University of Exeter Medical School

Dr Sam Merriel

Dr Sam Merriel

Clinical Senior Research Fellow

 S.W.D.Merriel@exeter.ac.uk

 College House 1.18

 

College House, University of Exeter, St Luke's Campus, Heavitree Road, Exeter, EX1 2LU, UK

Overview

I am a GP and Clinical Senior Research Fellow funded by the CanTest Collaborative, Cancer Research UK's inaugural Catalyst Award programme. Led by Prof Willie Hamilton (Exeter) and Prof Fiona Walter (QMUL/Cambridge), the CanTest Collaborative is a team of primary care cancer researchers who are investigating ways of developing and implementing new and improved cancer diagnostic tests into GP surgeries. I am a member of the Diagnosis of Symptomatic Cancer Optimally (DISCO) team within the Medical School studying the potential impact of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) as a diagnostic test for prostate cancer within primary care.

Qualifications

PhD - Doctor of Philosophy (Medical Studies), University of Exeter, UK (2018-2022)

MRCGP - Member of Royal College of General Practitioners, UK (August 2018)

AFHEA - Associate Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy, Advance HE (2020)

MSc - Masters of Science (Public Health), London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK (2012-2013)

MBBS (Hons) - Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (with honours), Monash University, Australia (2004 - 2009)

BMedSc (Hons) - Bachelor of Medical Science (with honours), Monash University, Australia (2007)

Career

I grew up and studied Medicine in Melbourne, Australia, on the land of the Wurundjeri people to whom I am endebted to. Prior to joining the DISCO team, I completed an NIHR Academic Clinical Fellowship in General Practice in Bristol, working within the Centre for Academic Primary Care at the University of Bristol. I obtained Membership of the Royal College of General Practitioners (MRCGP) in August 2018. I have also completed a Masters of Science (Public Health) at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.

I am Associate Editor and Editorial Board member for the British Journal of General Practice (BJGP), and Senior Board Member for BMC Cancer. I am an early career primary care researcher supported by the NIHR Clinical Research Network West of England, and vice-chair of the Primary Care Academic Collaborative (PACT).

Links

Research group links

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Research

Research interests

My primary research interests focus around the prevention and early detection of cancer in primary care. I am currently studying the potential impact of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) as a diagnostic test for prostate cancer within primary care. I am exploring the accepatability, cost effectiveness, and patient centred outcomes associated with MRI. I have conducted and published research employing systematic reviews and meta-analyses, observational studies using primary and secondary data, delphi studies, and qualitative interviews on a range of topics including prostate cancer diagnoses, hypoalbuminaemia and cancer risk in primary care, and HPV vaccination for cancer prevention.

Research projects

Current Projects:

  • Magnetic resonance imaging for prostate cancer diagnosis in primary care
  • Screening, Prevention and Early Diagnosis of cancer research: A systematic mapping review
  • Primary care models for the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer: the ProsDetect study
  • Evaluating ethnic differences in blood markers of cancer in primary care
  • Be Clear on Cancer 2018 fourth national ‘Blood in pee’ campaign final evaluation
  • How do we care for older housebound people? A feasibility study using the Primary care Academic CollaboraTive (PACT) model

Research networks

CanTest Collaborative

Society for Academic Primary Care

Primary care Academic CollaboraTive (PACT)

Research grants

  • 2022 CRUK
    ‘A multimodal electronic capsule for identification of visual and biological markers of early stage colorectal cancer - Samplecam’
  • 2022 CRUK
    ‘Towards a ‘toothbrush’ sensor for passive biomarker monitoring – “Sens Or Pass”
  • 2021 CRUK
    ‘Evaluating ethnic differences in blood markers of cancer in primary care’ Early Detection and Diagnosis Project Award (A31440) £136,365.88
  • 2021 National Institute for Health Research, Research for Patient Benefit
    ‘Primary care models for the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer: the ProsDetect study’ Research for Patient Benefit competition 43 (NIHR202732) £149,710.00
  • 2021 NIHR School for Primary Care Research
    ‘Presenting Complaints for Prostate Cancer in Primary Care: The PC3 study’
  • 2021 NIHR School for Primary Care Research
    ‘Development of primary care referral guidelines for patients with Papilloedema and Pseudopapilloedema – the DIPP study’
  • 2021 National Institute for Health HSR Programme
    ‘The SPOtting Cancer among Comorbidities (SPOCC) programme. Supporting clinical decision making in patients with symptoms of cancer and pre-existing conditions’
  • 2020 Public Health England
    Be Clear on Cancer 2018 fourth national ‘Blood in pee’ campaign final evaluation £7,500

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Publications

Journal articles

Merriel S (In Press). A modified Delphi study to develop a practical guide for selecting patients with prostate cancer for Active Surveillance. BMC Urology
Merriel S, Hamilton W, Ball S, Hyde C (In Press). A prospective evaluation of the fourth be Clear on Cancer ‘Blood in Pee’ campaign in England. European Journal of Cancer Care
Bailey S, Green H, Merriel S, Oram R, Thirlwell C, Ruth K, Tyrrell J, Weedon M (In Press). Applying a genetic risk score for prostate cancer to men with lower urinary tract symptoms in primary care to predict prostate cancer diagnosis: a cohort study in the UK Biobank. British Journal of Cancer
Down E, Barlow M, Bailey S, Mounce L, Martins T (In Press). Association between patient ethnicity and prostate cancer diagnosis following a Prostate Specific Antigen test: a cohort study of 730,000 men in primary care in the UK. BMC Medicine
Merriel SWD (In Press). Comparison of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging and targeted biopsy with systematic biopsy alone for the diagnosis of prostate cancer. JAMA Network Open
Merriel S, Hamilton W (In Press). Experiences of ‘traditional’ and ‘one-stop’ MRI-based prostate cancer diagnostic pathways in England: a qualitative study with patients and GPs. BMJ Open
Merriel S, Martins T, Bailey S (In Press). Exploring the causes of death among patients with metastatic prostate cancer: a changing landscape. Jama Network Open
Merriel S, Hamilton W (In Press). Improving early cancer diagnosis in primary care. Prescriber
Merriel S (In Press). Lymphoma for GPs across the cancer continuum. InnovAiT
Merriel SWD, Gnanapragasam V (In Press). Prostate cancer treatment choices: the GP’s role in shared decision-making. British Journal of General Practice
Merriel SWD, Tsukagoshi S, Caesar S, Weaver R (In Press). Qualified GPs planning to work overseas: Go, enjoy yourself, and come back’. British Journal of General Practice
Merriel S (In Press). Retrospective cohort study evaluating clinical, biochemical and pharmacological prognostic factors for prostate cancer progression using primary care data. BMJ Open
Merriel S, Hamilton W (In Press). Systemic anticancer therapies and the role of primary care. Prescriber
Merriel S (In Press). Why test study protocol: a UK-wide audit using the Primary Care Academic Collaborative to explore the reasons for primary care testing. British Journal of General Practice
Chen G, Barlow M, Down L, Mounce LTA, Merriel SWD, Watson J, Martins T, Bailey SER (2024). Exploring ethnic differences in the distribution of blood test results in healthy adult populations to inform earlier cancer detection: a systematic review. Family Practice Abstract.
Kirby M, Merriel SWD, Olajide O, Norman A, Vasdev N, Hanchanale V, Cain M, Stephens H, Wilkinson M, Victor D, et al (2024). Is the digital rectal exam any good as a prostate cancer screening test?. British Journal of General Practice, 74(740), 137-139.
Cooper-Moss N, Bajpai A, Smith N, Merriel SWD, Chauhan U (2024). Learning from new colorectal cancers: a qualitative synthesis of significant event reports. BJGP open Abstract.
Pocock L, Palit T, McDermott A, Creavin S, Gilbert E, Merriel S, Moore S, Purdy S, Barclay S, Selman L, et al (2024). What helps or hinders the communication of poor prognosis between secondary and primary care? a systematic review with narrative synthesis. The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners Abstract.
Merriel SWD, Archer S, Forster AS, Eldred-Evans D, McGrath JS, Ahmed HU, Hamilton W, Walter FM (2023). Acceptability of magnetic resonance imaging for prostate cancer diagnosis with patients and GPs: a qualitative interview study. British Journal of General Practice, BJGP.2023.0083-BJGP.2023.0083. Abstract.
Moore CM, King LE, Withington J, Amin MB, Andrews M, Briers E, Chen RC, Chinegwundoh FI, Cooperberg MR, Crowe J, et al (2023). Best Current Practice and Research Priorities in Active Surveillance for Prostate Cancer-A Report of a Movember International Consensus Meeting. European urology oncology, 6(2), 160-182. Abstract.
O'Dowd EL, Merriel SWD, Cheng VWT, Khan S, Howells LM, Gopal DP, Roundhill EA, Brennan PM, Crosbie PAJ, Neal RD, et al (2023). Clinical trials in cancer screening, prevention and early diagnosis (SPED): a systematic mapping review. BMC Cancer, 23(1). Abstract.  Author URL.
Bailey SER, Butler CAM, Katsampouris E, Kessler L, Quaife SL, Saya S, Merriel SWD (2023). Determining the role of genetic risk scores in symptomatic cancer detection. British Journal of General Practice, 73(728), 106-107.
Merriel SW, Seggie A, Ahmed H (2023). Diagnosis of prostate cancer in primary care: navigating updated clinical guidance. The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners, 73(727), 54-55.
Merriel SWD, Francetic I, Buttle P (2023). Direct access to imaging for cancer from primary care. BMJ (Clinical research ed.), 380
Barlow M, Down L, Mounce LTA, Merriel SWD, Watson J, Martins T, Bailey SER (2023). Ethnic differences in prostate-specific antigen levels in men without prostate cancer: a systematic review. Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis, 26(2), 249-256. Abstract.  Author URL.
Watson J, Burrell A, Duncan P, Bennett-Britton I, Hodgson S, Merriel SW, Waqar S, Whiting PF, Primary care Academic CollaboraTive (2023). Exploration of reasons for primary care testing (the Why Test study): a UK-wide audit using the Primary care Academic CollaboraTive. Br J Gen Pract, 74(740), e133-e140. Abstract.  Author URL.
Green HD, Merriel SWD, Oram RA, Ruth KS, Tyrrell J, Jones SE, Thirlwell C, Weedon MN, Bailey SER (2023). Response to: Genetic risk scores may compound rather than solve the issue of prostate cancer overdiagnosis (BJC-LT3342090). Br J Cancer, 128(4), 487-488.  Author URL.
Winn E, Kissane M, Merriel SW, Brain T, Silverwood VA, Whitehead IO, Howe LD, Payne RA, Duncan P, Primary Care Academic Collaborative (PACT), et al (2023). Using the Primary care Academic CollaboraTive to explore the characteristics and healthcare use of older housebound patients in England: protocol for a retrospective observational study and clinician survey (the CHiP study). BJGP Open, 7(4). Abstract.  Author URL.
Hardy V, Yue A, Archer S, Merriel SWD, Thompson M, Emery J, Usher-Smith J, Walter FM (2022). Role of primary care physician factors on diagnostic testing and referral decisions for symptoms of possible cancer: a systematic review. BMJ Open, 12(1), e053732-e053732. Abstract.
Merriel SWD, Pocock L, Gilbert E, Creavin S, Walter FM, Spencer A, Hamilton W (2022). Systematic review and meta-analysis of the diagnostic accuracy of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) for the detection of prostate cancer in symptomatic patients. BMC Medicine, 20(1). Abstract.
Merriel SW, Lee L, Neal R (2021). Community diagnostic centres: bringing diagnostics closer to home. Br J Gen Pract, 71(713), 534-535.  Author URL.
Merriel SWD, Pocock L, Gilbert E, Creavin S, Walter FM, Spencer A, Hamilton W (2021). Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis of the Diagnostic Accuracy of Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) for the Detection of Prostate Cancer in Symptomatic Patients. Abstract.
Duncan P, Payne RA, Merriel S (2020). A new collaborative model of primary care research: could it provide trainees and clinicians with more opportunities to get involved?. British Journal of General Practice, 70(698), 430-431.
Merriel SWD (2020). Active surveillance for prostate cancer: an update. Trends in Urology and Men’s Health
Merriel SWD, Hardy V, Thompson MJ, Walter FM, Hamilton W (2020). Patient-Centered Outcomes from Multiparametric MRI and MRI-Guided Biopsy for Prostate Cancer: a Systematic Review. J Am Coll Radiol, 17(4), 486-495. Abstract.  Author URL.
Martins T, Merriel SWD, Hamilton W (2020). Routes to diagnosis of symptomatic cancer in sub-Saharan Africa: systematic review. BMJ Open, 10(11), e038605-e038605. Abstract.
Merriel SWD, Hetherington L, Seggie A, Castle JT, Cross W, Roobol MJ, Gnanapragasam V, Moore CM, Prostate Cancer UK Expert Reference Group on Active Surveillance (2019). Best practice in active surveillance for men with prostate cancer: a Prostate Cancer UK consensus statement. BJU Int, 124(1), 47-54. Abstract.  Author URL.
Elwenspoek MMC, Sheppard AL, McInnes MDF, Merriel SWD, Rowe EWJ, Bryant RJ, Donovan JL, Whiting P (2019). Comparison of Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Targeted Biopsy with Systematic Biopsy Alone for the Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Netw Open, 2(8). Abstract.  Author URL.
Kesten JM, Flannagan C, Ruane-McAteer E, Merriel SWD, Nadarzynski T, Shapiro G, Rosberger Z, Prue G (2019). Mixed-methods study in England and Northern Ireland to understand young men who have sex with men's knowledge and attitudes towards human papillomavirus vaccination. BMJ Open, 9(5). Abstract.  Author URL.
Merriel SW, Nadarzynski T, Kesten JM, Flannagan C, Prue G (2018). 'Jabs for the boys': time to deliver on HPV vaccination recommendations. Br J Gen Pract, 68(674), 406-407.  Author URL.
Merriel SWD, Flannagan C, Kesten JM, Shapiro GK, Nadarzynski T, Prue G (2018). Knowledge and Attitudes of General Practitioners and Sexual Health Care Professionals Regarding Human Papillomavirus Vaccination for Young Men Who Have Sex with Men. Int J Environ Res Public Health, 15(1). Abstract.  Author URL.
Nicholson BD, Shinkins B, Price S, Verbakel JY, Merriel S (2018). National cancer control plans. The Lancet Oncology, 19(12).
Romero Y, Trapani D, Johnson S, Tittenbrun Z, Given L, Hohman K, Stevens L, Torode JS, Boniol M, Ilbawi AM, et al (2018). National cancer control plans: a global analysis. The Lancet Oncology, 19(10), e546-e555.
Merriel SWD, May MT, Martin RM (2018). Predicting prostate cancer progression: protocol for a retrospective cohort study to identify prognostic factors for prostate cancer outcomes using routine primary care data. BMJ Open, 8(1). Abstract.  Author URL.
Merriel SWD, Funston G, Hamilton W (2018). Prostate Cancer in Primary Care. Adv Ther, 35(9), 1285-1294. Abstract.  Author URL.
(2017). Abstracts of the 2017 World Congress of Psycho-Oncology, 14-18 August 2017, Berlin, Germany. Psychooncology, 26 Suppl 3, 3-167.  Author URL.
Merriel SWD, Turner EL, Walsh E, Young GJ, Metcalfe C, Hounsome L, Tudge I, Donovan J, Hamdy F, Neal D, et al (2017). Cross-sectional study evaluating data quality of the National Cancer Registration and Analysis Service (NCRAS) prostate cancer registry data using the Cluster randomised trial of PSA testing for Prostate cancer (CAP). BMJ Open, 7(11). Abstract.  Author URL.
Lim RS, Evans L, George AP, de Alwis N, Stimpson P, Merriel S, Giddings CEB, Billah B, Smith JA, Safdar A, et al (2017). Do demographics and tumour-related factors affect nodal yield at neck dissection? a retrospective cohort study. J Laryngol Otol, 131(S1), S36-S40. Abstract.  Author URL.
Merriel A, Murove BT, Merriel SWD, Sibanda T, Moyo S, Crofts J (2017). Implementation of a modified obstetric early warning system to improve the quality of obstetric care in Zimbabwe. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GYNECOLOGY & OBSTETRICS, 136(2), 175-179.  Author URL.
Merriel SWD (2017). Management of angina in primary care. Nurse Prescribing, 15(10), 492-497. Abstract.
Merriel SWD, Carroll R, Hamilton F, Hamilton W (2016). Association between unexplained hypoalbuminaemia and new cancer diagnoses in UK primary care patients. Fam Pract, 33(5), 449-452. Abstract.  Author URL.
Merriel A, van der Nelson H, Merriel S, Bennett J, Donald F, Draycott T, Siassakos D (2016). Identifying Deteriorating Patients Through Multidisciplinary Team Training. Am J Med Qual, 31(6), 589-595. Abstract.  Author URL.
Merriel S (2015). Critically appraising the evidence. InnovAiT: Education and inspiration for general practice, 8(9), 562-568. Abstract.
Merriel SWD, Salisbury C, Metcalfe C, Ridd M (2015). Depth of the patient-doctor relationship and content of general practice consultations: cross-sectional study. BRITISH JOURNAL OF GENERAL PRACTICE, 65(637), E545-E551.  Author URL.
Merriel SWD, Andrews V, Salisbury C (2014). Telehealth interventions for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PREVENTIVE MEDICINE, 64, 88-95.  Author URL.
Merriel SWD, Andrews V, Salisbury C (2014). Telehealth interventions for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis (vol 64, pg 88, 2014). PREVENTIVE MEDICINE, 67, 343-343.  Author URL.

Conferences

Prue GE, Flannagan C, Ruane-McAteer E, Merriel SWD, Nadarzynski T, Shapiro GK, Rosberger Z, Kesten JM (2018). "The only way round it is if every male child is vaccinated"; exploring the views of young men-who-have-sex-with-men towards HPV vaccination: a qualitative study.  Author URL.
Fildes A, Aicken C, Merriel SWD, Llewellyn C (2017). Developing a communication toolbox for primary care practitioners to raise the issue of weight with parents of preschool children: a qualitative study.  Author URL.
Prue G, Flannagan C, Kesten J, Merriel S, Shapiro G, Rosberger Z (2017). Exploring views regarding targeted HPV vaccination in young men who have sex with men and their healthcare professionals.  Author URL.
Merriel SWD, Turner EL, Walsh E, Young G, Metcalfe C, Hounsome L, Tudge I, Donovan J, Hamdy F, Neal D, et al (2016). Validation of the National Cancer Registration and Analysis Service prostate cancer registry with data from the CAP study.  Author URL.

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Teaching

I am an experienced educator for undergraduate and postgraduate medical and health sciences courses, in subjects ranging from epidemiology, primary care, and anatomy.

Current teaching roles =

HPDM079 'From Theory to Quality to Practice' - Module co-lead

Communities of Practice tutor, BMBS Year 2

Final Year Project supervisor, BSc Medical Sciences

PBL Reserve tutor, BMBS Year 2

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