Asthma UK Centre for Applied Research

Christina Pearce

Project: Adherence in Children with problematic Severe Asthma

PhD overview

PhD Title: Adherence in Children with problematic Severe Asthma

Funded by: Asthma UK

Supervisors: Professor Rob Horne, Dr Louise Fleming, Professor Andy Bush & Dr Amy Chan

Based at: University College London

Email: christina.pearce.15@ucl.ac.uk

Headshot of Christina Pearce
Asthma UK Centre for Applied Research PhD student Christina Pearce

This PhD studentship aims to investigate factors related to non-adherence in children with problematic severe asthma (PSA), where asthma continues to be severe despite high levels of prescription medications.

Using the Medical Research Council (MRC) framework for intervention development the PhD will:

  1. Investigate known relevant factors related to non-adherence in asthma through relevant literature reviews
  2. Explore reasons for non-adherence with children with PSA and their parents using qualitative and quantitative research methods,
  3. Use electronic monitoring data (SmartInhaler) to map patterns of non-adherence
  4. Use the accumulating data to develop a pilot feasibility and acceptability intervention study to improve adherence based on the Perceptions and Practicalities Approach.

About me

I have previously completed a BSc and MSc in psychology at The University of Manchester and an MSc in Health Psychology at Liverpool John Moores University. I have worked on projects involving both health practitioner and patients in Medically Unexplained Symptoms, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic Kidney Disease, Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis. I have worked closely with Health psychologists throughout my time studying and working at The University of Manchester and I am now commencing my training as a health psychologist alongside my PhD. I am interested in all long-term conditions and have experience in both qualitative and quantitative methodology.

I am now accredited as a Chartered Psychologist and have been working at Kings' College London since 2020 as Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Health Psychology Section.

Publications

Acknowledgements

Funded by Asthma UK and based at University College London. Observation of clinical practice and research activities will be carried out at The Royal Brompton Hospital.