Christina Pearce

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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

• Makhecha S, Chan A, Pearce C, et al, Novel electronic adherence monitoring devices in children with asthma: a mixed-methods study, BMJ Open Respiratory Research 2020;7:e000589. doi: 10.1136/bmjresp-2020-000589

• Pearce CJ, Fleming L. Adherence to medication in children and adolescents with asthma: methods for monitoring and intervention. Expert Rev Clin Immunol. 2018 Dec;14(12):1055-1063. doi: 10.1080/1744666X.2018.1532290. Epub 2018 Oct 15. PMID: 30286679.
• Nelson PA, Kane K, Chisholm A, Pearce CJ, Keyworth C, Rutter MK, Chew-Graham CA, Griffiths CE, Cordingley L; IMPACT Team (Identification and Management of Psoriasis-Associated Co-morbidiTy). 'I should have taken that further' - missed opportunities during cardiovascular risk assessment in patients with psoriasis in UK primary care settings: a mixed-methods study. Health Expect. 2016 Oct;19(5):1121-37. doi: 10.1111/hex.12404. Epub 2015 Sep 4. PMID: 26340682; PMCID: PMC5053232.
• Chisholm A, Nelson PA, Pearce CJ, Keyworth C, Griffiths CE, Cordingley L, Bundy C; IMPACT Team. The role of personal models in clinical management: Exploring health care providers' beliefs about psoriasis. Br J Health Psychol. 2016 Feb;21(1):114-34. doi: 10.1111/bjhp.12148. Epub 2015 Jul 30. PMID: 26223822.
• Nelson PA, Keyworth C, Chisholm A, Pearce CJ, Griffiths CE, Cordingley L, Bundy C; Identification and Management of Psoriasis-Associated Co-morbidiTy (IMPACT) Team. 'In someone's clinic but not in mine'--clinicians' views of supporting lifestyle behaviour change in patients with psoriasis: a qualitative interview study. Br J Dermatol. 2014 Nov;171(5):1116-22. doi: 10.1111/bjd.13231. Epub 2014 Oct 20. PMID: 24981809.
• Pearce CJ., Chisholm A, Nelson PA, Kane K, Keyworth C., Chew-Graham C.A, Griffiths CEM and Cordingley L (2014). “This is more stuff I’ve got to include in my life”: Psoriasis patients’ experience of cardiovascular disease risk assessment: A qualitative study. Presented at the 7th International Congress of Psoriasis: from Gene to Clinic.
• Pearce CJ., Shahi, K., Sergeant J.C., Griffiths C.E.M  and Bundy C (2014) Psoriasis severity is partially explained by illness beliefs, mood and binge eating in overweight individuals. Presented at the 7th International Congress of Psoriasis: from Gene to Clinic

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.