Fiona Harris

University of Stirling, Nursing Midwifery and Allied Health Professions Research Unit, Faculty Member

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I trained in anthropology at the University of Aberdeen (MA Hons) followed by a PhD at the University of Edinburgh. Since graduating, I have further developed my interests in the sociology and anthropology of health and illness, based on research in the UK.

I am a Senior Lecturer and Programme Director of the MRes Health Research in the Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport at the University of Stirling. Other roles include Academic Editor of PLoS ONE, and Convenor for the ESRC Health, Families, Relationships and Demographic Change Pathway - which assesses PhD studentship applications in this field.

My special interests include: cancer survivorship and mental health; suicide prevention; experiences of chronic and terminal illness; well-being and health; qualitative research methods; accessing ‘hard to reach’ groups; user involvement / public engagement.
Phone: +44 (0)1786 466334
Address: NMAHP Research Unit,
University of Stirling,
Stirling FK9 4LA
Scotland, U.K.

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Papers by Fiona Harris

Studies drawing on qualitative research are funded by the most prestigious research funders in the UK

BMJ (Clinical research ed.), Jan 15, 2016

Barriers and facilitators to smoking cessation in a cancer context: A qualitative study of patient, family and professional views

BMC cancer, Jan 19, 2017

Continued smoking after cancer adversely affects quality of life and survival, but one fifth of c... more Continued smoking after cancer adversely affects quality of life and survival, but one fifth of cancer survivors still smoke. Despite its demands, cancer presents an opportunity for positive behaviour change. Smoking often occurs in social groups, therefore interventions which target families and individuals may be more successful. This qualitative study explored patients, family members and health professionals' views and experiences of smoking and smoking cessation after cancer, in order to inform future interventions. In-depth qualitative interviews (n = 67) with 29 patients, 14 family members and 24 health professionals. Data were analysed using the 'Framework' method. Few patients and family members had used National Health Service (NHS) smoking cessation services and more than half still smoked. Most recalled little 'smoking-related' discussion with clinicians but were receptive to talking openly. Clinicians revealed several barriers to discussion. Particip...

format_quoteHealthcare workers face significant gaps in implementing smoking cessation interventions within cancer care due to lack of research.format_quote

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Effectiveness of Depression-Suicidal Behaviour Gatekeeper Training among police officers in three European regions: Outcomes of the Optimising Suicide Prevention Programmes and Their Implementation in Europe (OSPI-Europe) study

by Celine Larkin, Fiona Harris, and Vita Postuvan

The International journal of social psychiatry, Jan 19, 2016

Gatekeeper training for community facilitators, to identify and respond to those at risk of suici... more Gatekeeper training for community facilitators, to identify and respond to those at risk of suicide, forms an important part of multi-level community-based suicide prevention programmes. This study examined the effects of gatekeeper training on attitudes, knowledge and confidence of police officers in dealing with persons at risk of suicide. A total of 828 police officers across three European regions participated in a 4-hour training programme which addressed the epidemiology of depression and suicidal behaviour, symptoms of depression, warning signs and risk factors associated with suicidal behaviour, motivating help-seeking behaviour, dealing with acute suicidal crisis and informing bereaved relatives. Participants completed internationally validated questionnaires assessing stigmatising attitudes, knowledge about depression and confidence in dealing with suicidal persons pre- and post-training. There were significant differences among countries in terms of previous exposure to s...

Sustainable Maternity Service Provision in Remote and Rural Areas of Scotland: The scoping of core multidisciplinary skills and exploration of best practice in the development and maintenance of skills - Executive Summary

by Fiona Harris, Edwin van Teijlingen, Alice Kiger, and jillian Ireland

format_quotePhase 2 engaged 160 staff, achieving a 77.5% response rate, confirming qualitative findings and identifying training gaps.format_quote

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Beyond Professional Boundaries: Relationships and Social Capital in England and Wales Health Services Modernisation

Sociology of Health Illness, 2013

This article draws on theories of social capital to understand ways in which the negotiation of p... more This article draws on theories of social capital to understand ways in which the negotiation of professional boundaries among healthcare professionals relates to health services change. We compared reconfiguration of respiratory services in four primary care organisations (PCOs) in England and Wales. Service development was observed over 18 months during a period of market-based reforms. Serial interviews with key clinicians and managers from hospital trusts and PCOs followed progress as they collaborated around, negotiated and contested developments. We found that professionals work to protect and expand their claims to work territory. Remuneration and influence was a catalyst for development and was also necessary to establish professional boundaries that underpinned novel service arrangements. Conflict and contest was less of a threat to change than a lack of engagement in boundary work because this engagement produced relationships based on forming shifting professional allegiances across and along boundaries, and these relationships mediated the social capital needed to accomplish change. However, this process also (re)produced inequalities among professions and prevented some groups from participation in service change.

Health benefits of primary care social work for adults with complex health and social needs: a systematic review

by Fiona Harris and Jules McGregor

Health & social care in the community, Jan 5, 2016

The prevalence of complex health and social needs in primary care patients is growing. Furthermor... more The prevalence of complex health and social needs in primary care patients is growing. Furthermore, recent research suggests that the impact of psychosocial distress on the significantly poorer health outcomes in this population may have been underestimated. The potential of social work in primary care settings has been extensively discussed in both health and social work literature and there is evidence that social work interventions in other settings are particularly effective in addressing psychosocial needs. However, the evidence base for specific improved health outcomes related to primary care social work is minimal. This review aimed to identify and synthesise the available evidence on the health benefits of social work interventions in primary care settings. Nine electronic databases were searched from 1990 to 2015 and seven primary research studies were retrieved. Due to the heterogeneity of studies, a narrative synthesis was conducted. Although there is no definitive evide...

Patterns of self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) in insulin-treated diabetes: analysis of a Scottish population over time

Diabetes, obesity & metabolism, Jan 18, 2016

Analysis of a diabetes clinical information system in Tayside, Scotland, shows that a significant... more Analysis of a diabetes clinical information system in Tayside, Scotland, shows that a significant proportion of insulin-treated patients with diabetes are not self-monitoring blood glucose according to current clinical guidance and recommendations. Some are not self-monitoring their blood glucose at all, particularly if older or socially disadvantaged. Although there has been an increase in the numbers of reagent strips dispensed over the past decade, this increase is mainly accounted for by increased testing frequency among people with diabetes already testing.

Depression Awareness and Self-Management Through the Internet: Protocol for an Internationally Standardized Approach

by Celine Larkin, Fiona Harris, Lauraliisa Mark, Chantal Van Audenhove, and Annabel Cebria

JMIR Research Protocols, 2015

Background: Depression incurs significant morbidity and confers increased risk of suicide. Many i... more Background: Depression incurs significant morbidity and confers increased risk of suicide. Many individuals experiencing depression remain untreated due to systemic and personal barriers to care. Guided Internet-based psychotherapeutic programs represent a promising means of overcoming such barriers and increasing the capacity for self-management of depression. However, existing programs tend to be available only in English and can be expensive to access. Furthermore, despite evidence of the effectiveness of a number of Internet-based programs, there is limited evidence regarding both the acceptability of such programs and feasibility of their use, for users and health care professionals. JMIR Res Protoc 2015 | vol. 4 | iss. 3 | e99 | p.1 http://www.researchprotocols.org/2015/3/e99/ (page number not for citation purposes) Arensman et al JMIR RESEARCH PROTOCOLS

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Sustainable maternity services in remote and rural Scotland? A qualitative survey of staff views on required skills, competencies and training

by Alice Kiger and Fiona Harris

Quality and Safety in Health Care, 2005

Objectives: To explore staff views on their roles, skills and training to deliver high quality an... more Objectives: To explore staff views on their roles, skills and training to deliver high quality and local intrapartum services in remote and rural settings against national recommendations. Design: Interview and postal survey. Setting: A stratified representative sample of remote and rural maternity units in Scotland (December 2002 to May 2003. Participants: Staff proportionally representative of professional groups involved in maternity care. Results: Staff interviews took place at 11 units (response rate 93%). A subsequent postal survey included the interview sample and staff in a further 11 units (response rate 78%). Medical specialisation, workforce issues, and proposed regulatory evaluation of competencies linked to throughput raised concerns about the sustainability and safety of services, particularly for ''generalists'' in rural maternity care teams and for medical cover in small district general hospitals with large rural catchments. Risk assessment and decision making to transfer were seen as central for effective rural practice and these were influenced by rural context. Staff self-reported competence and confidence varied according to procedure, but noted service change appeared to be underway ahead of their preparedness. Self-reported competence in managing obstetric emergencies was surprisingly high, with the caveat that they were not independently assessed in this study. Staff with access to video conference technology reported low actual use although there was enthusiasm about its potential use. Conclusions: Considerable uncertainties remain around staffing models and training to maintain maternity care team skills and competencies. Further research is required to test how this will impact on safety, appropriateness, and access and acceptability to rural communities.

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