Rachel Dewar-Haggart

I am the Postdoctoral Qualitative Researcher for a qualitative study aiming to understand and improve endometriosis experiences; by exploring patient and healthcare professionals' experiences of management, diagnosis and treatment of the condition. 

I have over 11 years' experience of working on number of primary care trials, using my expertise in qualitative methods to highlight the importance of communication between patients and general practitioners over a range of conditions.

Just before joining the Medical Sociology & Health Experiences Research Group, I worked on a randomised controlled trial investigating the effectiveness of an eLearning package for primary care practitioners to deliver positive empathic care towards patients during consultations. I have also worked as a qualitative researcher on other randomised controlled trials looking at the effectiveness of the use of the PHQ-9 in consultations for the monitoring and assessment of depression; and an intervention to support both patients and GPs with the discontinuation of long-term antidepressant treatment. 

I completed my PhD at the University of Southampton, which explored beliefs and behavioural intentions towards long-term antidepressant use for the management of people with depression in primary care.

My background in health psychology and qualitative methodology drives my interest in exploring the lived experiences of people with long-term conditions and to improve supported self-management. I have a particular interest in gynaecological health and reducing health inequalities.

I am a Chartered Psychologist with the British Psychological Society, and I am a Visiting Fellow at the University of Southampton's Primary Care Research Centre.