Dr Carrie Stewart

Biography

My research is focused on older peoples' health. My early research surrounded pain management I have since explored pain management in acute care settings and developed new interests and experience in different methodologies in the fields of dementia, stroke, deprescribing (anticholinergics). I have experience in qualitative interviewing, quantitative surveys, systematic reviews, clinical trials, developing feasibility studies, public and patient involvement and co-development. 

I am currently CI on an NHS Grampian funded project, EXPERTISE (Exploring a Patient Empowerment approach to Reducing use of Anticholinergic Medication Use: Health professional views). EXPERTISE aims to find out how acceptable empowering patients to ask more questions about their medicines is to healthcare professionals. We are using our previously developed materials including a short video (https://youtu.be/3QcHKqQpr9E) to frame this approach around. Results expected October 2023.

I am also CI on an NHS Grampian funded project, EVOLTUION (Evaluating the Impact of Older Peoples Public and Patient Involvement contributions). EVOLUTION seeks to build a framework for the evaluation of a PPI group (as opposed to evaluating PPI within an individual study). We are conducting focus groups and interviews with a range of stakeholders to ensure the framework represents all perspectives. Results expected December 2023.

I lead on the ACER PPI group, developed in 2019, to promote the engagement of older people and their carers with older peoples research. I actively promote co-development and continue to develop my skills in this important areas.

I am a member of the Scottish Pain Research Community (SPaRC) committee. I am also involved in the forthcoming SIGN Chronic Pain guidelines 2023/2024 update. I am also working on a project led by the University of Plymouth to develop an innovative digital solution to the dental health crisis facing persons living with dementia and their carers. 

External Memberships

Independent Research Ethics Commitee Member: The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association Oct 2020 - Present

Committee Member: The Scottish Pain Research Collaboration May 2022- Present

Research Overview

The aim of my research is to develop ways of improving the health, care experiences, and quality of life of older people. I am an active promoter of the value of PPI in achieving this and I am committed to improving the use of PPI within the ageing health field.

Current Research

I am currently CI on an NHS Grampian funded project, EXPERTISE (Exploring a Patient Empowerment approach to Reducing use of Anticholinergic Medication Use: Health professional views). EXPERTISE aims to find out how acceptable empowering patients to ask more questions about their medicines is to healthcare professionals. We are using our previously developed materials including a short video (https://youtu.be/3QcHKqQpr9E) to frame this approach around. 

The broader aim of my research interest in this area is to identify all the small areas of change required to promote better prescribing practices overall. There are a number of individual and system challenges currently inhibiting good prescribing practices. Many of these challenges can be overcome through simple changes or additions. In the current context of healthcare, simple, low resource solutions are imperative. I have been involved in examining the risks and approaches to deprescribing of anticholinergic medicines since 2018.

I am also working on a project led by the University of Plymouth to develop an innovative digital solution to the dental health crisis facing persons living with dementia and their carers. Presently many persons living with dementia miss out on important dental health checks and are at greater risk of missing out than those without dementia due to the additional challenges persons living with dementia face in accessing dental care. Dental pain in persons living with dementia has been identified as a national health priority due to the impact it has not only upon the individual, but those caring for that individual. Digital technologies where dental health can be assessed remote of the dental clinic offer one potential solution to this important problem. We are currently working with several stakeholder groups to develop the prototype of this intervention.

Past Research

My research is focused around older adults’ health. My early research surrounded pain management and my PhD thesis focused on developing a better understanding of the concept older adults' pain self-management. I have since explored pain management in acute care settings, and developed new interests and experience in different methodologies in the fields of dementia, stroke, glaucoma and anticholinergic burden. I have experience in qualitative interviewing, quantitative surveys, systematic reviews, and clinical trials.  

Knowledge Exchange

I lead on the ACER PPI group, developed in 2019, to promote the engagement of older people and their carers with older peoples research. More information on our PPI group can be found here: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/iahs/research/acer/acer-ppi-group-members-1972.php

We have also spent extensive time co-developing patient facing materials with our PPI group, to promote awareness of anticholinergic medications and what patients can do if they have any concerns about their medications: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/iahs/research/acer/anticholinergic-medications-1984.php

Funding and Grants

NHS Grampian Endowment: EXPERTISE (Exploring health professional views towards a patient empowerment approach to reducing use of anticholinergic medications) £    11,513.19                                                             

NHS Grampian Endowment:- Evaluating the impact of older Peoples PPI contributions. £19,112.98

NHS Grampian Endowment: