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Dr Rachel McNamara
Director for Brain Health and Mental Wellbeing Trials and Principal Research Fellow
- Available for postgraduate supervision
Overview
I am a Chartered Psychologist and trials methodologist, experienced in the development and delivery of behavioural interventions and clinical trials of Investigational Medicinal Products, with a focus on neurodevelopment (intellectual disability and autism) and mental health (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder; psychosis; adolescent depression).
My post encompasses two roles: as Deputy Director of the Mind, Brain and Neuroscience division within the Centre for Trials Research (CTR), and as Head of Trial Management across the four divisions of CTR (Mind, Brain and Neuroscience; Population Health; Infection, Inflammation and Immunity; Cancer).
Publication
2024
- Gray, K. M. et al. 2024. Specific phobias in children with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities: SPIRIT, an adaptation and feasibility study. Health Technology Assessment 28(64) (10.3310/LRWD7852)
- Totsika, V. et al. 2024. Mapping the pathway and support offered to children with an intellectual disability referred to specialist mental health services in the UK.. BJPsych Bulletin (10.1192/bjb.2024.63)
- Langdon, P. E. et al. 2024. Behavioural interventions to treat anxiety in adults with autism and moderate to severe intellectual disabilities: The BEAMS ‐ ID feasibility study. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities 37(5), article number: e13282. (10.1111/jar.13282)
- Randell, E. et al. 2024. Watch Me Play!: protocol for a feasibility study of a remotely delivered intervention to promote mental health resilience for children (ages 0–8) across UK early years and children’s services. Pilot and Feasibility Studies 10(1), article number: 55. (10.1186/s40814-024-01491-7)
- Randell, E. et al. 2024. Exploring critical intervention features and trial processes in the evaluation of sensory integration therapy for autistic children. BMC Trials 25(1), article number: 131. (10.1186/s13063-024-07957-6)
- Scior, K. et al. 2024. Digital adaptation of the Standing up for Myself intervention in young people and adults with intellectual disabilities: the STORM feasibility study. Project Report. [Online]. National Institute for Health Research. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3310/NCBU6224
- Langdon, P. E. et al. 2024. Behavioural interventions to treat anxiety in adults with autism and moderate to severe intellectual disabilities: the BEAMS-ID feasibility study. Health Technology Assessment 28(72), pp. 1-147. (10.3310/mwtq5721)
2023
- Bisson, J. et al. 2023. Pragmatic randomised controlled trial of guided self-help versus individual cognitive behavioural therapy with a trauma focus for post-traumatic stress disorder (RAPID). Health Technology Assessment 27, article number: 26. (10.3310/YTQW8336)
- Simon, N. et al. 2023. The acceptability of a guided internet-based trauma-focused self-help programme (Spring) for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). European Journal of Psychotraumatology 14(2), article number: 2212554.
- Bevan-Jones, R. et al. 2023. Further development and feasibility randomised controlled trial of a digital programme for adolescent depression, MoodHwb: study protocol. BMJ Open 13(6), article number: e070369. (10.1136/bmjopen-2022-070369)
- Richardson, L. et al. 2023. Standing up for Myself (STORM): Adapting and piloting a web-delivered psychosocial group intervention for people with intellectual disabilities. Research in Developmental Disabilities 137, article number: 104496. (10.1016/j.ridd.2023.104496)
2022
- Milosevic, S. et al. 2022. Understanding the support experiences of families of children with autism and sensory processing difficulties: A qualitative study.. Health Expectations 25(3), pp. 1118-1130. (10.1111/hex.13465)
- Bisson, J. I. et al. 2022. Guided, internet based, cognitive behavioural therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder: pragmatic, multicentre, randomised controlled non-inferiority trial (RAPID). BMJ 377, article number: e069405. (10.1136/bmj-2021-069405)
- Randell, E. et al. 2022. Sensory integration therapy for children with autism and sensory processing difficulties: the SenITA RCT. Health Technology Assessment 26(29) (10.3310/TQGE0020)
- Randell, E., McNamara, R. and Busse, M. 2022. Process evaluation in intellectual disability research: A case study and the need for adaptation of frameworks. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities 35(1), pp. 188-195. (10.1111/jar.12938)
2021
- Coulman, E. et al. 2021. Early positive approaches to support (E-PAtS) for families of young children with intellectual disability: a feasibility randomised controlled trial. Frontiers in Psychiatry 12, article number: 729129. (10.3389/fpsyt.2021.729129)
- Subramanian, L. et al. 2021. Neurofeedback training versus treatment-as-usual for alcohol dependence: results of an early-phase randomized controlled trial and neuroimaging correlates. European Addiction Research 27(5), pp. 381-394. (10.1159/000513448)
- Direito, B. et al. 2021. Training the social brain: clinical and neural effects of an 8-week real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging neurofeedback Phase IIa clinical trial in autism. Autism 25(6), pp. 1746-1760. (10.1177/13623613211002052)
2020
- Hackett, S. S. et al. 2020. A randomised controlled feasibility study of interpersonal art psychotherapy for the treatment of aggression in people with intellectual disabilities in secure care. Pilot and Feasibility Studies 6(1), article number: 180. (10.1186/s40814-020-00703-0)
- Taylor, P. J. et al. 2020. A randomised controlled trial of a Group psychological intervention to increase locus of control for alcohol consumption among Alcohol-Misusing Short-term (male) Prisoners (GASP). Addiction 115(10), pp. 1844-1854. (10.1111/add.15006)
- Coulman, E. et al. 2020. The Early Positive Approaches to Support (E-PAtS) study: study protocol for a feasibility cluster randomised controlled trial of a group programme (E-PAtS) for family caregivers of young children with intellectual disability. Pilot and Feasibility Studies 6(1), article number: 147. (10.1186/s40814-020-00689-9)
- McNamara, R. and Smith, A. P. 2020. Combined effects of fatigue indicators on the health and wellbeing of workers in the offshore oil industry. Journal of Health and Medical Sciences 3(3), pp. 270-276. (10.31014/aior.1994.03.03.122)
- Wellens, B., McNamara, R., Ellis, N. and Smith, A. 2020. Combined effects of occupational noise exposure and shiftwork on performance tasks in a seafaring population. International Journal of Humanities Social Sciences and Education 7(7), pp. 150-156. (10.20431/2349-0381.0707017)
- McNamara, R., Wellens, B. and Smith, A. 2020. Combined effects of occupational hazards: The impact of combined stressors on health and work performance. Journal of Health and Medical Sciences 3(2), pp. 200-207. (10.31014/aior.1994.03.02.116)
2019
- Drew, C. J. G. et al. 2019. A protocol for a randomised controlled, double-blind feasibility trial investigating fluoxetine treatment in improving memory and learning impairments in patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy: Fluoxetine, Learning and Memory in Epilepsy (FLAME trial). Pilot and Feasibility Studies 5(1), article number: 87. (10.1186/s40814-019-0474-x)
- Randell, E. et al. 2019. Sensory integration therapy versus usual care for sensory processing difficulties in autism spectrum disorder in children: study protocol for a pragmatic randomised controlled trial.. Trials 20, article number: 113. (10.1186/s13063-019-3205-y)
- Flynn, S., Hastings, R., McNamara, R., Gillespie, D., Randell, E., Richards, L. and Taylor, Z. 2019. Who’s challenging who?: A co-produced approach for training staff in learning disability services about challenging behaviour. Tizard Learning Disability Review 24(4), pp. 192-199. (10.1108/TLDR-03-2019-0013)
2018
- Flynn, S., Hastings, R., Gillespie, D., McNamara, R. and Randell, E. 2018. Is the amount of exposure to aggressive challenging behaviour related to staff work-related 14 well-being in intellectual disability services? Evidence from a clustered research design.. Research in Developmental Disabilities 81, pp. 155-161. (10.1016/j.ridd.2018.04.006)
- Hastings, R. et al. 2018. Who’s challenging who training for staff empathy towards adults with challenging behaviour: cluster randomised controlled trial. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research 62(9), pp. 798-813. (10.1111/jir.12536)
- Amaral, C. et al. 2018. A feasibility clinical trial to improve social attention in Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) using a brain computer interface. Frontiers in Neuroscience 12, article number: 477. (10.3389/fnins.2018.00477)
- Vereenooghe, L. et al. 2018. Interventions for mental health problems in children and adults with severe intellectual disabilities: a systematic review. BMJ Open 8(6), article number: e021911. (10.1136/bmjopen-2018-021911)
- Randell, E., McNamara, R., Subramanian, L., Hood, K. and Linden, D. 2018. Current practices in clinical neurofeedback with functional MRI—Analysis of a survey using the TIDieR checklist. European Psychiatry 50, pp. 28-33. (10.1016/j.eurpsy.2017.10.011)
- Nollett, C. et al. 2018. Pragmatic RAndomised controlled trial of a trauma-focused guided self-help Programme versus InDividual trauma-focused cognitive Behavioural therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (RAPID): trial protocol. BMC Psychiatry 18(1), article number: 77. (10.1186/s12888-018-1665-3)
2017
- Randell, E., Hastings, R., McNamara, R., Knight, R., Gillespie, D. and Taylor, Z. 2017. Effectiveness of the ‘Who’s Challenging Who’ support staff training intervention to improve attitudes and empathy towards adults with intellectual disability and challenging behaviours: study protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial.. Trials 18, article number: 460. (10.1186/s13063-017-2175-1)
- Copeland, L., Meek, A., Kerr, M., Robling, M., Hood, K. and McNamara, R. 2017. Measurement of side effects of anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) in adults with intellectual disability: A systematic review. Seizure - European Journal of Epilepsy 51, pp. 61-73. (10.1016/j.seizure.2017.07.013)
- Flynn, S. et al. 2017. Measurement tools for mental health problems and mental well-being in people with severe or profound intellectual disabilities: A systematic review. Clinical Psychology Review 57, pp. 32-44. (10.1016/j.cpr.2017.08.006)
- McNamara, R. et al. 2017. A pilot randomised controlled trial of community-led ANtipsychotic Drug REduction for Adults with Learning Disabilities. Project Report. [Online]. Health Technology Assessment. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3310/hta21470
- Copeland, L., McNamara, R., Kelson, M. and Simpson, S. 2017. The development of a coding system to code planning talk within motivational interviewing. Patient Education and Counseling 100(2), pp. 313-319. (10.1016/j.pec.2016.09.003)
2016
- Cox, W. et al. 2016. Neurofeedback training for alcohol dependence versus treatment as usual: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials 17(1), pp. 480. (10.1186/s13063-016-1607-7)
- Randell, E. et al. 2016. The use of everolimus in the treatment of neurocognitive problems in tuberous sclerosis (TRON): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. Trials 17, article number: 398. (10.1186/s13063-016-1446-6)
- Moriarty, Y., McNamara, R., Robling, M. R., Bezeczky, Z., Playle, R. A. and Taylor, P. J. 2016. Contextual and personal factors impact on intervention delivery in the GASP (Groups for Alcohol-misusing Short-term Prisoners) trial. Presented at: 12th UKSBM Annual Scientific Meeting: Complex interventions in a complex world: applications of Behavioural Medicine, Cardiff, UK, 1-2 December 2016.
2015
- Randell, E., McNamara, R., Shaw, C., Espinasse, A. and Simpson, S. A. 2015. Challenges of a community based pragmatic, randomised controlled trial of weight loss maintenance. BMC Research Notes 8(1), article number: 802. (10.1186/s13104-015-1791-7)
- Moriarty, Y., McNamara, R., Robling, M. R., Kissell, A., Playle, R. A. and Taylor, P. J. 2015. Developing a process evaluation model in the GASP (groups for alcohol-misusing short-term prisoners) trial. Trials 16(S2), pp. 9. (10.1186/1745-6215-16-S2-P9)
- Simpson, S. A. et al. 2015. A feasibility randomised controlled trial of a motivational interviewing-based intervention for weight loss maintenance in adults. Health Technology Assessment 19(50) (10.3310/hta19500)
- Copeland, L., McNamara, R., Kelson, M. and Simpson, S. 2015. Mechanisms of change within motivational interviewing in relation to health behaviors outcomes: a systematic review. Patient Education and Counseling 98(4), pp. 401-411. (10.1016/j.pec.2014.11.022)
- Smith, A. P. and McNamara, R. 2015. The combined effects of occupational stressors on health and wellbeing in the offshore oil industry. In: Contemporary Ergonomics and Human Factors 2015: Proceedings of the International Conference on Ergonomics & Human Factors 2015, Daventry, Northamptonshire, UK, 13-16 April 2015. Sharples, S., Shorrock, S. and Waterson, P. Contemporary Ergonomics Taylor & Francis, pp. 423-429.
- Lowes, L. M., Eddy, D., Channon, S. J., McNamara, R., Robling, M. R. and Gregory, J. W. 2015. The experience of living with Type 1 Diabetes and attending clinic from the perception of children, adolescents and carers: Analysis of qualitative data from the DEPICTED study. Journal of Pediatric Nursing 30(1), pp. 54-62. (10.1016/j.pedn.2014.09.006)
2012
- Robling, M. R. et al. 2012. The effect of the Talking Diabetes consulting skills intervention on glycaemic control and quality of life in children with type 1 diabetes: cluster randomised controlled trial (DEPICTED study). British Medical Journal 344, article number: e2359. (10.1136/bmj.e2359)
- McNamara, R., Simpson, S. A. and Shaw, C. 2012. Wie lässt sich eine erreichte Gewichtsreduktion am besten erhalten? [How can successful weight reduction be maintained the best?]. Praxis 101(8), pp. 539-543. (10.1024/1661-8157/a000906)
2011
- Gregory, J. W. et al. 2011. Development and evaluation by a cluster randomised trial of a psychosocial intervention in children and teenagers experiencing diabetes: The DEPICTED study. Health Technology Assessment 15(29), pp. 1-202. (10.3310/hta15290)
- Smith, A. P., McNamara, R. and Wellens, B. T. 2011. A holistic approach to stress and well-being. Part 3: Combined effects of job characteristics on stress and other outcomes. Occupational Health [At Work] 8(2), pp. 34-35.
2010
- McNamara, R. et al. 2010. Development and evaluation of a psychosocial intervention for children and teenagers experiencing diabetes (DEPICTED): a protocoal for a cluster randomised controlled trial of the effectiveness of a communication skills training programme for healthcare professionals working with young people with type 1 diabetes. BMC Health Services Research 10(36) (10.1186/1472-6963-10-36)
2009
- Shaw, C. et al. 2009. Systematic review of respite care in the frail elderly. Health Technology Assessment 13(20), pp. 1-246. (10.3310/hta13200)
2008
- McNamara, R. 2008. Combined and selective effects of environmental and psychosocial workplace hazards: associations with health and well-being in public sector employees. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University.
- Wadsworth, E. J. K., Allen, P. H., McNamara, R. L. and Smith, A. P. 2008. Fatigue and health in a seafaring population. Occupational Medicine 58(3), pp. 198-204. (10.1093/occmed/kqn008)
2006
- Wadsworth, E. J. K., Allen, P. H., Wellens, B. T., McNamara, R. and Smith, A. P. 2006. Patterns of fatigue among seafarers during a tour of duty. American Journal of Industrial Medicine 49(10), pp. 836-844. (10.1002/ajim.20381)
2005
- Wellens, B. T., McNamara, R., Allen, P. H. and Smith, A. P. 2005. Collisions and collision risk awareness at sea: Data from a variety of seafarers. Presented at: Contemporary Ergonomics 2005, Hatfield, UK, 5-7 April 2005 Presented at Bust, P. D. and McCabe, P. T. eds.Contemporary Ergonomics 2005. London: Taylor & Francis pp. 573-577.
- McNamara, R., Allen, P. H., Wellens, B. T. and Smith, A. P. 2005. Fatigue at sea: amendments to working time directives and management guidelines. Presented at: Contemporary Ergonomics 2005, Hatfield, UK, 5-7 April 2005 Presented at Bust, P. D. and McCabe, P. T. eds.Contemporary Ergonomics 2005. London: Taylor & Francis pp. 568-572.
- Allen, P. H., Wellens, B. T., McNamara, R. and Smith, A. P. 2005. It's not all plain sailing. Port turn-arounds and seafarers' fatigue: A case study. Presented at: Contemporary Ergonomics 2005, Hatfield, UK, 5-7 April 2005 Presented at Bust, P. D. and McCabe, P. T. eds.Contemporary Ergonomics 2005. London: Taylor & Francis pp. 563-567.
2004
- Smith, A. P., McNamara, R. L. and Wellens, B. T. 2004. Combined effects of occupational health hazards. Research Report Vol. 287. HSE Books.
Articles
- Gray, K. M. et al. 2024. Specific phobias in children with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities: SPIRIT, an adaptation and feasibility study. Health Technology Assessment 28(64) (10.3310/LRWD7852)
- Totsika, V. et al. 2024. Mapping the pathway and support offered to children with an intellectual disability referred to specialist mental health services in the UK.. BJPsych Bulletin (10.1192/bjb.2024.63)
- Langdon, P. E. et al. 2024. Behavioural interventions to treat anxiety in adults with autism and moderate to severe intellectual disabilities: The BEAMS ‐ ID feasibility study. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities 37(5), article number: e13282. (10.1111/jar.13282)
- Randell, E. et al. 2024. Watch Me Play!: protocol for a feasibility study of a remotely delivered intervention to promote mental health resilience for children (ages 0–8) across UK early years and children’s services. Pilot and Feasibility Studies 10(1), article number: 55. (10.1186/s40814-024-01491-7)
- Randell, E. et al. 2024. Exploring critical intervention features and trial processes in the evaluation of sensory integration therapy for autistic children. BMC Trials 25(1), article number: 131. (10.1186/s13063-024-07957-6)
- Langdon, P. E. et al. 2024. Behavioural interventions to treat anxiety in adults with autism and moderate to severe intellectual disabilities: the BEAMS-ID feasibility study. Health Technology Assessment 28(72), pp. 1-147. (10.3310/mwtq5721)
- Bisson, J. et al. 2023. Pragmatic randomised controlled trial of guided self-help versus individual cognitive behavioural therapy with a trauma focus for post-traumatic stress disorder (RAPID). Health Technology Assessment 27, article number: 26. (10.3310/YTQW8336)
- Simon, N. et al. 2023. The acceptability of a guided internet-based trauma-focused self-help programme (Spring) for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). European Journal of Psychotraumatology 14(2), article number: 2212554.
- Bevan-Jones, R. et al. 2023. Further development and feasibility randomised controlled trial of a digital programme for adolescent depression, MoodHwb: study protocol. BMJ Open 13(6), article number: e070369. (10.1136/bmjopen-2022-070369)
- Richardson, L. et al. 2023. Standing up for Myself (STORM): Adapting and piloting a web-delivered psychosocial group intervention for people with intellectual disabilities. Research in Developmental Disabilities 137, article number: 104496. (10.1016/j.ridd.2023.104496)
- Milosevic, S. et al. 2022. Understanding the support experiences of families of children with autism and sensory processing difficulties: A qualitative study.. Health Expectations 25(3), pp. 1118-1130. (10.1111/hex.13465)
- Bisson, J. I. et al. 2022. Guided, internet based, cognitive behavioural therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder: pragmatic, multicentre, randomised controlled non-inferiority trial (RAPID). BMJ 377, article number: e069405. (10.1136/bmj-2021-069405)
- Randell, E. et al. 2022. Sensory integration therapy for children with autism and sensory processing difficulties: the SenITA RCT. Health Technology Assessment 26(29) (10.3310/TQGE0020)
- Randell, E., McNamara, R. and Busse, M. 2022. Process evaluation in intellectual disability research: A case study and the need for adaptation of frameworks. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities 35(1), pp. 188-195. (10.1111/jar.12938)
- Coulman, E. et al. 2021. Early positive approaches to support (E-PAtS) for families of young children with intellectual disability: a feasibility randomised controlled trial. Frontiers in Psychiatry 12, article number: 729129. (10.3389/fpsyt.2021.729129)
- Subramanian, L. et al. 2021. Neurofeedback training versus treatment-as-usual for alcohol dependence: results of an early-phase randomized controlled trial and neuroimaging correlates. European Addiction Research 27(5), pp. 381-394. (10.1159/000513448)
- Direito, B. et al. 2021. Training the social brain: clinical and neural effects of an 8-week real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging neurofeedback Phase IIa clinical trial in autism. Autism 25(6), pp. 1746-1760. (10.1177/13623613211002052)
- Hackett, S. S. et al. 2020. A randomised controlled feasibility study of interpersonal art psychotherapy for the treatment of aggression in people with intellectual disabilities in secure care. Pilot and Feasibility Studies 6(1), article number: 180. (10.1186/s40814-020-00703-0)
- Taylor, P. J. et al. 2020. A randomised controlled trial of a Group psychological intervention to increase locus of control for alcohol consumption among Alcohol-Misusing Short-term (male) Prisoners (GASP). Addiction 115(10), pp. 1844-1854. (10.1111/add.15006)
- Coulman, E. et al. 2020. The Early Positive Approaches to Support (E-PAtS) study: study protocol for a feasibility cluster randomised controlled trial of a group programme (E-PAtS) for family caregivers of young children with intellectual disability. Pilot and Feasibility Studies 6(1), article number: 147. (10.1186/s40814-020-00689-9)
- McNamara, R. and Smith, A. P. 2020. Combined effects of fatigue indicators on the health and wellbeing of workers in the offshore oil industry. Journal of Health and Medical Sciences 3(3), pp. 270-276. (10.31014/aior.1994.03.03.122)
- Wellens, B., McNamara, R., Ellis, N. and Smith, A. 2020. Combined effects of occupational noise exposure and shiftwork on performance tasks in a seafaring population. International Journal of Humanities Social Sciences and Education 7(7), pp. 150-156. (10.20431/2349-0381.0707017)
- McNamara, R., Wellens, B. and Smith, A. 2020. Combined effects of occupational hazards: The impact of combined stressors on health and work performance. Journal of Health and Medical Sciences 3(2), pp. 200-207. (10.31014/aior.1994.03.02.116)
- Drew, C. J. G. et al. 2019. A protocol for a randomised controlled, double-blind feasibility trial investigating fluoxetine treatment in improving memory and learning impairments in patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy: Fluoxetine, Learning and Memory in Epilepsy (FLAME trial). Pilot and Feasibility Studies 5(1), article number: 87. (10.1186/s40814-019-0474-x)
- Randell, E. et al. 2019. Sensory integration therapy versus usual care for sensory processing difficulties in autism spectrum disorder in children: study protocol for a pragmatic randomised controlled trial.. Trials 20, article number: 113. (10.1186/s13063-019-3205-y)
- Flynn, S., Hastings, R., McNamara, R., Gillespie, D., Randell, E., Richards, L. and Taylor, Z. 2019. Who’s challenging who?: A co-produced approach for training staff in learning disability services about challenging behaviour. Tizard Learning Disability Review 24(4), pp. 192-199. (10.1108/TLDR-03-2019-0013)
- Flynn, S., Hastings, R., Gillespie, D., McNamara, R. and Randell, E. 2018. Is the amount of exposure to aggressive challenging behaviour related to staff work-related 14 well-being in intellectual disability services? Evidence from a clustered research design.. Research in Developmental Disabilities 81, pp. 155-161. (10.1016/j.ridd.2018.04.006)
- Hastings, R. et al. 2018. Who’s challenging who training for staff empathy towards adults with challenging behaviour: cluster randomised controlled trial. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research 62(9), pp. 798-813. (10.1111/jir.12536)
- Amaral, C. et al. 2018. A feasibility clinical trial to improve social attention in Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) using a brain computer interface. Frontiers in Neuroscience 12, article number: 477. (10.3389/fnins.2018.00477)
- Vereenooghe, L. et al. 2018. Interventions for mental health problems in children and adults with severe intellectual disabilities: a systematic review. BMJ Open 8(6), article number: e021911. (10.1136/bmjopen-2018-021911)
- Randell, E., McNamara, R., Subramanian, L., Hood, K. and Linden, D. 2018. Current practices in clinical neurofeedback with functional MRI—Analysis of a survey using the TIDieR checklist. European Psychiatry 50, pp. 28-33. (10.1016/j.eurpsy.2017.10.011)
- Nollett, C. et al. 2018. Pragmatic RAndomised controlled trial of a trauma-focused guided self-help Programme versus InDividual trauma-focused cognitive Behavioural therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (RAPID): trial protocol. BMC Psychiatry 18(1), article number: 77. (10.1186/s12888-018-1665-3)
- Randell, E., Hastings, R., McNamara, R., Knight, R., Gillespie, D. and Taylor, Z. 2017. Effectiveness of the ‘Who’s Challenging Who’ support staff training intervention to improve attitudes and empathy towards adults with intellectual disability and challenging behaviours: study protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial.. Trials 18, article number: 460. (10.1186/s13063-017-2175-1)
- Copeland, L., Meek, A., Kerr, M., Robling, M., Hood, K. and McNamara, R. 2017. Measurement of side effects of anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) in adults with intellectual disability: A systematic review. Seizure - European Journal of Epilepsy 51, pp. 61-73. (10.1016/j.seizure.2017.07.013)
- Flynn, S. et al. 2017. Measurement tools for mental health problems and mental well-being in people with severe or profound intellectual disabilities: A systematic review. Clinical Psychology Review 57, pp. 32-44. (10.1016/j.cpr.2017.08.006)
- Copeland, L., McNamara, R., Kelson, M. and Simpson, S. 2017. The development of a coding system to code planning talk within motivational interviewing. Patient Education and Counseling 100(2), pp. 313-319. (10.1016/j.pec.2016.09.003)
- Cox, W. et al. 2016. Neurofeedback training for alcohol dependence versus treatment as usual: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials 17(1), pp. 480. (10.1186/s13063-016-1607-7)
- Randell, E. et al. 2016. The use of everolimus in the treatment of neurocognitive problems in tuberous sclerosis (TRON): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. Trials 17, article number: 398. (10.1186/s13063-016-1446-6)
- Randell, E., McNamara, R., Shaw, C., Espinasse, A. and Simpson, S. A. 2015. Challenges of a community based pragmatic, randomised controlled trial of weight loss maintenance. BMC Research Notes 8(1), article number: 802. (10.1186/s13104-015-1791-7)
- Moriarty, Y., McNamara, R., Robling, M. R., Kissell, A., Playle, R. A. and Taylor, P. J. 2015. Developing a process evaluation model in the GASP (groups for alcohol-misusing short-term prisoners) trial. Trials 16(S2), pp. 9. (10.1186/1745-6215-16-S2-P9)
- Simpson, S. A. et al. 2015. A feasibility randomised controlled trial of a motivational interviewing-based intervention for weight loss maintenance in adults. Health Technology Assessment 19(50) (10.3310/hta19500)
- Copeland, L., McNamara, R., Kelson, M. and Simpson, S. 2015. Mechanisms of change within motivational interviewing in relation to health behaviors outcomes: a systematic review. Patient Education and Counseling 98(4), pp. 401-411. (10.1016/j.pec.2014.11.022)
- Lowes, L. M., Eddy, D., Channon, S. J., McNamara, R., Robling, M. R. and Gregory, J. W. 2015. The experience of living with Type 1 Diabetes and attending clinic from the perception of children, adolescents and carers: Analysis of qualitative data from the DEPICTED study. Journal of Pediatric Nursing 30(1), pp. 54-62. (10.1016/j.pedn.2014.09.006)
- Robling, M. R. et al. 2012. The effect of the Talking Diabetes consulting skills intervention on glycaemic control and quality of life in children with type 1 diabetes: cluster randomised controlled trial (DEPICTED study). British Medical Journal 344, article number: e2359. (10.1136/bmj.e2359)
- McNamara, R., Simpson, S. A. and Shaw, C. 2012. Wie lässt sich eine erreichte Gewichtsreduktion am besten erhalten? [How can successful weight reduction be maintained the best?]. Praxis 101(8), pp. 539-543. (10.1024/1661-8157/a000906)
- Gregory, J. W. et al. 2011. Development and evaluation by a cluster randomised trial of a psychosocial intervention in children and teenagers experiencing diabetes: The DEPICTED study. Health Technology Assessment 15(29), pp. 1-202. (10.3310/hta15290)
- Smith, A. P., McNamara, R. and Wellens, B. T. 2011. A holistic approach to stress and well-being. Part 3: Combined effects of job characteristics on stress and other outcomes. Occupational Health [At Work] 8(2), pp. 34-35.
- McNamara, R. et al. 2010. Development and evaluation of a psychosocial intervention for children and teenagers experiencing diabetes (DEPICTED): a protocoal for a cluster randomised controlled trial of the effectiveness of a communication skills training programme for healthcare professionals working with young people with type 1 diabetes. BMC Health Services Research 10(36) (10.1186/1472-6963-10-36)
- Shaw, C. et al. 2009. Systematic review of respite care in the frail elderly. Health Technology Assessment 13(20), pp. 1-246. (10.3310/hta13200)
- Wadsworth, E. J. K., Allen, P. H., McNamara, R. L. and Smith, A. P. 2008. Fatigue and health in a seafaring population. Occupational Medicine 58(3), pp. 198-204. (10.1093/occmed/kqn008)
- Wadsworth, E. J. K., Allen, P. H., Wellens, B. T., McNamara, R. and Smith, A. P. 2006. Patterns of fatigue among seafarers during a tour of duty. American Journal of Industrial Medicine 49(10), pp. 836-844. (10.1002/ajim.20381)
Book sections
- Smith, A. P. and McNamara, R. 2015. The combined effects of occupational stressors on health and wellbeing in the offshore oil industry. In: Contemporary Ergonomics and Human Factors 2015: Proceedings of the International Conference on Ergonomics & Human Factors 2015, Daventry, Northamptonshire, UK, 13-16 April 2015. Sharples, S., Shorrock, S. and Waterson, P. Contemporary Ergonomics Taylor & Francis, pp. 423-429.
Books
- Smith, A. P., McNamara, R. L. and Wellens, B. T. 2004. Combined effects of occupational health hazards. Research Report Vol. 287. HSE Books.
Conferences
- Moriarty, Y., McNamara, R., Robling, M. R., Bezeczky, Z., Playle, R. A. and Taylor, P. J. 2016. Contextual and personal factors impact on intervention delivery in the GASP (Groups for Alcohol-misusing Short-term Prisoners) trial. Presented at: 12th UKSBM Annual Scientific Meeting: Complex interventions in a complex world: applications of Behavioural Medicine, Cardiff, UK, 1-2 December 2016.
- Wellens, B. T., McNamara, R., Allen, P. H. and Smith, A. P. 2005. Collisions and collision risk awareness at sea: Data from a variety of seafarers. Presented at: Contemporary Ergonomics 2005, Hatfield, UK, 5-7 April 2005 Presented at Bust, P. D. and McCabe, P. T. eds.Contemporary Ergonomics 2005. London: Taylor & Francis pp. 573-577.
- McNamara, R., Allen, P. H., Wellens, B. T. and Smith, A. P. 2005. Fatigue at sea: amendments to working time directives and management guidelines. Presented at: Contemporary Ergonomics 2005, Hatfield, UK, 5-7 April 2005 Presented at Bust, P. D. and McCabe, P. T. eds.Contemporary Ergonomics 2005. London: Taylor & Francis pp. 568-572.
- Allen, P. H., Wellens, B. T., McNamara, R. and Smith, A. P. 2005. It's not all plain sailing. Port turn-arounds and seafarers' fatigue: A case study. Presented at: Contemporary Ergonomics 2005, Hatfield, UK, 5-7 April 2005 Presented at Bust, P. D. and McCabe, P. T. eds.Contemporary Ergonomics 2005. London: Taylor & Francis pp. 563-567.
Monographs
- Scior, K. et al. 2024. Digital adaptation of the Standing up for Myself intervention in young people and adults with intellectual disabilities: the STORM feasibility study. Project Report. [Online]. National Institute for Health Research. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3310/NCBU6224
- McNamara, R. et al. 2017. A pilot randomised controlled trial of community-led ANtipsychotic Drug REduction for Adults with Learning Disabilities. Project Report. [Online]. Health Technology Assessment. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3310/hta21470
Thesis
- McNamara, R. 2008. Combined and selective effects of environmental and psychosocial workplace hazards: associations with health and well-being in public sector employees. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University.
Research
2020
Behavioural interventions to treat anxiety in adults with autism and moderate to severe intellectual
disabilities (BEAMS – ID). NIHR HTA, £197,421 (Co-Investigator).
Specific phobias in children with learning disabilities (SPIRIT): An adaptation and feasibility study. NIHR HTA, £199,193 (Co-Investigator).
2019
The STanding up fOR Myself (STORM) psychosocial group intervention for young people and adults
with intellectual disabilities: Feasibility study. NIHR PHR, £623,805 (Co-Investigator).
A randomised feasibility study of a school-based emotional literacy programme (Zippy's Friends) for
children with intellectual disabilities. NIHR PHR, £553,071 (Co-Investigator).
2018
TAPERS: Treating Anxiety to PrevEnt Relapse in Schizophrenia (TAPERS) - a feasibility trial. Research for Patient and Public Benefit Wales £229,865 (Co-Investigator).
2016
Early Positive Approaches to Support (E-PAtS for families of young children with intellectual disability: Feasibility Study. NIHR HTA, £644 (Co-Investigator).
Pragmatic RCT of Sensory Integration Therapy versus usual care for sensory processing difficulties in Autism Spectrum Disorder in children: impact on behavioural difficulties, adaptive skills and socialisation (SenITA). NIHR HTA, £1,193,553 (Chief Investigator).
Pragmatic RAndomised controlled trial of a trauma-focused guided self-help Programme versus InDividual Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (RAPID- TFCBT). NIHR HTA, £1,135,331 (Co-Investigator).
2015
Clinical Trials Unit infrastructure funding 2015-18. Health & Care Research Wales, £2.9m (Co-Investigator).
Who’s Challenging Who: A cluster randomised controlled trial of a staff training intervention to improve support staff attitudes and empathy towards adults with learning disability and challenging behaviours. NIHR School for Social Care Research, £303,392 (Co-Investigator).
2014
Identifying treatment Side effects in adults with Intellectual Disability and Epilepsy: Development of a Patient-Reported Outcome Measure for identification of Anti-Epileptic Drug side effects (SIDE-PRO). Epilepsy Research UK, £97,924 (Chief Investigator).
2012
Antipsychotic drug reduction in primary care for adults with learning disabilities. A randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial (ANDREA-LD). NIHR Health Technology Assessment Programme, £1,445,854 (Co-Investigator).
2011
A randomised, double blind, placebo-controlled study of Everolimus in the treatment of neurocognitive problems in tuberous sclerosis (TRON). Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK, £353k (Co-Investigator).
Teaching
I am an external examiner for the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine MSc in Clinical Trials.
Biography
Education and qualifications:
- PhD Occupational/Health Psychology, Cardiff University, 2008
- MSc Occupational Psychology, Cardiff University, 1998
- Bsc (Hons) Psychology, Cardiff University, 1997 (2:1)
Honours and awards
- Chartered Pyschologist, Bristish Psychological Society, 2016
- Associate Fellow, British Psychological Society, 2016
Professional memberships
- UK Society of Behavioural Medicine: Executive Committee Member 2017-2021
- Bristish Pyschological Society: Graduate Member and Member of the Division of Health Psychology 2000-present
Academic positions
- 2016 - 2019: Senior Research Fellow / Head of Trials Management, Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University
- 2006 - 2016: Research Fellow / Senior Trial Manager, South East Wales Trials Unit (SEWTU), Cardiff University
- 2005 - 2006: Research Associate, Dept of Primary Care & Public Health, School of Medicine, Cardiff University
- 2000 - 2005: Research Associate, Centre for Occupational & Health Psychology, School of Psychology, Cardiff University
- 1999 - 2000: Research Assistant, Centre for Occupational & Health Psychology, School of Psychology, Cardiff University
Committees and reviewing
- Wellcome Trust Institutional Strategic Support Fund (ISSF) Collaboration panel member
- Grant reviewer, NIHR
- Journal reviewer, Trials, BMC Public Health, Journal of Intellectual Disability Research
Supervisions
I am interested in supervising PhD students in the areas of:
- intellectual disability
- autism
- mental health
Current Phd student:
Glarou, E: Multi-Party Communication in Therapy Sessions. School of Medicine PhD scheme.
Contact Details
McNamara@cardiff.ac.uk
+44 29206 87614
Neuadd Meirionnydd, Room 418B, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4YS
+44 29206 87614
Neuadd Meirionnydd, Room 418B, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4YS