Natassia Brenman

I am a social scientist working at the intersection of medical anthropology, sociology, and science and technology studies. I use ethnographic methods to understand patterns of inclusion and exclusion that emerge from change and innovation in healthcare. This speaks to a longstanding commitment to promoting more ethical and inclusive approaches to healthcare more broadly. 

I joined the department in November 2022 to work within the IRIHS research group on two projects funded by the National Institute for Health Research. I lead the ethnographic component of ModCons (following Remote by Default II) exploring decision-making about different modes of consultation in general practice, and I contribute to the OSIRIS study on shared decision-making for patients contemplating high risk surgery. I am now PI on the SEARCH study, a mixed methods feasibility study exploring remote primary care for patients who have been excluded from their usual GP and placed on the Special Allocation Scheme.

My current projects relate to two major threads of my previous research: problems around access to care, and the role of technology in shaping health and medicine. My ESRC-funded PhD was an 'ethnography of access' in third sector mental health services in London and my postdoctoral work, based at the University of Cambridge and Goldsmiths, focussed on the social and ethical implications of dementia prevention technology, including the acceleration of remote assessments in the pandemic. Linked to this work was the Somatosphere blog series Tracking Digital Psy: Mental Health and Technology in an Age of Disruption', and a public engagement project covered in KCL's Our Sick Society podcast. 

I co-lead the Social Theory Group based in the department of Primary Care Health Sciences and I am a supervisor and module lead (PCPE) on the Translational Health Science MSc. I am also interested to hear from potential DPhil students who share my research interests.