Dr Elizabeth Travis

Profile

I am a research fellow working in the field of behavioural oncology within the Leeds Institute of Health Sciences (LIHS). My research focuses on developing and optimising complex health interventions for the earlier diagnosis, prevention and control of cancer. I am particularly interested in trialling interventions which address the psycho-social barriers that delay the diagnosis, treatment and control of cancer in under-served groups. I am interested in optimization trials and clinical trial methodology, and my work focuses on delivering more effective, efficient, and scalable solutions. I employ a variety of quantitative and qualitative methods in my work.

I work as a research fellow on the NIHR funded ROSETA trial, guided by the multiphase optimisation strategy (MOST), an advanced and highly regarded international framework for developing and evaluating complex health behaviour change interventions. The trial aims to optimise a behavioural intervention to Support Endocrine Therapy Adherence for women with breast cancer. I am also a research fellow on the YCR funded FINESSE trial, this trial will evaluate the extent to which finasteride can be used to support men’s adherence to active surveillance for prostate cancer.

I have previously worked as a research fellow at Leeds Beckett University where I conducted qualitative research with patients and informal caregivers to improve cancer diagnosis, treatment, and care, especially for people with pre-existing comorbidities such as dementia and diabetes. During my time at Leeds Beckett University I was also a lecturer on their applied health masters course and supervised final year project students. I have also worked as a research fellow at BIHR where I conducted interviews and co-design activities with patients living with dementia, their informal carers and health and care staff.

My PhD identified the barriers and facilitators to colorectal cancer screening (CRC) intention and uptake. My work tested novel interventions to reduce barriers and promote facilitators to intention and uptake of CRC screening. Within the field of applied health psychology, my research explored the effectiveness of existing NHS health information, procedures, and services on patient barriers such as anxiety, embarrassment, and the intention to attend, and uptake of, bowel cancer screening. I studied for my PhD part time, whilst also teaching as a lecturer in the School of Psychology at University of Leeds. 

I am an editorial board member of the journal Cogent Psychology, and have peer review experience with BMJ open, Preventive medicine, Preventive medicine reports, and British Journal of Health Psychology. I am also a member of the NIHR reviewer development Scheme.

Research interests

• Earlier diagnosis of cancer
• Improved access and uptake to cancer services and treatment
• Inequalities in cancer diagnosis, treatment and care
• Medical adherence and patient safety of oral anti-cancer medications
• Intervention optimisation
• Process evaluations
• Behavioural science/ behaviour change

Qualifications

• PhD in Health Psychology - University of Leeds (2024)
• Msc Psychology Conversion Award - Leeds Beckett University (2018)
• Bsc Information Technology and Management - University of Nottingham (2002)

Professional memberships

• Fellowship of Advance HE

Student education

I have supervised masters and under graduate students with their final year dissertation projects on a range of applied health research subjects including cancer. 

I have my Fellowship in Advance HE (FHEA), awarded during my time as a lecturer in the School of Psychology.