Dr Matthew Bursnall

Population Health, School of Medicine and Population Health

Medical Statistician, Research Fellow

Matthew Bursnall
Profile picture of Matthew Bursnall
m.bursnall@sheffield.ac.uk
+44 114 222 0889

Full contact details

Dr Matthew Bursnall
Population Health, School of Medicine and Population Health
2028
Regent Court (ScHARR)
30 Regent Street
Sheffield
S1 4DA
Profile

I joined the CTRU in 2018, having previously worked as a statistician in the Department for Education and as an econometrician at the National Institute for Economic and Social Research. I mainly work on the statistical design and analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs) but am also involved in observational studies and quantitative social research. Most of my experience has been in the areas of mental health and wellbeing of adults and children, Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Stem Cell therapy.

Qualifications

PhD in Statistics, University of Sheffield 2001
MSc in Statistics, University of Sheffield 1995
BSc in Mathematics, University of Sheffield 1994

Research interests

I have an interest in the following research:

  • Sample size estimation for studies with clustering in a single arm
  • Assumptions for the inter-class correlation coefficient in cluster trials in the absence of previous evidence
  • Unbiased estimation of treatment effects in step-up trials where group-based treatment intensity is increased depending on a post-randomisation interim outcome.
  • Simulating trials using Causal analysis within a Target Trial Framework
     

Current projects

I am currently involved in the delivery of the following projects as part of the statistical team

COMMEND A feasibility study and randomised controlled trial of acceptance and COMmitment therapy for people with Motor nEuroN Disease. This is a collaboration with University College London.

MissionEB A double blinded placebo control study of Mesenchymal Intravenous Stromal cell Infusions in children with recessive dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa. This is a collaboration with Great Ormond Street Hospital and the Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

StarMS The trial aims to compare the efficacy and safety profile of Autologous Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (aHSCT) vs ‘highly effective’ Disease Modifying Therapies (DMTs) – Ocrelizumab, Alemtuzumab, Cladribine and Ofatumumab. This is a collaboration with Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

CONTACT-GAD A randomised CONtrolled trial of Tailored Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for older people with treatment resistant Generalised Anxiety Disorder. This is a collaboration with University College London.

ORION RadiO fRequency ablatION for haemorrhoids (ORION). A Pragmatic multicentre patient-/assessor-blind parallel-group individual participant randomised (1:1 allocation) randomised controlled trial. This is a collaboration with Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

AWARE-IBD The project is working to re-design services and deliver improved outcomes for people living with Crohn’s and Colitis.  This is a collaboration with Crohn’s and Colitis UK.

Recent projects

  • ESEE Steps - Enhancing Social-Emotional Health and Wellbeing in the Early Years
  • ISOCIALISE - Investigating SOcial Competence and Isolation in children with Autism taking part in Lego®-based therapy clubs In School Environments
  • PRIEST - Pre-hospital Pandemic Respiratory Infection Emergency System Triage
  • VTEAM - Venous Thromboembolism Assessment Model Study
Publications

Show: Featured publications All publications

Journal articles

Conference proceedings papers

All publications

Journal articles

Conference proceedings papers

Website content

  • Bursnall MC SAP changing mindsets EEF. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Bursnall M Embedding Formative Assessment SAP. RIS download Bibtex download

Scholarly editions

  • Bursnall M, Nafilyan V & Speckesser S An analysis of the duration and achievement of apprenticeships in England. RIS download Bibtex download

Preprints

Professional activities and memberships

I am the independent statistician on the Data Monitoring Committee or Trial Steering Committees for three trials:

  • TBI Sertraline - A multi-centre, placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomised controlled trial of the clinical and cost-effectiveness of sertraline in preventing depression in adults following a traumatic brain injury.
  • iACT4CARERS –A randomised controlled trial of the clinical and cost effectiveness of internet-delivered self-help Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for family carers of people with dementia.
  • PROSPECT - A multi-centre, two-arm Phase III single-blind randomised controlled trial (RCT) of the clinical cost-effectiveness of targeted psychological therapy for suicidal male prisoners by enhancing access to therapies.