Dr. Jo-Hanna Ivers

Dr. Jo-Hanna Ivers

Associate Professor, Public Health & Primary Care


Biography

Jo-Hanna is an Associate Professor in Addiction. She holds the only addiction specific academic post in Ireland. She is the first Associate Dean of Civic Engagement and Social Innovation at Trinity College Dublin. Jo-Hanna leads the Neurobehavioural Addiction Research Group at the Department of Public Health & Primary Care, School of Medicine. She is the Director of the M.Sc. in Addiction Recovery. She has been appointed by a number of Ministers and Government Representatives to Special Taskforces and Expert Review Groups examining drug and alcohol use. She is a Member of the European Monitoring Centre on Drug and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) Scientific Committee. Jo-Hanna's research focuses on the biological, social and environmental factors that contribute to an individual's vulnerability to dependence and addiction. Her research includes interventions, policies and practices that help develop recovery pathways. These pathways are best understood as a spectrum and include harm reduction, abstinence and long-term recovery. Her populations of interest include people who use drugs, those experiencing addiction, individuals in recovery, their families, communities affected by drug use and wider members of society. Before returning to academia, Jo-Hanna gained extensive experience working with adolescent and adult populations in specialist addiction services.

Publications and Further Research Outputs

  • Ivers, J & Ducray, K, "A Case Study of Adolescent Substance Misuse: A Successful Application of the Adolescent Community Reinforcement (A-CRA) approach in an Irish context"., 2014Journal Article, 2014
  • Darker, C., Ivers, J., O'Farrell, A., Dolan, R., Eldin, N., & Allwright, A qualitative study of the perceived impact of a community mobilization intervention to reduce alcohol consumption amongst amatuer sportsmen, Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine, Cambridge University Press., 30, (1), 2013, p57-66Journal Article, 2013
  • J.Ivers, & P.Downes, A phenomenological reinterpretation of Horner's fear of success in terms of social class., European Journal of Educational Psychology, 27, ((3)), 2011, p369-388Journal Article, 2011
  • The jolt between primary and post primary. in, Beyond Educational Disadvantage. , P.Downes, & A.L. Gilligan, Dublin, 2007, pp22 - 31, [P.Downes, C.Maunsell & J. Ivers ]Book Chapter, 2007
  • Barry, J & Ivers J,H, Evaluation of the National Drug Rehabilitation Framework, Health Service Executive, Dublin, 2013, p1 - 125Report, 2013
  • Ivers JH, Fitzgerald J, Whelan C, Sweeney B, Keenan E, Fagan AJ, Progressive white matter impairment as a predictor of outcome in a cohort of opioid-dependent patient's post-detoxification, Addiction Biology, 2016Journal Article, 2016
  • Ivers JH, Zgaga L, Sweeney B, Keenan E, Darker C, Smyth BP, Barry J., A naturalistic longitudinal analysis of post-detoxification outcomes in opioid-dependent patients., Drug and Alcohol Review, 37, (S1), 2018, p339 - 347Journal Article, 2018, DOI , TARA - Full Text
  • JoHanna Ivers Jacqueline Fitzgerald Christopher Whelan Brion Sweeney Eamon Keenan Andrew Fagan Jason McMarrow Jim Meany Joe Barry Thomas Frodl, Progressive white matter impairment as a predictor of outcome in a cohort of opioid‐dependent patient's post‐detoxification Special Issue, Addiction Biology, Volume23, Issue1, 2018, p304 - 312Journal Article, 2018
  • Ivers, JH, Larkan, F & Barry, J, A Longitudinal Qualitative Analysis of the Recovery Process in Opioid-dependent patients Post-detoxification., Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, Vol 50, (3), 2018, p231 - 239Journal Article, 2018
  • Jo-Hanna Ivers1, Lina Zgaga1, Bernie O'Donoghue-Hynes2, Aisling Heary1, Brian Gallwey2, Joe Barry1, Standardized Mortality Ratios in Homeless Populations in Dublin, BMJ Open, 9, 2019Journal Article, 2019, TARA - Full Text
  • Ivers JH & Barry, J (2018). , An Evaluation of a Case-management Framework in Cork and Kerry Region., Health Service Executive, 2018, p1 - 70Report, 2018
  • Ivers JH & Barry, J, Standardised Mortality Ratios in Homeless Populations in Dublin. , Dublin, Dublin Regional Homeless Executive and Health Service Executive. Dublin., 2018, p1 - 90Report, 2018, TARA - Full Text
  • Ivers, J and Barry J, Evaluation of Tabor Group, Tabor Group, 2019, p1 - 60Report, 2019
  • Jo-Hanna Ivers, Lina Zgaga, Bernie O'Donoghue-Hynes, Aisling Heary, Brian Gallwey, Joe Barry, Five-year standardised mortality ratios in a cohort of homeless people in Dublin, BMJ Open, 9, (1), 2019Journal Article, 2019
  • Ivers JH, Larkan F, Barry J., A Longitudinal Qualitative Analysis of the Lived Experience of the Recovery Process in Opioid-Dependent Patients Post-Detoxification., Journal of psychoactive drugs, 50, (3), 2018, p231-239Journal Article, 2018, DOI
  • Jo-Hanna Ivers , Therapeutic Communities as a unique approach to treatment:the Irish perspective, European Federation of Therapeutic Communities , Dublin Castle , September, 2017, EFTCInvited Talk, 2017, URL
  • Jo-Hanna Ivers , Successful application of a cross-sectoral integrated care approach to addiction and homeless services: the experience from southern Ireland. , Lisbon Addiction: , Lisbon, October 2017, EMCDDA, 2017Oral Presentation, 2017, URL
  • Jo-Hanna Ivers, Joe Barry, Evaluation of the Parenting Under Pressure (PuP) Programme at Coolmine , Coolmine Therapeutic Community , 2018, p1 - 50Report, 2018, TARA - Full Text
  • Jo-Hanna Ivers, Catherine Darker, Brion Sweeney, Haytham El Hassan, Bobby Smyth, Joe Barry, Association between poly-drug use and alcohol consumption in an Irish cohort of methadone maintained patients, 7th Conference of INEBRIA, 9th and 10th September 2010, Gothenburg (Sweden), Gothenburg, 2010, pp19-Oral Presentation, 2010
  • Jo-Hanna Ivers , Prospective Pilot Study of Neuropsychological functioning in Opioid Dependent Patients, Neuroscience of Ireland Symposium , University College Dublin, 25th October 2018 , 2018Oral Presentation, 2018, URL
  • Jo-Hanna Ivers , Drug Related Deaths and Homelessness: Dr Jo-Hanna Ivers, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Dept of Public Health & Primary Care, Trinity College Dublin & Dr Kieran Harkin GP, Irish Street Medicine Symposium 2017, Dublin , 2017Oral Presentation, 2017
  • Jo-Hanna Ivers , Mortality Amongst the Homeless , Irish Street Medicine Symposium 2016, Cork, 2016Oral Presentation, 2016
  • Jo-Hanna Ivers, Nicki Kileen and Eamon Keenan , 'Whats in the Pill: A SURVEY OF DRUG USE AND RELATED BEHAVIOURS AMONGST FESTIVAL GOERS IN IRELAND , Dublin , 2020, p1 - 45Report, 2020
  • Dr Jo-Hanna Ivers (PhD), Anita Harris (M.Sc.), Pauline McKeown (M.Sc.), & Professor Joe Barry (MD), Mothers experiences of the Parenting Under Pressure Program in a Residential Therapeutic Community: A qualitative study, Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 2020Journal Article, 2020
  • Ms.Anna McAleer, Ms. Aisling Daly, Ms. Sorcha Leary, Prof Joe Barry, Ms. Martina Mullin), Prof Jo-Hanna Ivers, A Peer-Led Survey of Student Alcohol Behaviours and Attitudes in Undergraduate Students., Irish Journal Medical Science , 2020Journal Article, 2020, TARA - Full Text
  • Jo-Hanna Ivers , An exploratory study of Cannabis users receiving treatment in adolescent services and siblings of Cannabis users who never used cannabis, Lisbon Addictions , Lisbon, 23-25 October 2019 , 2019Poster, 2019
  • Jo-Hanna Ivers , White Matter Integrity in Opioid Dependent Patients , The 2016 Young Neuroscience Symposium , Trinity College Dublin , September 1st, 2016 , 2016Poster, 2016, URL
  • Maeve Haran, John R. Kelly, Liam Kennedy, Kieran Hennigan, Huma Farid, Cristina Herteu, Anna Kreisel, Shamus Salehin, Marie O' Sullivan, Shay Keating, Jo-Hanna Ivers & Mike Scully , An audit of the cervical screening programme in the National Drug Treatment Centre (NDTC), Irish Journal of Medical Science , 2021Journal Article, 2021, TARA - Full Text
  • Darker CD, Moore E, Flynn E, O'Neill M, Doherty L, McMahon J, McLoughlin O, Rouine E, Ivers J, Allwright S, McGrath D, Seery A, McAndrew M, Barrett E, Tanner M, Bennett AE, Brennan S, Mullin M, Barry JM., Development and proposed evaluation of an eHealth learning tool for undergraduate university students in Ireland, Health Promotion International, 2022, p1 - 14Journal Article, 2022, DOI
  • Catherine D Darker, Emma Moore, Ellen Flynn, Mary O'Neill, Lena Doherty, Jean McMahon, Orla McLoughlin, Eimear Rouine, Jo-Hanna Ivers, Shane Allwright, David McGrath, Aidan Seery, Martin McAndrew, Emer Barrett, Michelle Tanner, Annemarie E Bennett, Sabina Brennan, Martina Mullin, Joe M Barry, Development and proposed evaluation of an eHealth learning tool for undergraduate university students in Ireland, Health Promotion International, 2021Journal Article, 2021
  • Aoibheann Conneely, Jo-Hanna Ivers, Joe Barry, Elaine Dunne, Norma O'Leary Clíona Ní Cheallaigh, Estimation of palliative care needs of people experiencing homelessness using mortality data and cause-of-death., Palliative Care Medicine , 2021, pSPCARE 2021;11(Suppl 1):A1-A63Journal Article, 2021
  • Jo-Hanna Ivers, Nicki Killeen, Eamon Keenan, Drug use, harm‑reduction practices and attitudes toward the utilisation of drug safety testing services in an Irish cohort of festival‑goers, Irish Journal of Medical Science, 2021Journal Article, 2021, DOI
  • Darker CD, Mullin M, Doyle L, Tanner M, McGrath D, Doherty L, Dreyer-Gibney K, Barrett EM, Flynn D, Murphy P, Ivers JH, Burke E, Ryan M, McCarron M, Murphy P, Sheils O, Hevey D, Leen A, Keogh L, Walls B, Bennett AE, Petersen F, Nolan A, Barry JM., Developing a health promoting university in Trinity College Dublin-overview and outline process evaluation, Health Promotion International, 38, (4), 2023, p1 - 14, p1-14Journal Article, 2023, DOI
  • David Best & Jo-Hanna Ivers, Inkspots and ice cream cones: a model of recovery contagion and growth, Addiction Research & Theory, 2021Journal Article, 2021, DOI
  • Michael Byrne, Samantha Dick, Lisa Ryan, Samantha Dockray, Martin Davoren, Ciara Heavin, Jo-Hanna Ivers, Conor Linehan, Vasilis Vasiliou, The Drug Use in Higher Education in Ireland (DUHEI) Survey 2021: Main Findings, University College Cork, January, 2022, p1 - 110Report, 2022
  • Corey, J. and Lyons, J. and O†carroll, A. and Stafford, R. and Ivers, J.-H., A Scoping Review of the Health Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Persons Experiencing Homelessness in North America and Europe, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19, (6), 2022Journal Article, 2022, DOI
  • Giulini, F. and Keenan, E. and Killeen, N. and Ivers, J.-H., A Systematized Review of Drug-checking and Related Considerations for Implementation as A Harm Reduction Intervention, Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 2022Journal Article, 2022, DOI
  • Neil Dunne, Jo-Hanna Ivers,, HPA axis function in alcohol use disorder: A systematic review and metaanalysis, Addiction Neuroscience, Volume 8, (100114), 2023, p1-9Journal Article, 2023
  • Dunne, Neil, Ivers Jo-Hanna, HPA axis function in alcohol use disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis, Addiction Neuroscience, 2023Journal Article, 2023, TARA - Full Text
  • Catherine Comiskey, Henri Bergeron, Thomas Clausen, Charlotte Colman, Laura Ferrer-Wreder, Gabriele Fischer, Margarida Gaspar de Matos, Jo-Hanna Ivers, Marie Jauffret-Roustide, Marieke Liem, Tomi Lintonen, Kim Moeller, Ilkka Ojanperä, Fernando Rodríguez de Fonseca, Marta Torrens Mèlich, The importance of co-produced, multi-method, independent scientific evidence in times of alternative truths and global policy debates, International Journal of Drug Policy, 129, 2024Journal Article, 2024, URL
  • Jo-Hanna Ivers & Neil Dunne, North Dublin Regional DATF Alcohol Research 2023 An exploraon of the nature and extent of alcohol use within North County Dublin, 2024, January, 2024, p1 - 124Report, 2024, TARA - Full Text
  • Jo-Hanna Ivers, James Lyons & Neil Dunne, Developing a sustained method of health care for individuals experiencing homelessness, who use drugs: informed by lessons learned and lived experience during the COVID-19 pandemic., Peter McVerry Trust, June, 2024, p1 - 157Report, 2024
  • Supporting women with complex needs to access appropriate treatment in, editor(s)Maria Florence Shazly Savahl Wouter Vanderplasschen Jessica De Maeyer , Handbook of Addiction, Recovery and Quality of Life Cross-cutting Perspectives from Around the Globe, Springer, Springer, 2024, pp1 - 650, pp1-650 , [JH Ivers, C, Darker, & G Paul]Book Chapter, 2024, URL
  • Darker CD, Sweeney BP, El Hassan HO, Smyth BP, Ivers JH, Barry JM, Brief interventions are effective in reducing alcohol consumption in opiate-dependent methadone-maintained patients: Results from an implementation study., Drug and alcohol review, 2011Journal Article, 2011, DOI , URL
  • Gilroy D, O'Brien S, Barry J, Ivers Jo-Hanna, Whiston L, Keenan E, Darker C, Benzodiazepine use in a methadone maintained opioid dependent cohort in Ireland, Heroin Addiction and related clinical problems, 2014, p17 - 22Journal Article, 2014
  • J.Ivers, V.McLoughlin & P.Downes, Current Steps and Future Horizons for CASPr: Review of CASPr North-East Inner City After Schools Project., CASPr, 2010Report
  • P.Downes, C.Maunsell & J. Ivers , A holistic approach to early school leaving and school retention in Blanchardstown: Current issues and future steps for services and schools. , Dublin, Commissioned Research Report for Blanchardstown Area Partnership, Dublin., 2006Report
  • O'Dowd, T, Handy, D & Ivers, JH (2017), A Future Together: Building a Better GP and Primary Care Service. Health Service, Health Service Executive, 2018Report
  • Ivers, JH & Hayes, C , Findings of the We Can Quit Programme. A smoking cessation programme for women in socially disadvantaged communities, Dublin , Irish Cancer Society. Dublin, 2017Report
  • Jo-Hanna Ivers , 'Faces of Recovery ', Cork City Hall , Trinity College Dublin, 2019, -Exhibition
  • Jo-Hanna Ivers , 'Faces of Recovery ', Trinity College Dublin , Science Gallery Dublin, 2018, -Visual art production
  • Jo-Hanna Ivers , Action Research Amongst Recovery Coaches in the North Inner-City , National Recovery Conference 2016, City Hall, Dublin , 2016Oral Presentation
  • Jo-Hanna Ivers , Findings of Casement Evaluation for Person with Complex Needs , Cork Regional Case-Management Seminar , City Hall, Cork, 22nd February 2018 , 2018Oral Presentation

Research Expertise

  • Title
    Neuopsychological functioning in opioid dependant patients
    Summary
    The aim of the current study is to compare cognitive function in Opioid Dependent Patients (ODP) receiving OST (Opioid Substitute Therapy) with Opioid Dependent Patients (ODP) with long-term abstinence who are not receiving (Opioid Substitute Therapy).
    Funding Agency
    Health Research Board
  • Title
    Evaluation of Parents Under Pressure Programme
    Summary
    The PuP programme aims to improve family functioning and child outcomes by supporting parents who are, or have been, drug or alcohol dependent. Evaluations of the PuP have been carried out in other countries but never in Ireland. In addition, this is the first evaluation anywhere of the PuP programme in a residential setting.
    Funding Agency
    Coolmine Therapeutic Community
    Date From
    September 2017
    Date To
    March 2018
  • Title
    Neurocognitive Functioning Opioid Dependent Patients
    Summary
    This project examines neurocognitive functioning in opioid dependent patients. Data is being collected in Ireland, Bulgaria, Pakistan and the United States (Virginia) using a crossover battery of instruments. The data includes persons across the recovery spectrum, from detoxification through to long-term recovery (10 years+). The data is unique globally.
    Funding Agency
    TCD
    Date From
    July 2019
    Date To
    Ongoing
  • Title
    Evaluation of Tabor Group
    Summary
    Funding Agency
    Health Service Executive
    Date From
    September 2017
    Date To
    March 2018
  • Title
    Development, Implementation & Evaluation Of A Basic Peer-Led Addiction Recovery Coach Programme For Individuals With Complex Needs
    Summary
    This project will use a two-phased approach (figure 1) to assist in the development, delivery, evaluation and implementation of a Peer-Led Addiction Recovery Model for Individuals with Complex Needs. This phased approach will identify process and outcome measures, which are essential for the successful implementation of this Peer-Led Addiction Recovery Model for Individuals with Complex Needs in an Irish context.
    Funding Agency
    Health Service Executive
    Date From
    01/01/2021
    Date To
    01/01/2022
  • Title
    An analysis of treatment patterns and trends in opioid use, with a particular emphasis on the older population, from 2015-2021.
    Summary
    Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) is characterised by a loss of control over the use of opioids, resulting in physical, psychological, and social harm. Examples of opioids include heroin, morphine, codeine, fentanyl, and oxycodone. The misuse of prescription and illegally obtained opioids are major public health issues and are associated with significant mortality and morbidity (WHO, 2009). Across Europe, it is estimated that there are 1.3 million people with high-risk opioid use, with opioids being found in up to three-quarters of overdoses. In Ireland, it has been estimated that in 2019 there were 19,875 problematic opioid users. In addition, opioids are the main drug group implemented in poisoning deaths, with more people treated for opioids than any other drug. As opioid users age, they also experience co-morbid health problems requiring treatment.
    Funding Agency
    National Office of Social Inclusion
  • Title
    A proposed plan to develop a strategy on reducing drug-related stigma in Ireland
    Summary
    Stigma can affect self-esteem, physical and psychological health, and relationships with others, directly affecting an individual accessing the necessary support services and resources. The social disadvantage and stress people experience can lead to inequalities and impact health and life expectancy.1 The hidden element of those living with active drug use disorders due to the stigma associated with their condition means the wider public has no opportunity to hear from them and no opportunity to reflect on their prejudices, such as the opinion that addiction is a moral failing or a form of deviance. Research has consistently shown that interacting with members of a stigmatised group and listening to their stories has a profound destigmatising effect on listeners. It is far more powerful than merely educating the public about the science underlying a condition. However, while a growing number of people in recovery are sharing their stories, there is still a significant stigma attached to illicit drug use. Thus, speaking openly about a history of drug use carries a fear of public stigma and, in some instances, the threat of legal retribution. An effective public health response to substance use and substance use disorders must consider the policy landscape of criminalising substance use, which constitutes a primary socially sanctioned form of stigma. In addition, there is a pressing need to develop the research on the outcomes associated with alternative policy models that prioritise treatment over punishment, such as health diversion programmes, that reframe drug use as a health need rather than a criminal act. The current study aims and objectives set out in the tender call, namely, to develop a strategy for reducing drug-related stigma.
    Funding Agency
    National Office of Social Inclusion
  • Title
    Supporting Women to Access Appropriate Treatment Services (SWAAT)
    Summary
    Exploration of barriers to addiction treatment in disadvantaged communities
    Funding Agency
    Genio Reform Funding
    Date From
    March 2020
    Date To
    August 2020
  • Title
    Evaluation of Implementation of National Drug Rehabilitation Framework in the Cork and Kerry region.
    Summary
    Funding Agency
    Health Service Executive
    Date From
    September 2016
    Date To
    March 2017
  • Title
    Evaluation of Implementation of National Drug Rehabilitation Framework.
    Summary
    Evaluation of Implementation of National Drug Rehabilitation Framework. Funder: Health Service Executive.
    Funding Agency
    Health Service Executive
    Date From
    September 2013
    Date To
    September 2014
  • Title
    Mortality Amongst the Homeless 2005-2015 Dublin
    Summary
    Development of National Index Mortality Amongst Homeless.
    Funding Agency
    Health Service Executive & Dublin Regional Homeless Executive
    Date From
    August 2015
    Date To
    June 2016
  • Title
    Pilot Project of a Court based Health Diversion Programme
    Summary
    This project is the first evaluation a court based health diversion programme for people with problematic drug and alcohol use facing a prosecution. The Health Diversion Programme, which allows for those found with small quantities of drugs to be directed to the health service instead of being prosecuted.
    Funding Agency
    Health Service Executive
    Date From
    01/2022
    Date To
    10/2022
  • Title
    Developing a sustained method of health care for individuals experiencing homelessness, who use drugs: informed by lessons learned and lived experience during the COVID-19 pandemic.
    Summary
    During the COVID-19 pandemic in Dublin, homeless people were identified as a particularly vulnerable group due to their morbidity profile, living conditions and drug use behaviour. A vital component of the health services' strategy to protect homeless people from COVID-19 involved the expansion of harm reduction practices that resulted in improved access to healthcare. The project aims to develop a sustained and improved way of providing healthcare by defining and evaluating the policies and practices that were implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic to minimise the risk of infection in homeless patients who use drugs. The study design incorporates both qualitative and quantitative methods. Mixed methods research capitalises on the strengths of both qualitative and quantitative methodologies by combining approaches in a single research study to increase the breadth and depth of understanding. The mixed-methods design is well suited to health service research because it enables the research team to simultaneously evaluate the extent to which targeted outcomes are achieved, while also examining the processes by which these outcomes occur as well as the context. The study consists of 5 distinct work packages that will collectively result in a protocol for sustained and improved ways of delivering healthcare to homeless individuals who use drugs. Both separate and integrated use of qualitative and quantitative approaches for data collection and analysis to address the research objectives will be employed. Knowing the practices that were developed during the COVID-19 pandemic is essential. However, systematically reviewing how these policies were implemented from the lived experience of those involved is imperative to building a sustained model of health care
    Funding Agency
    Health Service Executive
  • Title
    A case-management approach for high and very high-frequency attendees to the Emergency Departments in Cork.
    Summary
    The Service Reform Fund (SRF) has been established to support the implementation of reforms in Disability, Mental Health and Homelessness in Ireland. The Homelessness programme is being implemented through an integrated approach by the Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government; Local Authorities; the Department of Health; and the HSE. This is in line with the 'Rebuilding Ireland - Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness' (Department of Housing, 2016). Dr Ivers was a co-applicant for: A case-management approach for high and very high-frequency attendees to the Emergency. Departments in Cork.
    Funding Agency
    Government of Ireland
    Date From
    September 2018
    Date To
    September 2020
  • Title
    Unravelling Neurobiological Profiles to Develop Pathways for Opioid Addiction Recovery'
    Summary
    To investigate biological ageing and mechanisms driving accelerated ageing in individuals with relapsed OUD, on OAT, and in sustained recovery from addiction compared to non-OUD individuals, to then explore these factors in a group of patients in early-stage addiction treatment and recovery to identify predictors for ageing and for recovery, and the acute and longer-term impact of treatment and recovery as a basis to guide interventions.
    Funding Agency
    Wellcome Trust
  • Title
    A single supplier framework agreement for Secondary data analysis of GUI datasets for an alcohol and other drugs study under a three-year agreement to the HRB
    Summary
    To advance the evidence in the area of youth substance use, we plan to combine measures of multiple risk factors into a cumulative measure of substance use vulnerability that could be used to identify specific thresholds or unique combinations of risk factors (e.g., substance use risk profiles) associated with substance use initiation and associated harms.
    Funding Agency
    Health Research Board
    Date From
    02/2022
    Date To
    02/2024
  • Title
    Non-Fatal Overdose
    Summary
    Non-fatal opioid overdose is a significant cause of opioid-related morbidity globally. As the number of non-fatal overdoses continues to grow, and it is crucial to understand the short and long-term consequences. There is a dearth of literature on non-fatal overdose in Ireland, with no published studies exploring the experiences of persons who use drugs and who experienced a non-fatal overdose. Timely data can help enhance coordination among service providers, community members, healthcare providers, public health, law enforcement, and government agencies. Timely, robust data can enable readiness for increasing change and response to overdose. For example, evidence suggests individuals who have had at least one overdose are more likely to have another. However, if an individual who has had an overdose is seen in the ED, there is an opportunity to intervene and prevent further overdose by individual care that can improve their health outcomes. The current study will use a mixed methods approach to examine data and capture the experiences of relevant stakeholders for the last decade.
    Funding Agency
    North East Innercity Programme
  • Title
    INCLUDE: Integrating National Repositories for the Cooperation Linkage and Understanding of a Data Driven approach to the needs of Excluded people
    Summary
    The research will develop and validate an accessible integrated longitudinal national-level database of health and social care utilisation with a derived variable to identify those who are socially excluded.
    Funding Agency
    Health Research Board

Neuroscience and clinical neurology, Population Health, Public & Environment Health,

Recognition

  • Best Poster Prize, Progressive white matter impairment as a predictor of outcome in a cohort of opioid-dependent patient's post-detoxification. Neuroscience Ireland Annual Conference. Ireland. May 2016
  • Fellowship Martino's Neuroimaging Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston Massachusetts, United States of America. May 2013
  • Shortlisted for the Integrated Care Academy© International Integrated Care Award as part of the 18th International Conference on Integrated Care. A cross-sectorial integrated care approach to addiction services, homeless services and prison services - the experience from Southern Ireland. May 2018
  • Faculty of Health Sciences Dean's Award for Innovation in Teaching, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland. May 2019
  • Fellow of Trinity College Dublin April 2024
  • (Peer) Nominated Trinity College Dublin, Engagement Awards, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland 2021
  • Appointed Research Fellow Representative on the Faculty Executive Committee, Trinity College Dublin June 2018
  • Associate Dean of Civic Engagement & Social Innovation September 2021
  • Postgraduate Research Fellowship (3 months) at the Combat Poverty Agency, Dublin Ireland. 2007-2008
  • Senior Research Fellowship at the Combat Poverty Agency. 2007- 2008
  • Finalist (1/5) European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, Lisbon Portugal. 2016 Scientific Paper Award. Progressive white matter impairment as a predictor of outcome in a cohort of opioid-dependent patient's post-detoxification. Addiction Biology. May 2017
  • Nominated 'Rising Star Award' American Psychological Association, United States of America. September 2019
  • Finalist (1/2) European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, Lisbon Portugal. 2017 Scientific Paper Award. A Longitudinal Qualitative Analysis of the Recovery Process in Opioid-dependent patients Post-detoxification. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs. October 2018
  • Finalist (1/3) for Early Career Award, Neuroscience Ireland. October 2018
  • (Institutional) Nominated (Trinity Office of Dean of Students) the International Association for Research on Service-Learning and Community Engagement (IARSLCE) Stanford University, California, United States of America. Community, Outcomes and Impact Award. 2021
  • Graduate member of Psychological Society of Ireland. 2017
  • Chartered Scientist Science Council UK. Present
  • Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society. Present
  • Chartered member of the British Psychological Society. Present
  • Member of Women in Technology and Science (WITS). Present
  • Specialist Interest Networks Clinical Psychology, Academics, Teachers & Researchers, and Psychotherapy Sections of the British Psychological Society. Present
  • Post-doctoral Member of Cognitive Neuroscience Society. Present
  • Member American Association for Psychological Science. Present
  • Post-doctoral Member of Neuroscience Ireland & Federation of European Neuroscience Societies. Present
  • Invited Member of Emerging Drug Trends and Drug Checking Working Group (National Committee - Department of Health). September 2019
  • Member of European Monitoring Committee on Drug and Drug Addiction (Reserve 2019-2021) December 2019
  • September 2015- Present Founding Member of the Recovery Academy of Ireland - A national committee of service users, services providers, policymakers and academics developing the addiction recovery movement. 2015
  • Expert Member Review Committee Science Fondation Ireland, Creating Our Future, National Campaign 2021
  • Trinity Chair of National Campus Engagement Group, Irish University Association 2021 to 2024
  • Provost Appointed:  Member Trinity College Dublin Misuse of Drug Policy Group (Ongoing)  February 2020
  • January 2016-January 2017 Member of the advisory group for the National Drug Strategy's Continuum of Care group. An expert review group for development of the National Drug Strategy 2016. 2016
  • Addiction Expert: Advisory Support Group Citizens Assembly Drugs. Invited member of the scientific advisory support group. I supported the Chair and Secretariat in constructing a fair, balanced and comprehensive work programme. I offered support advice and scientific evidence to the assembly members on population-based drug use, addiction and recovery. April 2023 to September 2023
  • Irish University Association Campus Engage. Irish Universities Association, Campus Engage is dedicated to supporting Irish higher education institutions to embed, scale and promote civic and community engagement across staff and student teaching, learning and research. 2021
  • Appointed by the Minister for Higher Education. Ministerial Rapid Response Group for SubstanceUse in Higher Education (August 2019-February 2020) September
  • Full Committee Member and Chair of Addiction Group: Healthy Trinity Committee (Ongoing) September 2019
  • Judge BT Young Scientist Exhibition 2021 to present