Dr Leah Quinlivan BA., MSc., PhD., CPsychol

Biography

I am a Research Fellow and Chartered Psychologist at the NIHR Greater Manchester Patient Safety Translational Research Centre (NIHR GM PSTRC) in the University of Manchester. I lead the self-harm research component and co-lead the involvement and engagement work for self-harm and suicide prevention in the NIHR GM PSTRC. I am also an expert content advisor for the NHS England & NHS Improvement funded programme to improve community-based services for self-harm.

Prior to joining the University of Manchester, I conducted extensive mixed-methods research (quantitative, qualitative, co-design, and participatory research methods) on sensitive topics in Ireland, including with patients who have attempted suicide, families and significant others bereaved by suicide, patients with severe and enduring mental health issues, and people with intellectual disabilities. My PhD in Public Health and Population Science from University College Dublin, was a mixed-method investigation of psychological models of suicidal behaviour in psychiatric outpatients. Prior to academic research, I worked in mental health care for people with chronic and enduring psychosis and/or bipolar disorder.

For the last decade, I have managed and delivered large and complex National Institute of Applied Research (NIHR) funded programmes of work on improving hospital services for people who have harmed themselves. My translational research is focussed on the diagnostic accuracy of risk scales, psychosocial assessment, psychological services, and improving patient safety for people who present to hospital with self-harm. I work closely with patients, clinicians, health services, and third sector partners to translate research evidence to clinical practice.

Selected project sites:  

http://www.bris.ac.uk/population-health-sciences/projects/suicide-prevention/

https://sites.manchester.ac.uk/mash-project/support-for-improving-community-based-care-for-self-harm/

http://www.patientsafety.manchester.ac.uk/

Qualifications

BA Psychology (Hons, First), M.S.c (Applied Social Research), PhD (Public Health & Population Science)

Memberships of committees and professional bodies

British Psychological Society (BPS) Chartered Psychologist (CPsychol)