Caroline Katzer

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The aim of the PhD is to develop a theory-based intervention targeting adherence to inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in adults with asthma and to evaluate its acceptability and feasibility in a primary care NHS setting. 

Using the Medical Research Council (MRC) framework for the development of complex interventions the PhD addresses the following objectives:

1. To investigate the theoretical background to non-adherence through relevant literature reviews.
2. To identify needs which are currently unmet in asthma review consultations from the perspective of the healthcare provider in an observational service-evaluation study. 
3. To explore experiences of asthma, ICS and health care services from the patient perspective and to develop the intervention using a person-based approach in a focus group study.
4. To explore the acceptability and efficacy of the intervention’s core component in increasing motivation to adhere to ICS.
5. To investigate the feasibility and acceptability of the theory-based adherence intervention when delivered by pharmacists to adults with asthma in general practice.

About me

I have completed a BSc in Psychology at University of Mannheim in Germany and an MSc in Health Psychology at University of Surrey, UK. Throughout my undergraduate degree I worked as a Research Assistant in the Judgement and Decision Making lab at University of Mannheim. I have experience in both qualitative and quantitative research methodology. My research interests include the development of complex interventions, treatment and illness perceptions, adherence to treatment as well as public health challenges and behaviour change in general.  

Caroline's ResearchGate Profile

Acknowledgements

This research is funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care North Thames at Bart’s Health NHS Trust (NIHR CLAHRC North Thames). The PhD is affiliated with the Asthma UK Centre for Applied Research.Other collaborators include the City & Hackney Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and Haringey CCG.