Primary care research themes

Cancer diagnosis

Research on cancer diagnosis is led by Stephen Bradley, who has particular expertise in lung cancer diagnosis, for example as co-lead of the MEDLEY study (NIHR Health Technology Assessment) which is evaluating the potential of using low dose CT as a first line investigation for lung cancer in symptomatic patients. The primary care research group is also supporting a major trial on prostate cancer, the IMProVE clinical trial (Yorkshire Cancer Research). 

Neurological disorders

Our research into neurological disorders is led by Jon M Dickson, it includes studies of epilepsy, functional neurological disorders, brain health and dementia, motor neurone diseases and headaches.  Our published work uses neuroimaging techniques, neuropsychological methods, case studies, qualitative methods (interviews, focus groups, free association narrative interviews), quantitative methods including use of large datasets, and evidence synthesis.

Health inequalities

The Deep End Research Alliance (DERA) at the University of Sheffield is a collaborative initiative aimed at promoting inclusive primary care research among underserved populations in South Yorkshire and the Humber region. DERA originated from the Sheffield Deep End cluster (established in 2016), which comprised nine GP surgeries serving some of the city's most marginalized communities. The alliance emphasizes building trust between patients, communities, practitioners, and institutions to ensure inclusive research practices. 

Mental health

Phil Oliver and Chris Burton (along with Ciaran McInerney, Vyv Huddy, Ada Achinanya and Kritica Dwivedi) recently delivered the UNSEEN Study into Complex Mental Health Difficulties. A summary of our results and practical guidance for GPs is here and our scoping review has just been published.  Chris Burton is a member of the MRC Complex Emotions Hub led by Scott Weich from the Mental Health Research Unit.

Persistent physical symptoms

Persistent physical symptoms such as pain, fatigue and dizziness are common in people with a wide range of medical conditions. Chris Burton leads research into the ways that the emerging neuroscience underpinning symptoms can be used to explain symptoms in ways that help patients. The Multiple Symptoms Study 3 trial found that an extended-role GP Symptoms Clinic produced significant improvement in patient outcomes a year later and was cost effective.  Chris is a member of the EuroNet Soma initiative and recently supervised Hobe Treufeldt’s PhD on stigma as part of the ETUDE innovative training network.

Respiratory health

Sexual and reproductive health

Rebecca Mawson leads research on sexual and reproductive health in primary care, focusing on improving access to care and diagnosis. As co-lead of PEARL, she collaborates globally on endometriosis and adenomyosis research. Her public engagement work with underserved communities addresses PCOS, HIV effects, and maternal health disparities. She works on The Hormone Effect project, tracking side effects of hormonal contraception. Rebecca co-leads WHIN, a South Yorkshire network connecting researchers, clinicians, and industry partners to advance women's health innovation.