

I have co-authored over 330 publications (including 200 in refereed journals and 5 books, with over 25,000 copies sold). The majority of my peer-reviewed journal articles have been applied research, with the emphasis on the evaluation of new services. I have been a co-applicant, statistical advisor and collaborator on 74 funded Health Service Research projectswith a total income value of £49.1 million.

Research interests
Publications

Show: Featured publications All publications

Books

  • Walters S, Campbell M & Machin D (2021) Medical Statistics: A Textbook for the Health Sciences, 5th Edition. Wiley-Blackwell. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Campbell MJ & Walters SJ (2014) How to Design, Analyse and Report Cluster Randomised Trials in Medicine and Health Related Research. John Wiley & Sons Ltd.. RIS download Bibtex download

Journal articles

All publications

Books

  • Walters S, Campbell M & Machin D (2021) Medical Statistics: A Textbook for the Health Sciences, 5th Edition. Wiley-Blackwell. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Campbell MJ & Walters SJ (2014) How to Design, Analyse and Report Cluster Randomised Trials in Medicine and Health Related Research. John Wiley & Sons Ltd.. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Walters SJ (2009) Quality of Life Outcomes in Clinical Trials and Health-Care Evaluation. Wiley-Blackwell. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Freeman JV, Walters SJ & Campbell MJ (2008) How to Display Data. Wiley-Blackwell. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Campbell MJ, Machin D & Walters SJ (2007) Medical Statistics: A Textbook for the Health Sciences. Wiley-Blackwell. RIS download Bibtex download

Journal articles

Chapters

  • Walters S (2023) Area Under the Curve (AUC), Encyclopedia of Quality of Life and Well-Being Research (pp. 252-254). Springer International Publishing RIS download Bibtex download
  • Walters S (2014) Area Under the Curve (AUC), Encyclopedia of Quality of Life and Well-Being Research (pp. 219-221). Springer Netherlands RIS download Bibtex download
  • Campbell MJ & Walters SJ (2014) The protocol, HOW TO DESIGN, ANALYSE AND REPORT CLUSTER RANDOMISED TRIALS IN MEDICINE AND HEALTH RELATED RESEARCH (pp. 143-158). RIS download Bibtex download
  • Campbell MJ & Walters SJ (2014) Simple analysis of cRCT outcomes using aggregate cluster-level summaries, HOW TO DESIGN, ANALYSE AND REPORT CLUSTER RANDOMISED TRIALS IN MEDICINE AND HEALTH RELATED RESEARCH (pp. 83-101). RIS download Bibtex download
  • Campbell MJ & Walters SJ (2014) Sample size: How many subjects/clusters do I need for my cluster randomised controlled trial?, HOW TO DESIGN, ANALYSE AND REPORT CLUSTER RANDOMISED TRIALS IN MEDICINE AND HEALTH RELATED RESEARCH (pp. 50-82). RIS download Bibtex download
  • Campbell MJ & Walters SJ (2014) Reporting of cRCTs, HOW TO DESIGN, ANALYSE AND REPORT CLUSTER RANDOMISED TRIALS IN MEDICINE AND HEALTH RELATED RESEARCH (pp. 159-177). RIS download Bibtex download
  • Campbell MJ & Walters SJ (2014) Regression methods of analysis for continuous outcomes using individual person-level data, HOW TO DESIGN, ANALYSE AND REPORT CLUSTER RANDOMISED TRIALS IN MEDICINE AND HEALTH RELATED RESEARCH (pp. 102-125). RIS download Bibtex download
  • Campbell MJ & Walters SJ (2014) Regression methods of analysis for binary, count and time-to-event outcomes for a cluster randomised controlled trial, HOW TO DESIGN, ANALYSE AND REPORT CLUSTER RANDOMISED TRIALS IN MEDICINE AND HEALTH RELATED RESEARCH (pp. 126-142). RIS download Bibtex download
  • Campbell MJ & Walters SJ (2014) Practical issues, HOW TO DESIGN, ANALYSE AND REPORT CLUSTER RANDOMISED TRIALS IN MEDICINE AND HEALTH RELATED RESEARCH (pp. 178-194). RIS download Bibtex download
  • Campbell MJ & Walters SJ (2014) How to Design, Analyse and Report Cluster Randomised Trials in Medicine and Health Related Research Preface, HOW TO DESIGN, ANALYSE AND REPORT CLUSTER RANDOMISED TRIALS IN MEDICINE AND HEALTH RELATED RESEARCH (pp. XIII-+). RIS download Bibtex download
  • Campbell MJ & Walters SJ (2014) How to Design, Analyse and Report Cluster Randomised Trials in Medicine and Health Related Research Introduction, HOW TO DESIGN, ANALYSE AND REPORT CLUSTER RANDOMISED TRIALS IN MEDICINE AND HEALTH RELATED RESEARCH (pp. 1-26). RIS download Bibtex download
  • Campbell MJ & Walters SJ (2014) Design issues, HOW TO DESIGN, ANALYSE AND REPORT CLUSTER RANDOMISED TRIALS IN MEDICINE AND HEALTH RELATED RESEARCH (pp. 27-49). RIS download Bibtex download
  • Campbell MJ & Walters SJ (2014) Computing software, HOW TO DESIGN, ANALYSE AND REPORT CLUSTER RANDOMISED TRIALS IN MEDICINE AND HEALTH RELATED RESEARCH (pp. 195-233). RIS download Bibtex download
  • Walters SJ & Freeman J (2010) Descriptive Analysis of Quantitative Data In Gerrish K & Lacey A (Ed.), The Research Process in Nursing (pp. 437-454). Wiley-Blackwell RIS download Bibtex download

Conference proceedings papers

  • Metwally M, Chatters R, Pye C, Dimairo M, White D, Walters S, Cohen J, Chater T, Pemberton K, Young T , Lomas R et al (2020) Endometrial scratching in women undergoing their first In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) cycle: results from the UK Multicentre Endometrial Scratch Randomised Controlled Trial. HUMAN REPRODUCTION, Vol. 35 (pp 140-141) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Wyld L, Reed MWR, Collins K, Ward S, Holmes G, Morgan J, Bradburn M, Walters S, Burton M, Lifford K , Edwards A et al (2020) Bridging the age gap in breast cancer: optimisation of survival and quality of life outcomes in older women with early breast cancer. BREAST CANCER RESEARCH AND TREATMENT, Vol. 180(2) (pp 594-594) RIS download Bibtex download
  • O'Cathain A, Croot E, Duncan E, Rousseau N, Sworn K, Turner K, Yardley L & Hoddinott P (2019) Why is the early intervention development phase for complex health care interventions important? An overview of new guidance. Trials, Vol. 20(Supplement 1) (pp 99-99). Brighton, UK, 6 October 2019 - 9 October 2019. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Walters S, Jacques R & Xian MTS (2018) Sample estimation for randomised controlled trials with repeated assessment of quality of life: what correlation between baseline and follow up outcomes should we assume?. QUALITY OF LIFE RESEARCH, Vol. 27 (pp S34-S34) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Walters S, Young T & Kwon J (2018) Comparison of statistical methods for the analysis of patient-reported outcomes in RCTS. QUALITY OF LIFE RESEARCH, Vol. 27 (pp S59-S60) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Khan MI, Set P, Harrison M, Phythian A, Harding C, Henriques-Cadby I, Walters S & Sylvester K (2018) Structured Light Plethysmography as a method of recording disease severity in Cystic Fibrosis. Respiratory function technologists/scient RIS download Bibtex download
  • Snowden J, Keen C, Smith L, Skilbeck J, Ross H, Collins K, Simpson S, Dixey J, Walters S, Greenfield D & Mawson S (2018) Is it feasible to conduct a randomised controlled trial of pre-habilitation in multiple myeloma (MM) patients awaiting autologous haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (AHSCT)? The PREeMPT study. BONE MARROW TRANSPLANTATION, Vol. 53 (pp 343-344) RIS download Bibtex download
  • MacInnes E, Erskine S, Collins K, Hughes J, Wilkinson J, Cook J, Walters S & Wyld L (2018) Experiences of women and partners of women at increased familial breast cancer risk: A qualitative study of the impact upon partnerships. European Journal of Surgical Oncology, Vol. 44(6) (pp 904-905) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Shrestha A, Martin C, Collins K, Burton M, Chater T, Pemberton K, Ward S, Holmes G, Walters S, Cheung KL , Audisio R et al (2018) Preference for quality of life versus length of life in older women making treatment decisions in early breast cancer. European Journal of Surgical Oncology, Vol. 44(6) (pp 871-871) RIS download Bibtex download
  • MacInnes E, Erksine S, Collins K, Hughes J, Wilkinson J, Cook J, Walters S & Wyld L (2018) Views and experiences of MRI breast screening in women at increased familial breast cancer risk. European Journal of Surgical Oncology, Vol. 44(6) (pp 905-906), 18 June 2018 - 19 June 2018. View this article in WRRO RIS download Bibtex download
  • Shrestha A, Martin C, Burton M, Collins K, Holmes G, Ward S, Audisio R, Chater T, Pemberton K, Robinson T , Cheung KL et al (2018) Comparison of quality of life of older women treated with surgery or primary endocrine therapy for early breast cancer: propensity score matched analysis of a large prospective multicentre cohort study. European Journal of Cancer, Vol. 92 (pp S3-S4) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Shrestha A, Martin C, Burton M, Collins K, Holmes G, Ward S, Audisio R, Chater T, Pemberton K, Robinson T , Cheung KL et al (2018) Comparison of quality of life of older women treated with surgery or primary endocrine therapy for early breast cancer: propensity score matched analysis of a large prospective multicentre cohort study. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CANCER, Vol. 92 (pp S3-S4) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Shrestha A, Martin C, Collins K, Burton M, Audisio R, Chater T, Pemberton K, Cheung K, Ward S, Walters S , Malcolm R et al (2018) Quality of life of elderly women with early breast cancer following surgery. European Journal of Surgical Oncology, Vol. 44 (pp S4-S4) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Shrestha A, Martin C, Collins K, Burton M, Audisio R, Chater T, Pemberton K, Cheung K, Ward S, Walters S , Malcolm R et al (2017) 1017. Quality of life of elderly women with early breast cancer following surgery. European Journal of Surgical Oncology, Vol. 43(11) (pp 2204-2205) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Thomas SA, Drummond A, Lincoln NB, Palmer R, dasnair R, Latimer N, Hackney G, Hatton R, Walters S, Mandefield L , Cooper C et al (2017) Behavioural activation therapy for depression after stroke (BEADS): a feasibility randomised controlled pilot trial of a psychological intervention for post-stroke depression. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF STROKE, Vol. 12 (pp 15-15) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Hoo Z, Curley R, Walters S, Campbell M & Wildman M (2017) REAL WORLD EVIDENCE OF SUSTAINED IMPROVEMENT IN OBJECTIVE ADHERENCE TO MAINTENANCE INHALED THERAPIES IN AN ADULT CYSTIC FIBROSIS CENTRE. PEDIATRIC PULMONOLOGY, Vol. 52 (pp S488-S488) View this article in WRRO RIS download Bibtex download
  • Hoo Z, Curley R, Campbell M, Walters S & Wildman M (2017) UNDERSTANDING FEV1 FOR THE PURPOSE OF CF REGISTRY COMPARISONS: ARE UK ANNUAL REVIEW FEV1 ONLY COLLECTED WHEN SUBJECTS ARE WELL?. PEDIATRIC PULMONOLOGY, Vol. 52 (pp S412-S412) View this article in WRRO RIS download Bibtex download
  • Hoo Z, Curley R, Campbell M, Walters S & Wildman M (2017) UNDERSTANDING FEV1 FOR THE PURPOSE OF CF REGISTRY COMPARISONS: DOES BIAS IN ANNUAL REVIEW FEV1 AFFECT BETWEEN-CENTRE COMPARISON WITHIN THE UK?. PEDIATRIC PULMONOLOGY, Vol. 52 (pp S412-S413) View this article in WRRO RIS download Bibtex download
  • Hoo Z, Walters S, Campbell M & Wildman M (2017) EXPLORING DIFFERENT METHODS TO DISPLAY CENTRE-LEVEL DATA IN THE UK CF REGISTRY ANNUAL REPORT. PEDIATRIC PULMONOLOGY, Vol. 52 (pp S404-S404) View this article in WRRO RIS download Bibtex download
  • Curley RE, Coates E, Hoo ZH, Edenborough FP, Walters SJ & Wildman MJ (2017) 405 Use of clinical characteristics and pre-clinic data to optimise clinic use in adults with cystic fibrosis: development of consensus criteria using nominal group technique. Journal of Cystic Fibrosis, Vol. 16 (pp S165-S165) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Mandefield L, Walters S & Team BEADST (2017) Estimating the underlying overall and centre recruitment rates in external pilot trials-how many centre-months of recruitment data do we need? A case study of the BEADS pilot trial. TRIALS, Vol. 18 RIS download Bibtex download
  • Hill C, Baird W & Walters S (2016) Development of an osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) specific quality of life measure (OIQoL). Physiotherapy, Vol. 102 (pp e10-e11) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Hoo Z, Curley R, Campbell M, Walters S & Wildman M (2016) THE IMPORTANCE OF DATA COMPLETENESS IN DETERMINING CENTRE-LEVEL NEBULISER ADHERENCE RATES. PEDIATRIC PULMONOLOGY, Vol. 51 (pp 448-449) View this article in WRRO RIS download Bibtex download
  • Hoo Z, Curley R, Walters S, Campbell M & Wildman M (2016) IMPROVING NEBULISER ADHERENCE IN AN ADULT CF CENTRE - DIFFERENCES IN UNADJUSTED ADHERENCE VS NORMATIVE ADHERENCE. PEDIATRIC PULMONOLOGY, Vol. 51 (pp 449-449) View this article in WRRO RIS download Bibtex download
  • Smith L, Aldag I, Hughes P, Horn F, Marshall H, Norquay G, Collier G, West N, Hughes D, Taylor C , Horsley AR et al (2016) LONGITUDINAL MONITORING OF DISEASE PROGRESSION IN CHILDREN WITH MILD CF USING 3-HELIUM MRI AND LCI. Pediatric Pulmonology, Vol. 51 (pp 348-348) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Walters S & Lee E (2015) Analysis and reporting of trials which randomise couples to therapy based interventions: how should we do it?. Trials, Vol. 16(S2) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Hind D, Roberts C, Sprange K, Gossage-Worrall R, Cooper C & Walters S (2013) Methodological, planning and implementation challenges for rcts evaluating group interventions. Trials, Vol. 14(Suppl 1) (pp O124-O124) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Littlewood C, Malliaras P, May S & Walters S (2013) A model to explain pain associated with rotator cuff tendinopathy and a rationale for response to therapeutic exercise. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY, Vol. 94(4) (pp A8-A8) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Dimairo M, Bradburn M & Walters SJ (2011) Sample size determination through power simulation; practical lessons from a stepped wedge cluster randomised trial (SW CRT).. Trials, Vol. 12 Suppl 1 (pp A26) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Mutebi A, Brazier J & Walters S (2010) A COMPARISON OF THE DISCRIMINTATIVE AND EVALUATIVE PROPERTIES OF THE SF-36 AND THE SF-6D INDEX. VALUE HEALTH, Vol. 13(3) (pp A17-A17) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Wyld L, Collins K, Winslow M, Reed M, Robinson T, Walters S, Madan J, Green T & Cocker H (2010) The views of older women regarding mammographic screening: a qualitative and quantitative study. EJC SUPPLEMENTS, Vol. 8(3) (pp 242-242) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Rogers TK, Athey V, Tod A, Walters SJ & Suckling R (2009) EARLY DETECTION OF LUNG CANCER: A SOCIAL MARKETING EVALUATION. THORAX, Vol. 64 (pp A21-A21) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Brugha T, Morrell J, Dixon S, Walters S & Slade P (2009) Prevention of Postnatal Depression: Cost-Effectiveness of Health Visitor Training; Results from a Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial in Primary Care. J MENT HEALTH POLICY, Vol. 12 (pp S8-S8) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Slade P, Morrell L, Walters SJ, Dixon S, Brugha T, Paley G, Wamer R & Mathers N (2007) The ponder trial: A cost-effectiveness trial of psychological intervention by health visitors for postnatal depression. J PSYCHOSOM OBST GYN, Vol. 28 (pp 64-64) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Oluboyede Y, Waterhouse JC, Walters S & Lawson R (2006) Best buy for pulmonary rehabilitation: Comparison of community and hospital provision. A report of the cohort study of pulmonary rehabilitation. THORAX, Vol. 61 (pp II69-II69) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Bowns IR, Collins K, Walters SJ & McDonagh AJG (2006) Photo-dermoscopic screening in the management of suspected skin cancer. BRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Vol. 155 (pp 9-9) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Ho AK, Robbins AOG, Walters SJ, Kaptoge S, Sahakian BJ & Barker RA (2005) Health related quality of life in Huntington's disease. JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY NEUROSURGERY AND PSYCHIATRY, Vol. 76 RIS download Bibtex download
  • Gray DT, Walters S, Spertus J, Brazier J & Horvath K (2005) Quality-adjusted survival and cost-effectiveness of transmyocardial revascularization using the CO2 laser. CIRCULATION, Vol. 111(20) (pp E319-E319) RIS download Bibtex download
  • McFarlane E, Walters SJ, Peters J, Ray-Chaudburi D & Gleeson D (2004) Quality of life in patients with autoimmune hepatitis measured with the SF-36 health status questionnaire. GUT, Vol. 53 (pp A84-A84) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Bowns IR, McDonagh AJ, Collins K, Walters S & Calvert N (2003) A randomized controlled trial of teledermatology. BRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Vol. 149 (pp 29-29) RIS download Bibtex download

Posters

  • Biggs K, Hind D, Gossage-Worrall R, Sprange K, White D, Wright J, Chatters R, Berry K, Papaioannou D, Bradburn M , Walters SJ et al (2019) Challenges in the design, planning and implementation of trials evaluating group interventions. View this article in WRRO RIS download Bibtex download
  • Candlish J, Teare D, Cohen J, Dimairo M, Flight L, Mandefield L & Walters S (2017) Methods to analyse partially nested randomised controlled trials. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Walters S, Lee E, Flight L, Mandefield L, Dimario M & Allison A (2015) Analysis and reporting of individually randomised controlled trials with clustering in one arm only: how should we do it?. RIS download Bibtex download

Preprints

Research group

PhD Students

  • Phillips Edomwonyi Obasohan
  • Louisa Robinson
  • Yirui Qian
  • Bright Offorha
  • Nikki Totton
Grants
  • FIRST: Prospective randomised controlled trial comparing three splints for finger flexor tendon repairs. Co-applicant. NIHR HTA Programme. (2022-2025). £1,151,006.
  • MEErKAT: MEsenteric Excision and Kono-s Anastomosis Trial. Co-applicant. NIHR HTA Programme. (2021-2026). £1,657,876.
  • SPACES: Supporting Physical and Activity through Co-production in people with Severe Mental Illness. Co-applicant. NIHR PGfAR Programme. (2021-2027). £2,525,160.
  • BASIS: Bracing Adolescent Idiopathic ScoliosIS Study night-time versus full-time bracing in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Co-applicant. NIHR HTA Programme. (2021-2031). £2,457,724.
  • HELP Infertility? (Hysteroscopic Excision of Leiomyoma and Polyp in Infertility): two randomised controlled trials. Co-applicant. NIHR HTA Programme. (2020-2028). £2,050,304.
  • MATTS: Major trauma Triage Tool Study. Co-applicant. NIHR HTA Programme. (2018-2022). £1,211,034.
  • STAR-MS: Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation versus Alemtuzumab in Relapsing Remitting MS. Co-applicant. NIHR EME Programme. (2019-2024) £2,348,027.
  • Investigating socioeconomic and geographical disparities in vascular surgery rates and outcomes in England. Co-applicant. NIHR PGfAR Programme. (2020-2022) £145,049.
  • NIHR Senior Investigator Award. Principal investigator. NIHR. (2018-2022) £60,000.
Teaching interests

I have developed several courses on teaching medical statistics to medical and health science students, clinicians and allied health professionals. I have also co-authored four textbooks: 'Medical Statistics: A Textbook for the Health Sciences 5th edition' 'Medical Statistics: A Textbook for the Health Sciences 4th edition; 'How to Display Data' and 'How to Design, Analyse and Report Cluster Randomised Trials in Medicine and Health Related Research'.

I co-ordinate and teach on HAR6035 'An Introduction to Statistics and Critical Appraisal' module on the Master of Public Health programme and contribute to the distance learning version (HAR6042).

Professional activities and memberships
  • Independent statistician member on several data and safety monitoring committees
  • Member of the NIHR Programme Grants for Applied Research Committee
  • Member of the NIHR Pre-doctoral Fellowships Selection Committee
  • Member of the Irish Health Research Board