Amy is a PhD student based at Queens University, Belfast, where she is investigating the factors which influence the chances of patients with severe asthma being prescribed particular medications.
Project Information
Research Driver Programme: Inflammation and Immunity programme
Project title: Exploring the Correlates and Benefits of Specialist Referral in Asthma: an Analysis of Routine Datasets
Summary:
Amy’s PhD project focuses on new biologic treatments for severe asthma. Using a range of data sources.
She will explore what factors – geographic, socioeconomic, and clinical – influence the likelihood of patients with severe asthma being prescribed these medications. Amy will also investigate the benefits of early access to these drugs, including the impact of trajectory on corticosteroid toxicity.
Biologics are effective at improving symptoms, reducing the number of exacerbations experienced and maintenance oral corticosteroid usage. In fact, these new treatments have been so effective has been so prominent it has enabled a new treatment goal of “remission” for individuals with severe asthma. These improvements are beginning to lower the burden of severe asthma on both patients and healthcare systems.
What is your motivation for undertaking this project and how will this funding impact your research?
I hope to refine my programming abilities so I can become a more efficient researcher who can contribute to more intricate projects and to learn more about the impact that health data research has on the healthcare system and patients. This will enable me to tailor the research I complete, ensuring it is not only informative but also beneficial to patients.
