Grace Lewis

Profile

I graduated from the University of Sheffield with a BMedSci (Hons) in Orthoptics and have seven years experience as a clinical Orthoptist in the NHS. I have experience in quantitative and qualitative research methodology, and an interest in improving health-related quality of life. I completed a Master’s in Public Health (distinction) at the University of Edinburgh. During my master’s dissertation I developed an interest in novel familial interventions to improve child and family health, particularly respiratory health.

Research interests

Asthma

Children’s health and familial approaches to improve health

Paediatric asthma and atopic asthma

Smoke-free home promotion

Health inequality

Health-related quality of life

Qualitative research

Public health

Publications are listed at at: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5282-2941

During this PhD, I am conducting a scoping review of the available literature to outline existing knowledge on health beliefs related to indoor environmental asthma triggers, allergic sensitisation, and trigger avoidance behaviours, from the perspective of those 18 years or younger with asthma and/or their parents/carers. The scoping review also aims to identify research gaps and focus the primary data collection stage of the PhD project.  In the next stage, qualitative interviews with children, young people, and their parents/carers are planned, using grounded theory methodology. 

This project is part of the Asthma UK Centre for Applied Research. The Centre is at the forefront of research making a real difference to the lives of those affected by asthma.  This work is funded by Asthma + Lung UK as part of the Asthma UK Centre for Applied Research [AUK-AC-2018-01]

PhD project research outputs:

Poster presentation: 'Determinants of indoor allergen avoidance uptake in the homes of children and young people with severe asthma and allergic sensitisation: a qualitative study.’  World Allergy Congress, World Allergy Organization. Istanbul, October 15^th, 2022

Presentation: ‘Understanding family beliefs and decisions regarding management of asthma triggers in the homes of children and young people: An ongoing qualitative study to inform a grounded theory.’  Asthma UK Centre for Applied Research ASM: 15-16^th June, 2022

Presentation: ‘The challenges of qualitative research with children and young people’ Methodology Session: Research Methods with Children and Young People from PPI to Co-researchers: Asthma UK Centre for Applied Research ASM: 15-16^th June, 2022

Conference presentation: ‘What determines whether families follow advice to avoid indoor environmental triggers of children’s and young peoples’ asthma?  A scoping review.’  15^th International Family Nursing Conference: International Family Nursing Association:  28^th June – 2^nd July, 2021.

Conference poster: ‘What determines the extent to which children & young people avoid asthma triggers at home?’ 10^th World Conference of the International Primary Care Respiratory Group (IPCRG): 6-8^th May, 2021.

Other outputs / Reports:

Rapid Review: Risk of serious COVID-19 outcomes among adults and children with severe asthma: A systematic review and meta-analysis.  USHER Network for COVID-19 Evidence Reviews (UNCOVER), USHER Institute, University of Edinburgh:  [online] Available at: https://www.ed.ac.uk/usher/uncover/our-output/comorbidities-and-covid-19

By: Lee, B., Theodoratou, E., McQuillan, R., Agyei-Manu, E., Atkins, N., Bhattacharyya, U., Dozier, M., Lewis, G. 

Please see below for journal articles-

Qualifications

• MPH Master of Public Health (Distinction)
• Bachelor of Medical Science (BMedSci Hons, Orthoptics)