Paediatric Dietitian at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital
About Cath
Cath O’Connor is an NIHR Clinical Doctoral Research Fellow based at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Sheffield. Her research focuses on respiratory physiotherapy, specifically Supported Inspiratory Muscle Training (SIMT) for people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) who have declined pulmonary rehabilitation. She is conducting a pilot randomized controlled trial (The SIMPLER feasibility study) to evaluate the acceptability, adherence, and potential of SIMT to enhance pulmonary rehabilitation uptake and improve patient outcomes.
Full Name: Cath O’Connor
Current Role: NIHR Clinical Doctoral Research Fellow
Organisation: Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHSFT/ University of Sheffield
Email: cath.o’connor@nhs.net
Research Topic: Respiratory Physiotherapy Interventions
NHS R&D Programme: NIHR Bridging Scheme
Year of Cohort: 2019
Achievements and Research Impact
Since attending the NHS R&D NW Bridging Scheme (Nov 2018–Apr 2019), Cath was awarded NIHR Doctoral Clinical Academic Fellowship (DCAF) funding and commenced her PhD in September 2024. Her doctoral study, the Supported Inspiratory Muscle Training (SIMT) for People with COPD who have Declined Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR), is a pilot randomized controlled trial testing the feasibility and acceptability of SIMT as a treatment option and its potential to improve PR uptake. Cath has published several influential studies on respiratory physiotherapy interventions, including the use of smartphone apps and activity trackers in COPD management, demonstrating her commitment to advancing evidence-based clinical care.
Publications:
Bentley CL, Powell L, Potter S, Parker J, Mountain GA, Bartlett YK, Farwer J, O’Connor C, et al. (2020). The Use of a Smartphone App and an Activity Tracker to Promote Physical Activity in the Management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Randomized Controlled Feasibility Study. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth, 8(6), e16203.
O’Connor C, Lawson R, Waterhouse J, et al. (2019). Is inspiratory muscle training (IMT) an acceptable treatment option for people with COPD who have declined pulmonary rehabilitation (PR), and can IMT enhance PR uptake? A single-group pre-post feasibility study in a home-based setting. BMJ Open, 9:e028507. Full article here
Cox M, O’Connor C, Biggs K, et al. (2018). The feasibility of early pulmonary rehabilitation and activity after COPD exacerbations. Health Technol Assess, 22(11).
O’Connor C, Bridge P. (2005). Can the interrupter technique be used as an outcome measure for autogenic drainage in bronchiectatic patients? A pilot study. J Assoc Chartered Physiother Resp Care; 37:29–34.
Reflections on the NHS R&D NW Programme
Cath describes the Bridging Scheme as crucial to the success of her NIHR DCAF application, noting the extensive support and training she received. The programme enabled her to publish preliminary research and provided invaluable peer interaction. Cath highly recommends the programme to those considering applying for NIHR fellowships, emphasizing its role in professional growth and research capacity building.
Professional Goals
Cath aims to complete her PhD and establish herself as a clinical academic and expert clinician in respiratory physiotherapy. If her PhD study proves feasible, she plans to expand it into a multi-centre trial assessing the cost-effectiveness of Supported Inspiratory Muscle Training for people with COPD who decline pulmonary rehabilitation.
Congratulations to Cath O’Connor for her dedication to advancing respiratory physiotherapy and clinical research. Her innovative work on inspiratory muscle training and impactful publications contribute significantly to improving COPD patient care and rehabilitation uptake.
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