Dr Susan Baxter
PhD, MSc, MEd, BSc, FHEA
Population Health, School of Medicine and Population Health
Senior Research Fellow


+44 114 222 0852
Full contact details
Population Health, School of Medicine and Population Health
Room 2037, 2nd Floor
Regent Court (ScHARR)
30 Regent Street
Sheffield
S1 4DA
- Profile
-
I joined the University of Sheffield in 1998 and worked firstly in the Department of Human Communication Sciences, then the Academic Unit of Child Health, before joining the School of Health and Related Research.
I have a background as a NHS Speech and Language Therapist, practicing in the Sussex and Kent area with many different client groups. I managed a paediatric SLT service prior to moving to the University sector.
I was involved in the education of SLT students, particularly the clinical practice components, before becoming a full-time researcher. I am currently a Senior Research Fellow in the Section of Public Health within ScHARR.
Current projects
Current projects include working on systematic reviews for the National Institute for Health Research within the two evidence synthesis centres (health services and delivery research, and public health), and a study in the School of Public Health Research examining community involvement in local decision-making.
- Research interests
-
My research interests are predominantly within the field of applied policy research (investigating how healthcare policy is translated in practice). I am particularly in methods underpinning how evidence is synthesised and communicated to different audiences including the public. Having a background as a health professional I also have a particular interest in professional practice within healthcare policy, and communication systems underpinning health care service provision, especially inter-professional and inter-agency working and integrated care systems.
Evidence synthesis
In the last few years I have carried out a large number of systematic reviews for funders including the National Institute of Health Research, The Joseph Rowntree Foundation, and the Health Foundation. I am interested in methodologies for reviewing complex interventions including the use of qualitative evidence synthesis, theoretical perspectives and logic modelling.
Inter-agency and integrated systems in healthcare
I have previously carried out a qualitative investigation of joint working in stroke service delivery, looking at inter-professional and team functioning. I am particularly interested in communication systems operating between staff, and the way in which information and knowledge is exchanged. I have also completed a comprehensive systematic review of integrated care models, looking at the evidence regarding effectiveness and factors influencing outcomes.
- Publications
-
Show: Featured publications All publications
Featured publications
Journal articles
- Effects of service changes affecting distance / time to access urgent and emergency care facilities on patient outcomes : a systematic review. BMC Medicine, 18(1). View this article in WRRO
- Tackling gambling related harms as a public health issue. The Lancet Public Health. View this article in WRRO
- Optimizing the noninvasive ventilation pathway for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neuron disease: a systematic review. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis & Frontotemporal Degeneration. View this article in WRRO
- Towards greater understanding of implementation during systematic reviews of complex healthcare interventions: the framework for implementation transferability applicability reporting (FITAR). BMC Medical Research Methodology, 19. View this article in WRRO
- Learning across the UK: A review of public health systems and policy approaches to early child development since political devolution. Journal of Public Health. View this article in WRRO
- The effects of integrated care: a systematic review of UK and international evidence.. BMC Health Serv Res, 18(1). View this article in WRRO
- The state of the art in non-pharmacological interventions for developmental stuttering. Part 2: Qualitative evidence synthesis of views and experiences. International Journal of Language and Communication Disorders, 51(1), 3-17. View this article in WRRO
- The state of the art in non-pharmacological interventions for developmental stuttering. Part 1: a systematic review of effectiveness. International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders, 50(5), 676-718. View this article in WRRO
- Perceptions of healthcare professionals and managers regarding the effectiveness of GP-led walk-in centres in the UK. BMJ Open, 5(8). View this article in WRRO
- What is the evidence on interventions to manage referral from primary to specialist non-emergency care? A systematic review and logic model synthesis. Health Services and Delivery Research, 3(24).
- Using logic model methods in systematic review synthesis: describing complex pathways in referral management interventions.. BMC Med Res Methodol, 14, 62. View this article in WRRO
- The use of non-invasive ventilation at end of life in patients with motor neurone disease: a qualitative exploration of family carer and health professional experiences.. Palliat Med, 27(6), 516-523. View this article in WRRO
- Barriers and facilitators to the use of high-technology augmentative and alternative communication devices: a systematic review and qualitative synthesis.. Int J Lang Commun Disord, 47(2), 115-129. View this article in WRRO
- Synthesizing diverse evidence: the use of primary qualitative data analysis methods and logic models in public health reviews.. Public Health, 124(2), 99-106.
- Professional differences in interprofessional working.. J Interprof Care, 22(3), 239-251. View this article in WRRO
All publications
Journal articles
- Covariates of success in quitting smoking: a systematic review of studies from 2008 to 2021 conducted to inform the statistical analyses of quitting outcomes of a hospital-based tobacco dependence treatment service in the United Kingdom. NIHR Open Research, 3.
- How to develop rapid reviews of diagnostic tests according to experts: a qualitative exploration of researcher views. Cochrane Evidence Synthesis and Methods, 1(2).
- The move towards living systematic reviews and living guidelines in healthcare: consideration of the possibilities and challenges for living qualitative evidence syntheses. Systematic Reviews, 12.
- Sharing real-world data for public benefit: a qualitative exploration of stakeholder views and perceptions. BMC Public Health, 23(1).
- Delivery of non-invasive ventilation to people living with motor neuron disease in the UK. ERJ Open Research, 9(1).
- The conduct and reporting of qualitative evidence syntheses in health and social care guidelines: a content analysis. BMC Medical Research Methodology, 22(1). View this article in WRRO
- Increasing public participation and influence in local decision-making to address social determinants of health : a systematic review examining initiatives and theories. Local Government Studies.
- Patients’ expectations and experiences of accelerated access to physiotherapy for sciatica : qualitative findings from a mixed-methods study. Physiotherapy, 115, 102-110.
- A qualitative exploration of patient experiences of medication for sciatica. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 55, 102419-102419.
- Is working in later life good for your health? A systematic review of health outcomes resulting from extended working lives. BMC Public Health, 21.
- Should screening for risk of gambling-related harm be undertaken in health, care and support settings? A systematic review of the international evidence.. Addict Sci Clin Pract, 16(1), 35.
- Interventions to reduce the public health burden of gambling-related harms: a mapping review. The Lancet Public Health, 6(1), e50-e63.
- Effects of service changes affecting distance / time to access urgent and emergency care facilities on patient outcomes : a systematic review. BMC Medicine, 18(1). View this article in WRRO
- Current methods for development of rapid reviews about diagnostic tests: an international survey. BMC Medical Research Methodology, 20(1). View this article in WRRO
- Access to primary and community health-care services for people 16 years and over with intellectual disabilities: a mapping and targeted systematic review. Health Services and Delivery Research, 8(5), 1-142. View this article in WRRO
- Tackling gambling related harms as a public health issue. The Lancet Public Health. View this article in WRRO
- Interventions to manage use of the emergency and urgent care system by people from vulnerable groups : a mapping review. Health Services and Delivery Research, 7(33), 1-46. View this article in WRRO
- Digital and online symptom checkers and assessment services for urgent care to inform a new digital platform : a systematic review. Health Services and Delivery Research, 7(29), 1-88. View this article in WRRO
- Digital and online symptom checkers and health assessment/triage services for urgent care : a systematic review. Health Services and Delivery Research, 9.
- The optimisation of non-invasive ventilation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis : a systematic review. European Respiratory Journal. View this article in WRRO
- Optimizing the noninvasive ventilation pathway for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neuron disease: a systematic review. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis & Frontotemporal Degeneration. View this article in WRRO
- Towards greater understanding of implementation during systematic reviews of complex healthcare interventions: the framework for implementation transferability applicability reporting (FITAR). BMC Medical Research Methodology, 19. View this article in WRRO
- Challenges of rapid reviews for diagnostic test accuracy questions: a protocol for an international survey and expert consultation. Diagnostic and Prognostic Research, 3. View this article in WRRO
- Learning across the UK: A review of public health systems and policy approaches to early child development since political devolution. Journal of Public Health. View this article in WRRO
- Understanding new models of integrated care in developed countries: a systematic review. Health Services and Delivery Research, 6(29). View this article in WRRO
- Does early intervention improve outcomes in the physiotherapy management of lumbar radicular syndrome? Results of the POLAR pilot randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open, 8(7), e021631-e021631. View this article in WRRO
- The effects of integrated care: a systematic review of UK and international evidence.. BMC Health Serv Res, 18(1). View this article in WRRO
- A comfort assessment of existing cervical orthoses. Ergonomics, 61(2), 329-338. View this article in WRRO
- Decision-making and referral processes for patients with motor neurone disease: a qualitative study of GP experiences and evaluation of a new decision-support tool. BMC Health Services Research, 17. View this article in WRRO
- Interventions to prevent youth violence in Latin America: a systematic review. International Journal of Public Health, 62(1), 15-29. View this article in WRRO
- Interventions to improve contact tracing for tuberculosis in specific groups and in wider populations: an evidence synthesis. Health Services and Delivery Research, 5(1), 1-102. View this article in WRRO
- Evidence for models of diagnostic service provision in the community: literature mapping exercise and focused rapid reviews. Health Services and Delivery Research, 4(35), 1-362. View this article in WRRO
- Supporting public involvement in interview and other panels: a systematic review. Health Expectations. View this article in WRRO
- Barriers and Facilitators to the Implementation of Interventions to Prevent Youth Violence in Latin America: A Systematic Review and Qualitative Evidence Synthesis. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse. View this article in WRRO
- The meaning of participation to stroke survivors: a qualitative study. International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation, 23(8), 356-362. View this article in WRRO
- DiPALS: Diaphragm Pacing in patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis - a randomised controlled trial.. Health Technol Assess, 20(45), 1-186. View this article in WRRO
- Evaluating public involvement in research design and grant development: Using a qualitative document analysis method to analyse an award scheme for researchers. Research Involvement and Engagement, 13(26). View this article in WRRO
- Interventions to promote or maintain physical activity during and after the transition to retirement: an evidence synthesis. Public Health Research, 4(4), 1-354. View this article in WRRO
- Evaluating a novel cervical orthosis, the Sheffield Support Snood, in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neuron disease with neck weakness. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, 17(5-6), 436-442. View this article in WRRO
- Promoting and maintaining physical activity in the transition to retirement: a systematic review of interventions for adults around retirement age. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 13(1), 12-12. View this article in WRRO
- Non-pharmacological treatments for stuttering in children and adults: a systematic review and evaluation of clinical effectiveness, and exploration of barriers to successful outcomes. Health Technology Assessment, 20(2), 1-302. View this article in WRRO
- The state of the art in non-pharmacological interventions for developmental stuttering. Part 2: Qualitative evidence synthesis of views and experiences. International Journal of Language and Communication Disorders, 51(1), 3-17. View this article in WRRO
- The impact of gastrostomy in motor neurone disease: challenges and benefits from a patient and carer perspective.. BMJ Support Palliat Care, 6(1), 52-59.
- Safety and efficacy of diaphragm pacing in patients with respiratory insufficiency due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (DiPALS): a multicentre, open-label, randomised controlled trial. The Lancet Neurology, 14(9), 883-892. View this article in WRRO
- The state of the art in non-pharmacological interventions for developmental stuttering. Part 1: a systematic review of effectiveness. International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders, 50(5), 676-718. View this article in WRRO
- Perceptions of healthcare professionals and managers regarding the effectiveness of GP-led walk-in centres in the UK. BMJ Open, 5(8). View this article in WRRO
- What is the evidence on interventions to manage referral from primary to specialist non-emergency care? A systematic review and logic model synthesis. Health Services and Delivery Research, 3(24).
- Head-Up; An interdisciplinary, participatory and co-design process informing the development of a novel head and neck support for people living with progressive neck muscle weakness. Journal of Medical Engineering & Technology, 39(7), 404-410.
- Referral interventions from primary to specialist care: a systematic review of international evidence. British Journal of General Practice, 64(629), e765-e774.
- Using logic model methods in systematic review synthesis: describing complex pathways in referral management interventions.. BMC Med Res Methodol, 14, 62. View this article in WRRO
- Factors influencing decision-making in relation to timing of gastrostomy insertion in patients with motor neurone disease.. BMJ Support Palliat Care, 4(1), 57-63.
- The impact on the family carer of motor neurone disease and intervention with noninvasive ventilation.. J Palliat Med, 16(12), 1602-1609.
- Use of non-invasive ventilation at end of life.. Palliat Med, 27(9), 878.
- Understanding referral patterns to an epilepsy clinic: professional perceptions of factors influencing the referral of older adults.. Seizure, 22(9), 698-702.
- The use of non-invasive ventilation at end of life in patients with motor neurone disease: a qualitative exploration of family carer and health professional experiences.. Palliat Med, 27(6), 516-523. View this article in WRRO
- Reducing the time-lag between onset of chest pain and seeking professional medical help: a theory-based review.. BMC Med Res Methodol, 13, 15. View this article in WRRO
- Assessing the health benefits of advice services: using research evidence and logic model methods to explore complex pathways.. Health Soc Care Community, 21(1), 59-68. View this article in WRRO
- The initiation of non-invasive ventilation for patients with motor neuron disease: patient and carer perceptions of obstacles and outcomes.. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener, 14(2), 105-110.
- Interventions using high-technology communication devices: a state of the art review.. Folia Phoniatr Logop, 64(3), 137-144. View this article in WRRO
- Barriers and facilitators to the use of high-technology augmentative and alternative communication devices: a systematic review and qualitative synthesis.. Int J Lang Commun Disord, 47(2), 115-129. View this article in WRRO
- View this article in WRRO
- Factors influencing adherence to antiretroviral treatment in Asian developing countries: a systematic review.. Trop Med Int Health, 17(1), 71-81.
- Views of contraceptive service delivery to young people in the UK: a systematic review and thematic synthesis.. J Fam Plann Reprod Health Care, 37(2), 71-84.
- Views regarding the use of contraception amongst young people in the UK: a systematic review and thematic synthesis.. Eur J Contracept Reprod Health Care, 16(3), 149-160.
- The effectiveness of interventions to establish smoke-free homes in pregnancy and in the neonatal period: a systematic review.. Health Educ Res, 26(2), 265-282.
- Citizens advice in primary care: a qualitative study of the views and experiences of service users and staff.. Public Health, 125(10), 704-710.
- Systematic review and narrative synthesis of the effectiveness of contraceptive service interventions for young people, delivered in educational settings.. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol, 23(6), 341-351.
- Factors relating to the uptake of interventions for smoking cessation among pregnant women: a systematic review and qualitative synthesis.. Nicotine Tob Res, 12(7), 685-694. View this article in WRRO
- Synthesizing diverse evidence: the use of primary qualitative data analysis methods and logic models in public health reviews.. Public Health, 124(2), 99-106.
- Systematic review and narrative synthesis of the effectiveness of contraceptive service interventions for young people, delivered in educational settings.. Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology.
- Promoting wellbeing by changing behaviour: a systematic review and narrative synthesis of the effectiveness of whole secondary school behavioural interventions. Mental Health Review, 15, 45-53.
- Speech and language therapists and teachers working together: Exploring the issues. CHILD LANG TEACH THE, 25(2), 215-234. View this article in WRRO
- Professional differences in interprofessional working.. J Interprof Care, 22(3), 239-251. View this article in WRRO
- Where have all the copy letters gone? A review of current practice in professional-patient correspondence.. Patient Educ Couns, 71(2), 259-264. View this article in WRRO
- Benefits and losses: a qualitative study exploring healthcare staff perceptions of teamworking.. Qual Saf Health Care, 17(2), 127-130. View this article in WRRO
- Once a week is not enough: evaluating current measures of teamworking in stroke.. J Eval Clin Pract, 14(2), 241-247. View this article in WRRO
- Perspectives and Practice: Speech and Language Therapy student views of an interprofessional learning experience.. Learning in Health and Social Care, 2(3), 102-111.
- The application of student-centred learning approaches to clinical education.. Int J Lang Commun Disord, 36 Suppl, 396-400.
- Providing intensive therapy in schools for children with no identified provision.. Int J Lang Commun Disord, 36 Suppl, 104-109.
- Book Review: Quick reference to speech-language pathology. Child Language Teaching and Therapy, 15(3), 282-283.
- Book Review: Survival guide for the beginning speech-language clinician. Child Language Teaching and Therapy, 15(2), 179-180.
- Exploring the relationship between working from home, mental and physical health and wellbeing: a systematic review. Public Health Research, 1-100.
- Factors that influence mental health of university and college students in the UK: a systematic review. BMC Public Health, 22(1).
- Systematic review of the methodological literature for integrating qualitative evidence syntheses into health guideline development. Research Synthesis Methods.
- View this article in WRRO
Chapters
Conference proceedings papers
- P27 Factros that influence mental health of university and college students in the UK: a systematic review. SSM Annual Scientific Meeting
- OP35 Screening interventions for problem gambling in health, care and support settings – a systematic review. Oral Presentations
- P86 Mapping interventions to reduce the public health burden of gambling related harms. Poster presentations
- Understanding public health systems through a participatory systematic review and systems infographic. The Lancet, Vol. 394(supplement 2) (pp S22-S22). London, UK, 29 November 2019 - 29 November 2019. View this article in WRRO
- Public involvement beyond clinical research studies. Trials, Vol. 20(Supplement 1) (pp 25-25). Brighton, UK, 6 October 2019 - 9 October 2019. View this article in WRRO
- Understanding new models of integrated care: a systematic review examining pathways of change, outcomes and impacts. International Journal of Integrated Care, Vol. 18(s2) (pp 2-2), 23 May 2018 - 25 May 2018. View this article in WRRO
- “Nothing about me, without me”. Using user-centred design to develop evidence-based solutions to common problems in Motor neurone disease. Annals of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Vol. 61 (pp e521-e521)
- 4 Enhanced dissemination of evidence syntheses to support emerging new models of care. Workshops
- P96 Limitations of Internet searching for understanding the commissioning and delivery of health services: findings from a systematic review of diagnostic ultrasound services. Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, Vol. 70(Suppl 1) (pp A96.1-A96) View this article in WRRO
- Non-Pharmacological Treatments for Stuttering in Children and Adults: A Systematic Review and Evaluation of Effectiveness, and Exploration of Barriers to Successful. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, Vol. 193 (pp 291-292)
Reports
- Unlocking Data to Inform Public Health Policy and Practice: The Whole Collection
- Data sharing between the NHS and councils to improve the health of local people
- Unlocking Data to Inform Public Health Policy and Practice
- Organisation-wide interventions to promote the health and well-being of healthcare staff during periods of increased demand: a systematic review
- View this article in WRRO
- Multidisciplinary systematic review of the relationships between poverty and stress, low level anxiety and depression across the life course. View this article in WRRO
- Four Nations Study: A comparative systems review and thematic policy analysis of public health across the four constituent countries of the UK
- Guidance for involving members of the public in interview panels, committees, and other panel membership
Posters
Other
- Department of Error. The Lancet, 394(10216), 2242-2242.
Preprints
- Covariates of success in quitting smoking in the community and secondary acute or mental health care services: a rapid systematic review, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
- Factors That Influence Mental Health Of University And College Students In The UK: A Rapid Review, Research Square.
- Increasing Public Participation and Influence in Local Decision-making to Address Social Determinants of Health During Times of Resource Constraint: A Systematic Review Examining Initiatives and Theories.
- Current Methods For Development Of Rapid Reviews About Diagnostic Tests: An International Survey, Research Square Platform LLC.
- Effects of service changes affecting distance / time to access urgent and emergency care facilities on patient outcomes : a systematic review. BMC Medicine, 18(1). View this article in WRRO
- Research group
-
PhD Students
- Erika Atienzo de la Cruz
- Amal Alaswad
- Michael Reddington
- Teaching interests
-
PhD supervision
My main interests are in the three areas of public health, health service delivery, and the communication and use of research evidence. I am particularly interested in studies using qualitative methodologies, or evidence synthesis, or mixed methods.
I currently have three PhD students, and have supervised three previous PhD students to successful completion of their studies.