Dr Lydia Emerson

I am a Senior Research Fellow with expertise in the process evaluation of complex intervention trials. My research focuses on identifying factors that influence the successful implementation and delivery of trials and interventions, understanding the mechanisms underlying intervention effects, and optimising both trials and interventions to improve their effectiveness and promote wider adoption.

I completed my PhD at Queen’s University Belfast through a nationally competitive four-year Medical Research Council (MRC) Trials Methodology Research Fellowship. My doctoral research focused on developing framework guidance for conducting process evaluations within complex critical care trials. I have extensive experience leading process evaluations in RCTs within critical care and perioperative settings, including VAPrapid-2, POPPI, A2B, and SINFONIA.

At University of Exeter, I am currently conducting the process evaluation for the NIHR-funded CHART Trial (CompreHensive geriatric Assessment for oldeR people with hearT failure and frailty). I also lead a SWAT within the ABC post-ICU transfusion trial, investigating why patients decline participation in a trial focused on recovery from critical illness.