The University of Sheffield
Public Health

Dr Susan Baxter PhD, MSc, MEd, BSc, MRCSLT, FHEA

Sue

Section of Public Health
School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR)
University of Sheffield
Regent Court
30 Regent Street
Sheffield
S1 4DA

Office: Room 2037, 2nd Floor, Regent Court

Tel: (+44) (0)114 222 0852
Fax: (+44) (0)114 272 4095

email : s.k.baxter@sheffield.ac.uk

Biography

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 Sussex and Kent with a wide range of client groups. I managed a paediatric SLT service prior to moving in 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 Research Fellow in the ScHARR Section of Public Health, working within the Public Health Collaborating Centre.

Research Interests

My research interests are predominantly within the field of applied policy research (investigating how healthcare policy is translated in practice) and in methods underpinning how evidence is synthesised and disseminated. 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.

Evidence Synthesis

My current post entails undertaking systematic reviews of public health interventions, including the development of methods for synthesis of qualitative evidence.

Team working and healthcare professional communication systems

Previous PhD study investigated joint working in stroke service delivery, in response to the need for greater understanding of the process of care in evaluating care outcomes. This qualitative multiple case study research developed a framework of elements impacting on team working in stroke services relating to the organisation, team process, professional groupings, and individual team members. I am particularly interested in communication systems operating between staff, and the way in which information and knowledge is exchanged. Also, the potential benefits of team working relating to improved care outcomes and patient safety.

Patient role in healthcare

In the context of changing healthcare delivery, it is important to gain a greater understanding of both staff and patient views regarding the impact of changing practice on the process of care and care outcomes. Patient-centred care is a frequently referred to aim by both policy makers and healthcare staff, but there is a need for more evidence regarding the interpretation of this philosophy in practice. Previous work carried out for a BUPA Foundation study explored doctor-patient written communication, and I am interested in researching professional-patient communication systems further.

Evidence-based practice

My interest in the processes underpinning clinical reasoning developed from my practice as a qualified speech and language therapist and later manager in the NHS, and more recently from training healthcare students and their supervisors. This led to work developing new student teaching, implementing supervising practitioner training, restructuring assessment methods and underpinned the production of a video training resource. There is a need for a greater understanding of complex clinical decision-making systems and practitioner´s use of theory or evidence in their work, as professional decision-making is a key element in care provision.

Teaching Interests

My interests are in interprofessional education and teaching team working practice. Also, in the clinical education of health professionals. In a previous post I was active in researching and introducing innovative methods of implementing policy drivers regarding interprofessional learning.

Current projects

I am currently working on systematic reviews for the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). I am also involved in qualitative data collection and analysis for primary research studies ongoing within the section.

Key publications