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Researcher brings clinical trials experience to the University

Simon Coulton, an experienced and successful researcher in controlled clinical trials, has been appointed Reader in Health Services Research at the Centre for Health Services Studies (CHSS), University of Kent.

He brings to CHSS a wealth of experience in setting up and running a clinical trials unit, as well as experience in epidemiological and quantitative research methods.

Possessing a background in psychology and psychosocial interventions, particularly for trials in alcohol and substance abuse, Simon Coulton has been involved with many large-scale clinical trials that have changed the way healthcare in the UK is provided. His previous research and work has contributed to the replacement of health visitor checks for deafness in babies with post-natal screening, the reduction in surgery for children with glue ear, radical changes to the management of back pain and the introduction of self-management in heart failure.

His current research includes a £987,000 three year project examining care interventions for older people who misuse alcohol. More than 20 general practices in England are recruiting 500 patients to take part in the project, which aims to learn whether counselling and motivational therapy can help older people manage their use of alcohol. The project is funded by the NHS Health Technology Assessment Programme.

Andy Alaszewski, Professor of Health Studies and Director of CHSS, said: 'We are delighted to welcome Simon to CHSS. His skills complement the unit's growing ability to conduct mixed methods research and clinical trials. We are very pleased to have him at the University of Kent and look forward to his developing research partnerships here with health and social care organisations and agencies.'

Contact: mediaoffice@kent.ac.uk

Story published at 9:50am 6 February 2008