Subsequent to performing numerous clinical trials, there are several linked programmes of research that I am currently running. The unifying theme of my research portfolio is to present a rational basis for nursing intervention through the expedient of the clinical trial or when appropriate, qualitative methodology in the supportive care of patients including symptomatic care due to disease or treatments.

Thrombosis and Cancer: Stemming from my clinical practice, I developed a special interest in a common symptom of cancer and its treatment, thrombosis. I initiated, funded, implemented and completed a UK-wide study, WARP, of thrombosis prophylaxis in cancer patients with warfarin. This largest ever trial of its kind has led to various national and international thrombosis studies. I was invited in 2007, after interview, to join the Clinical Development Group for the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) clinical guidance on prophylaxis of thrombosis in hospitalised patients, published January 2010. I am currently Chief Investigator of the select-d pilot trial: Anticoagulation Therapy in SELECTeD Cancer Patients at Risk of Recurrence of Venous Thromboembolism (VTE); we are inviting 530 patients to assess the VTE recurrence rate and safety profile in patients receiving low molecular weight heparin or rivaroxaban for 6 months, in addition to assessing optimal duration of anticoagulation treatment (6 v 12 months).

PRO-REHAB: This National Institute for Health Research (NIHR)-funded pilot trial is exploring the optimal model of rehabilitation for patients living with and beyond cancer. After developing the rehabilitation intervention, we are randomising patients with prostate, lung, head and neck, colorectal and breast cancers to usual care vs home-based vs group-based holistic rehabilitation (a psychological, nutritional and exercise-based rehabilitation programme - as per patient needs).

Chemobrain: Following on from patients and carers identifying challenges around cognitive and memory impairment after chemotherapy, we are developing a multi-component study, exploring an intervention memory and attention adaptation therapy (MAAT) for patients; a support package for carers and identification of markers - radiological and blood - of chemobrain.

Mobile Phone Project: Working with the Department of Engineering, University of Oxford Lead Investigator For patients with colorectal and breast cancers, we tested novel technology where patients keyed in their side-effects of chemotherapy treatment via their mobile phones to their specialist nurses to evaluate clinical outcomes of timely monitoring and individual patient feedback. A pilot study of dose optimisation of oral chemotherapy was also successfully completed using this technology. This led to collaboration with the University of Warwick Institute for Digital Health where we implemented a 75 patient pilot study investigating the utility of a home care device (Health Buddy) for cancer patients.