Dr. Catherine Darker
Associate Prof in Health Services Res, Public Health & Primary Care
Biography
Associate Professor Catherine Darker is a Health Psychologist and obtained her undergraduate psychology degree from Dublin Business School. She then undertook a full time two-year Masters of Health Psychology in National University of Ireland, Galway. She obtained her PhD from the School of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Birmingham, UK. She joined the Discipline of Public Health & Primary Care, School of Medicine, in 2007.
Her research interests lie in translating evidence into practice, in particular, using theories, evidence and methods for changing the behaviours of healthcare professionals, patients and the general public. This is known in Ireland and the UK as Implementation Science research. She has a particular expertise in applying and developing complex intervention methodology in the context of community based programmes and trials (including intervention design, outcome measurement, fidelity, feasibility, and process evaluation), for prevention related research (e.g., smoking cessation, alcohol, physical activity/sedentary behaviour). She has a proven track record in attracting research funds as PI or Co-Applicant (over 1.2 million). She has been PI and Co-PI on funded research by the Health Research Board (HRB) to undertake public health studies relating to COVID-19; a pilot cluster randomized trial of a community-based smoking cessation intervention for disadvantaged women in Ireland, and a a peer-to-peer motivational interview intervention for smoking, alcohol and physical activity among at risk adolescents in low SES communities. Professor Darker is routinely commissioned by the Health Service Executive to conduct outcome and process type evaluations of national programmes and services. All of her research has a clearly defined Knowledge Exchange Dissemination plan with recommendations to change policy and practice in the prevention and management of a range of chronic conditions. She has served as Head of Discipline of Public Health & Primary Care. She is the Director of Postgraduate Teaching and Learning within the School of Medicine. She is a senior member of teaching teams and develops and delivers innovative curriculum's for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. She is an active member of the Psychological Society of Ireland (Chartered Health Psychologist) having held many roles within the governance of the Society. She is a member of the European Health Psychology Society.
She was an inaugural member of the Healthy Ireland Council, and a Member of the Expert Committee on Prevention within the Irish Cancer Society. She is a strong advocate for the just and equitable distribution of and access to healthcare services. She has over 100 peer reviewed publications (h-index 19) and supervises and examines PhD and Masters students.
Publications and Further Research Outputs
Peer-Reviewed Publications
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 - 14
Hayes CB, Patterson J, Castello S, Burke E, O'Connell N, Darker, CD Bauld L, Vance J, Ciblis A, Dobbie F, Loudon K, Declan D, Dougall N, Peer-Delivery of a Gender-Specific Smoking Cessation Intervention for Women Living in Disadvantaged Communities in Ireland We Can Quit2 (WCQ2)-A Pilot Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial, Nicotine & Tobacco Research, 24, (4), 2022, p564 - 573
Catherine Darker; Kirsty Loudon; Nicola O'Connell; Stefania Castello; Emma Burke; Joanne Vance; Caitriona Reynolds; Aine Buggy; Nadine Dougall; Pauline Williams; Fiona Dobbie; Linda Bauld; Catherine B Hayes, An application of PRECIS-2 to evaluate trial design in a pilot cluster randomised controlled trial of a community-based smoking cessation intervention for women living in disadvantaged areas of Ireland, Pilot and Feasibility Studies , 8, (19), 2022
O'Connell, N., Burke, E., Dobbie, F., Dougall, N., Mockler, D., Darker, C., Vance, J., Bernstein, S., Gilbert, H., Bauld, L., & Hayes, C.B. , The effectiveness of smoking cessation interventions for socio-economically disadvantaged women: A systematic review and meta-analysis, Systematic Reviews , 11, (111), 2022
O'Ciardha, D., Blake, A.M., Creane, D., O'Callaghan, M., & Darker, C., Can a practice pharmacist improve prescribing safety and reduce costs in polypharmacy patients? A pilot study on an intervention in an Irish general practice setting, BMJ Open , 12, (5), 2022
Castello S, Darker CD, Vance J, Dougall N, Linda Bauld L , Hayes CB, The We Can Quit2 Smoking Cessation Trial: Knowledge Exchange and Dissemination Following a Community-Based Participatory Research Approach, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health , 19, (4), 2022, p2333-
Martin Dempster, Nicola O'Connell, Christopher D. Graham, Cliodhna O'Connor, Lina Zgaga, Emma Burke, Luke Mather, Gail Nicolson, Joe Barry, Gabriel Scally, Ann Nolan. Katy Tobin, Philip Crowley and Catherine D. Darker , Non-adherence to COVID-19 containment behaviours: results from an all-Ireland telephone surv, BMC Public Health, 22, (898), 2022
McCarron P., Smyth B., Carroll G., Glynn M., Barry J., Whiston L., Keenan E., Darker C., Truszkowska E., Patterns of new psychoactive substance use among opioid-dependent patients attending for opioid substitution treatment, HEROIN ADDICTION AND RELATED CLINICAL PROBLEMS, 24, (1), 2022, p21 - 29
Darker CD, Burke E, Castello S, O'Sullivan K, O'Connell, N., Vance, J, Reynolds C, Buggy A, Dougall, N, Loudon K, Williams P, Dobbie F, Bauld L and Hayes, CB., A process evaluation of 'We Can Quit' a community-based smoking cessation intervention targeting women from areas of socio-disadvantage in Ireland. , A process evaluation of 'We Can Quit' a community-based smoking cessation intervention targeting women from areas of socio-disadvantage in Ireland. , BMC Public Health, 22, 2022, p1528 -
O'Connell, N., O'Connor, K., McGrath, D., Vagge, L., Mockler, D., Jennings, R., Darker, C.D., Early Intervention in Psychosis services: a systematic review and narrative synthesis of the barriers and facilitators to implementation, European Psychiatry, 2021, p1-44
Nolan, A., Burke, S., Burke, E., Darker, C., Barry, J., O'Connell, N., Zgaga, L., Mather, L., Nicolson, G., Dempster, M., Graham, C., Crowley, P., O'Connor, C., Tobin, K and Scally, G., Obstacles to Public Health that even Pandemics cannot Overcome: The Politics of Covid-19 on the Island of Ireland, Irish Studies in International Affairs, 32, (2), 2021
Ogutu, Michael, Muraya, Kui, Mockler, David, Darker, Catherine, Factors influencing the performance of community health volunteers working within urban informal settlements in low- and middle-income countries: a qualitative meta-synthesis review, Human Resources for Health, 19, (1), 2021
Cliodhna O'Connor, Nicola O'Connell, Emma Burke, Martin Dempster, Christopher D. Graham, Gabriel Scally, Lina Zgaga, Ann Nolan, Gail Nicolson, Luke Mather, Joseph Barry, Philip Crowley, Catherine D. Darker,, Bordering on crisis: A qualitative analysis of focus group, social media, and news media perspectives on the Republic of Ireland-Northern Ireland border during the 'first wave' of the COVID-19 pandemic, Social Science and Medicine, 282, 2021
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, 2021, p1-14
Gamage, N.M., Darker, C., Smyth, B.P. , Improvement in psychological wellbeing among adolescents with a substance use disorder attending an outpatient treatment programme, Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine , 8, (Apr), 2021, p1 - 8
Nicolson, G.H., Hayes, C.B., & Darker, C.D. , A cluster-randomised crossover pilot feasibility study of a multicomponent intervention to recue occupational sedentary behaviour in professional male employees, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18, (17), 2021, p9292-
O'Connor, C., O'Connell, N., Burke, E., Nolan, A., Dempster, M., Graham, C.D., Nicolson, G., Barry. J., Scally, G., Crowley, P., Zgaga, L., Mather,L., & Darker, C.D, Media Representations of Science during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Analysis of News and Social Media on the Island of Ireland, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18, (9542), 2021
Sayers G, Donohoe F, McKeown D, Mc Dermott R, Cianci F, Darker C, Haase T & Johnson H, Analysis of low birth weight first-born babies by geography and deprivation as an aid to policy and service targeting., Journal of Public Health., 42, (1), 2020, p66 - 73
Risk perception. in, editor(s)M.D. Gellman & J.R. Turner , Encyclopaedia of Behavioral Medicine. , New York, USA, Springer , 2020, [Darker, C. & Phillips, A. ]
Darker, C., O'Connell, N., Dempster, M., Graham, C., O'Connor, C., Zgaga, L., Nolan, A., Tobin, K., Brennan, N., Nicolson, G., Burke, E., Mather, L., Crowley, P., Scally, G., Barry, J. , Study protocol for the COvid-19 Toolbox for All IslaNd (CONTAIN) project: A cross-border analysis in Ireland to disentangle psychological, behavioural, media and governmental responses to COVID-19, HRB Open Research, 2020, p10.12688/hrbopenres.13105.1
Lungu, E., Darker, C.D., & Biesma, R. , Determinants of healthcare seeking for childhood illnesses among caregivers of under-five children in urban slums in Malawi: a population-based cross-sectional study, BMC Pediatrics , 20 , 2020
Nicolson, G., Hayes, C., & Darker, C. , Examining total and domain-specific sedentary behaviour using the socio-ecological model - a cross-sectional study of Irish adults. , BMC Public Health , 19, (1155), 2019
Emma Burke, Fiona Dobbie, Nadine Dougall, Mary Adebolu Oluwaseun, David Mockler, Joanne Vance, Nicola O'Connell, Catherine Darker, Linda Bauld, Catherine Hayes, Smoking cessation programmes for women living in disadvantaged communities, We Can Quit 2: A systematic review protocol, HRB Open Access, 2, (10), 2019
Hickey, A., Lawler, M., Doyle, F., Nixon, E., Darker, C., Barry, M., Field, C., & Hevey, D. , The effects of training low-SES adolescents in Motivational Interviewing for health behaviour change among peers., 33rd Annual Conference of the European Health Psychological Society, Dubrovnik, Croatia, 3 - 7 September 2019, 2019
Lawler, M., Hickey, A., Hevey, D., Doyle, F., Nixon, E., Darker, C., Barry, M., & Field, C. , Effects of a peer-led motivational interviewing intervention on physical activity levels of adolescents in low SES communities, Psychology Health and Medicine Conference 2019, Maynooth University , 22nd March, 2019
Lawler, M., Hickey, A., Doyle, F., Nixon, E., Darker, C., Barry, M., Field, C., & Hevey, D. , Effectiveness of a peer-led motivational interviewing intervention for increasing physical activity among at-risk adolescents, 33rd Annual Conference of the European Health Psychological Society, Dubrovnik, Croatia, 3 - 7 September 2019, 2019
Hayes, C., Ciblis, A., Darker, C.D., Dougall, N., Vance, J., O'Connell, N., Dobbie, F., Louden, K., Burke, E., Devane, D., Bauld, L. , We can Quit 2: A community-based intervention on smoking cessation for women living in disadvantaged areas of Ireland: study protocol for a pilot cluster randomised controlled trial. , BMC Pilot and Feasibility Studies , 5 , (138 ), 2019
Haberlin, C., Broderick, J., Guinan, E., Darker, C.D., Hussey, J., O'Donnell, D.M., 'eHealth-based intervention to increase physical activity levels in people with cancer: protocol of a feasibility trial in an Irish acute hospital setting', 2019, e024999-
Sorin, G.M., Darker, C., Whiston, L., O'Callaghan, A., Barry, J.M., Kelly, B.D. , A cross-sectional, face-to-face, community survey of mental health and deprivation in post-recession Ireland: a rising tide lifts all boats? , Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine , 2019, p1 - 12
Whiston, L., O'Keane, V., Barry, J.M., & Darker, C, Patient, family and clinician preferences for the intensity and implementation of patient and family participation in healthcare design and delivery in psychiatry. , European Journal of Psychiatry. , in press, 2018
Lungu, E.A., Obse, A.G., Darker, C., & Biesma, R. , What influences where they seek care? Caregivers' preferences for under-five child healthcare services in urban slums of Malawi: A discrete choice experiment. , PLoS ONE, 13, (1), 2018
Kelly, B.D., Sorin, G.M., Barry, J.M., Whiston, L., Donnelly-Swift, E., & Darker, C. , Community-based, cross sectional study of self-reported health in post-recession Ireland: what has changed? , QJM: An International Journal of Medicine., 111, (8), 2018, p555 - 559
Darker, C.D., Donnelly-Swift, E., & Whiston, L. , Demographic factors and attitudes that influence the support of the general public for the introduction of universal healthcare in Ireland: A national survey. , Health Policy, 122, (2), 2018, p147 - 156
Lungu, EA., Biesma R., Chirwa, M., & Darker., C., "Is the urban child health advantage declining in Malawi?: Evidence from Demographic and Health Surveys and Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys.", Journal of Urban Health , online, (online), 2018, p1 - 14
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 - 347
Darker, C.D. , KEYNOTE ADDRESS: In the horrors: a decade of generating applied research to influence health service and health policy. , Psychology, Health & Medicine , Ulster University, 2018
Darker, C.D., Nicolson, G.H., Carroll, A., & Barry, J. , The barriers and facilitators to the implementation of National Clinical Programmes in Ireland: using the MRC framework for process evaluations. , BMC Health Services Research , 18, (733), 2018
Darker, C.D., Nicolson, G.H., Carroll, A., & Barry, J., Process evaluation of the national clinical care programmes in Ireland, International Conference on Integrated Care, Dublin, 2017
O'Connor, G., O'Keeffe, D.O., Darker, C., & O'Shea, B. , Patient acceptability and experiences of therapeutic switching of proton pump inhibitors within the National Preferred Drugs initiative in Ireland., Irish Journal of Medical Science, 186, (3), 2017, p631 - 639
Darker, C.D., KEYNOTE ADDRESS: Aligning population based approaches to improving health outcomes: improving primary care services and lessons for integrated care. , International Conference on Integrated Care, Dublin, 2017
Whiston, L., Joe M. Barry, & Darker, C.D. , Participation of patients and family members in healthcare services at the service and national levels: a lesson learned in Dublin, Ireland. , Patient Education and Counselling. , 100, (3), 2017, p583 - 591
Darker, C.D., Donnelly-Swift, E., Whiston, L., Moore, F. & Barry, J. , Determinants of self rated health in an Irish deprived suburban population - a cross sectional face-to-face household survey., Psychology, Health & Medicine, Dublin, 2017
Lungu, EA., Biesma R., Chirwa, M., Darker., C. , Healthcare seeking practices and barriers to accessing under-five child health services in urban slums in Malawi: a qualitative study. , BMC Health Services Research, 16, (410), 2016
Darker C, Sweeney B, Keenan E, Whiston L, Anderson R, Barry J, Screening and Brief Intervention for illicit drug use and alcohol use in methadone maintained opiate dependent patients: Results of a randomised control trial feasibility study, Substance Use and Misuse, 51, (9), 2016, p1104 - 1115
Darker, C., Sweeney, B., Keenan, E., Whiston, L., Anderson, R., & Barry, J. , Tailoring a brief intervention for illicit drug use and alcohol use in Irish methadone maintained opiate dependent patients: a qualitative process. , BMC Psychiatry , 16, (373), 2016
Darker, C.D., Donnelly-Swift, E., Whiston, L., Moore, F., & Barry, J. , Determinants of self rated health in an Irish deprived suburban population - a cross sectional face-to-face household survey. , BMC Public Health, 16, (767), 2016
Barrett EM, Darker CD, Hussey J, The sedentary profile of primary care patients, Journal of Public Health, 39, (2), 2016, p347 - 352
Darker, C., Ho, J., Kelly, G., Whiston, L., & Barry, J. , Demographic and clinical factors predicting retention in methadone maintenance: results from an Irish cohort. , Irish Journal of Medical Science, 185, (2), 2016, p433 - 441
Barrett EM, Hussey J, Darker CD, Location and deprivation are important influencers of physical activity in primary care populations, Public Health, 136, 2016, p80 - 86
Barrett EM, Hussey J, Darker CD, Feasibility of a physical activity pathway for Irish primary care physiotherapy services, Physiotherapy, 103, (1), 2016, p106 - 112
Doorley, E., Young, C., O'Rorke, C., Hollywood, B., Darker, C., O'Shea, B. , Is primary prevention of childhood obesity by education at 13-month immunisations feasible and acceptable? Results from a General Practice based pilot study., Irish Medical Journal, 108, (1), 2015, p13 - 15
Darker, C.D. & Doyle, F. , The Healthy Ireland Framework and health behaviour change to improve public health, Institute of Public Health Open Conference , Dublin, 2015
Smyth, B.P., James, P., Cullen, W., & Darker, C., "So prohibition can work?" Changes in use of novel psychoactive substances among adolescents attending a drug and alcohol treatment service following a legislative ban. , International Journal of Drug Policy, 26, (9), 2015, p887 - 889
Breen N, MacEoin S, Loy A, O'Shea B, Darker C, Insights and Concerns of Patients and GPs Regarding Introduction of Universal Health Insurance in Ireland, Irish Medical Journal, 108, (9), 2015, p281 - 282
Darker CD, Sweeney BP, Barry JM, Farrell MF, Donnelly-Swift E, Psychosocial interventions for benzodiazepine harmful use, abuse or dependence., Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews , CD009652, (5), 2015
Darker, C., Palmer, D., O'Reilly, G., Whiston, L., & Smyth, B. , Young people in drug treatment: their views on substance use - aetiology, trajectory, parents' role in drug use and coping skills., Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine, 32, (31), 2015, p247 - 258
Smyth, B.P., Kelly, A., Cullen, W., Darker, C. , Treatment outcome for adolescents abusing alcohol and cannabis: how many 'reliably improve'?, Irish Medical Journal, 108, (5), 2015, p137 - 140
Drug Use and Abuse: Psychosocial Aspects in, editor(s)James D. Wright , International Encyclopedia of the Social and Behavioral Sciences, Oxford, Elsevier, 2015, pp685 - 689, [Darker, C., Whiston, L., ]
Darker, C.D., Sweeney, B.P., Barry, J.M., Farrell, M.F., Donnelly-Swift, E, 'PODCAST: Psychosocial interventions for benzodiazepine harmful use, abuse or dependence', Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews , 2015, -
O' Shea, B., McElwee, O., Martin, D., Brennan, B., O'Leary, F., Kavanagh, K., Courtney, A., Scully, M., Ramiah, D., & Darker, C. , Are we ready to"Think Ahead" ? Results from a patient acceptability study using an innovative end of life planning tool in General Practice., Irish Medical Journal, 107, (5), 2014, p138 - 140
Darker CD, Sweeney B, Keenan E, Whiston L, Rolande A, & Barry J., Development of a culturally and contextually appropriate brief intervention for illicit drug use and alcohol use in Irish methadone maintained opiate dependent patients: a qualitative approach. , Psychological Society of Ireland Annual Conference, Cork, Ireland, 2014
O'Toole J, Hambly R, Cox AM, O'Shea B, Darker C. , Methadone-maintained patients in primary care have higher rates of chronic disease and multimorbidity, and use health services more intensively than matched controls. , European Journal of General Practice, 20, (4), 2014, p275 - 280
Gilroy, D., O'Brien, S., Barry, J., Ivers, J., Whiston, L., Keenan, E., & Darker, C. , Benzodiazepine use in a methadone maintained opioid dependent cohort in Ireland. , Heroin Addiction & Related Clinical Problems, , 14, (3), 2014, p101 - 110
Darker, C.D., Sweeney, B., Keenan, E., Whiston, L., Anderson, A., & Barry, J, Brief intervention for alcohol and illicit drug use in methadone maintained patients: a cluster RCT feasibility study, European Working Group on Drugs Orientated Research , Dublin, 2014
Darker, C. , Hospital governance in Ireland - the dilemma of diversity. , Administration, 62, (1), 2014, p5 - 28
Ni Shuilleabhain, Barry, J., Kelly, A., O'Kelly, F., Darker, C., & O'Dowd, T. , Alcohol consumption in pregnancy: results from the general practice setting, Irish Journal of Medical Science, 183, (2), 2014, p231 - 240
Darker, C.D., Sweeney, B., Keenan, E., Whiston, L., Anderson, A., & Barry, J, Screening and brief interventions for illicit drug use and alcohol use in methadone maintained opiate dependent patients: results of a cluster randomised controlled feasibility study , Psychology, Health & Medicine, University of Limerick, 2014
O'Shea, B. Darker, C., & O'Kelly, F. , Chronic disease management in patients attending Irish General Practice Training Practices. , Irish Medical Journal, 106, (7), 2013, p207 - 209
Darker, C.D., Ivers, J.H., O'Farrell, A., Dolan, R., Eldin, N., & Allwright, S.P.A. , A qualitative study of the perceived impact of a community mobilisation intervention to reduce alcohol consumption among amateur sportsman, Psychology, Health & Medicine, Dublin, 2013
Agnew, J., Taaffe, M., Darker, C., O'Shea, B., & Clarke, J. , Delayed prescribing of antibiotics for respiratory tract infections: Use of information leaflets, Irish Medical Journal, 106, (8), 2013, p243 - 245
Barrett E, Darker C, Hussey J., Promotion of physical activity in primary care: knowledge and practice of general practitioners and physiotherapists, Journal of Public Health, 21, (1), 2013, p63 - 69
Apantaku-Olajide T, Darker CD, Smyth BP, Onset of Cocaine Use: Associated Alcohol Intoxication and Psychosocial Characteristics Among Adolescents in Substance Abuse Treatment., Journal of addiction medicine, 7, (3), 2013, p183 - 188
Redmond, P., Darker, C., McDonnell, M. & O'Shea, B. , Establishing a general practitioner led minor injury service: mixed methods evaluation at 10 months with an emphasis on use of radiology by GPs in the out-of- hours setting, Irish Journal of Medical Science, 182, (2), 2013, p213 - 216
What is the right model of universal health insurance for Ireland?. in, editor(s)Tom O'Connor , Integrated Care for Ireland in an International context: Challenges for Policy, Institutions & Specific Service User Needs., Cork, Ireland , Oak Tree Press , 2013, pp68 - 89, [Thomas S & Darker C. ]
Darker, C., Ivers, J., O'Farrell, A., Dolan, R., Eldin, N., & Allwright. , A qualitative study of the perceived impact of a community mobilisation intervention to reduce alcohol consumption among amateur sportsmen, Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine, 30, (1), 2013, p57 - 66
Doyle, F., & Darker, C.D., What can Health Psychology contribute to public health? , Institute of Public Health Open Conference, Dublin, 2013
French, DP., Darker, CD., Eves, FF., & Sniehotta, FF. , The systematic development of a brief intervention to increase walking in the general public using an "extended" Theory of Planned Behavior. , Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 10, (7), 2013, p940 - 948
Darker, C., Sweeney, B., Keenan, E., Whiston, L., Anderson, R., & Barry, J, Making it 'Dublin' and 'keeping it real': Development of a brief intervention for illicit drug use and alcohol use in Irish methadone maintained opiate dependent patients, Psychological Society of Ireland Annual Conference , Sligo , 2013
Darker, C., Sweeney, B., El Hassan, H., Kelly, A., Smyth, B., & Barry, J. , Non-attendance at counselling therapy in cocaine-using methadone-maintained patients: lessons learnt from an abandoned randomised controlled trial, Irish Journal of Medical Sciences, 181, (1), 2012
Ducray D, Darker C, Smyth BP, Situational and psycho-social factors associated with relapse following detoxification in a population of Irish opioid dependent patients. , Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine , 29, (2), 2012, p72 - 79
Darker, C., Sweeney, B., El Hassan, H., Kelly, A., Smyth, B., and Barry, J. , Cognitive behavioural coping skills therapy in cocaine using methadone maintained patients: a pilot randomised controlled trial, Heroin Addiction & Related Clinical Problems, 14, (3), 2012, p101-110
Darker CD, Sweeney BP, Barry JM, Farrell MF., Psychosocial interventions for benzodiazepine harmful use, abuse or dependence (Protocol) , Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2, (CD009652), 2012
White A, O'Brien B, Houlihan T, Darker C, O'Shea B., Childhood obesity: parents fail to recognise, general practitioners fail to act., Irish Medical Journal, 105, (1), 2012, p7 - 10
Darker C, Martin C, O'Dowd T, O'Kelly F, O'Shea B., Chronic disease management in general practice: results from a national study., Irish Medical Journal, 105, (4), 2012, p102 - 105
Darker, C., Sweeney, B., El Hassan, H., Smyth, B., Ivers, J., & Barry, J, Brief interventions are effective in reducing alcohol consumption in opiate dependent methadone maintained patients: results from an implementation study. , Drug & Alcohol Review, 31, (3), 2012, p348 - 356
Duffy, S., Darker, C., O'Shea, B., Conlon, T., & Hollywood, B. , New Developments in Service Delivery. Are GP led Sexual Health Clinics Acceptable and Satisfactory for Patients Attending?" , Irish Medical Journal, 104, (3), 2011, p71 - 73
Floyd, S., O'Shea, B. & Darker, C. , General practitioners experience in dietary counseling: poor access to deictic services., Irish Medical Journal, 104, (2), 2011, p59 - 60
Darker CD, Sweeney B, El Hassan H, Kelly A, O'Connor S, Smyth B, & Barry B., Non-attendance at counselling therapy in cocaine using methadone maintained patients: lessons learnt from an abandoned randomised controlled trial. , Psychology, Health & Medicine, National University of Ireland, Galway, 2011
Smyth, B.P., Darker, C., Donnelly-Swift, E., Barry, J.M., & Allwright, S.P. , A telephone survey of parental attitudes and behaviours regarding teenage drinking, BMC Public Health, 10, 2010, p297
Darker, C., Sweeney, B., El Hassan, H., Smyth, B., Ivers, J.I. & Barry, J., Brief interventions are effective in reducing alcohol consumption in opiate dependent methadone maintained patients: results from an Irish cohort. , INEBRIA - International Network for Brief Interventions for Alcohol, 2010
Darker, C., Sweeney, B., El Hassan, H., Smyth, B., Ivers, J.I. & Barry, J., Brief interventions are effective in reducing alcohol consumption in opiate dependent methadone maintained patients: results from an Irish cohort. , All Ireland Social Medicine Meeting , Belfast , 2010
Ryan J, Snow A, Darker C, Torreggiani W, Comparison of clinical outcomes from chest X-rays of smokers and non-smokers in a general practice population., Irish Medical Journal, 103, (3), 2010, p90 - 92
Darker, C., French, D.P., Eves, F.F., & Sniehotta, F.F. , An intervention to promote walking amongst the general population based on an 'extended' theory of planned behaviour: A waiting list randomised controlled trial , Psychology & Health, 25, (1), 2010, p71 - 88
McMahon, D., Darker, C., O'Shea, B., & Taaffe., The prescribing of contraception and emergency contraception to girls aged less than 16 - what are the views and beliefs of GPs and of parents? , Medico-Legal Journal of Ireland, 16, (2), 2010, p91 - 96
Barry, J.M., Darker, C.D., Thomas, D.E., Allwright, S.P., & O'Dowd T. , Primary medical care in Irish prisons, BMC Health Services Research, 10, (74), 2010, p74 - 79
Darker, C., Sweeney, B., El Hassan, H., Smyth, B., Ivers, J.I. & Barry, J., Alcohol screening and brief intervention delivery to an Irish cohort if opiate dependent methadone maintained patients , INEBRIA - International Network for Brief Interventions for Alcohol , Newcastle, United Kingdom , 2009
Darker, C., & French, D.P. , What sense do people make of a theory of planned behaviour questionnaire?: a think-aloud study., Journal of Health Psychology, 14, (7), 2009, p861 - 871
Darker, C.D., French, D.P., Eves, F.F., Sniehotta, F.F., A theory of planned behaviour intervention to promote walking: A waiting list randomised controlled trial., European Health Psychology Society Annual Conference, Bath, UK, 2008
Darker, C., French, D.R., Longdon, S., Morris, K., & Eves, FF. , Are beliefs elicited biased by question order? A theory of planned behaviour belief elicitation study about walking in the UK general population., British Journal of Health Psychology, 12, (1), 2007, p93 - 110
Darker, C., Larkin, M., & French, D.P. , An exploration of walking behaviour--an interpretative phenomenological approach., Social Science & Medicine, 65, (10), 2007, p2172 - 2183
Darker, C., Intervention checklist - developing a comprehensive checklist to guide the design of interventions. , The European Health Psychologist , 8, (3), 2006, p10 - 11
Darker, C.D., French, D.P., & Eves, F.F., Instrumental and affective beliefs about walking in the general population: a theory of planned behaviour belief elicitation study. , European Health Psychology Society Annual Conference, National University of Ireland, Galway, 2005
Non-Peer-Reviewed Publications
Gabriela M. Sorin, Catherine Darker , Lucy Whiston, Erica Donnelly-Swift, Joe Barry, Brendan D. Kelly, Physical and Mental Health in Post-Recession Ireland: A Community Study from Tallaght, Dublin, Meath Foundation , November, 2018, p1 - 14
Darker, C.D., Health Gathering - what changes to local health and social care services are important to residents in Tallaght? , Health Gathering, Tallaght Stadium, Dublin , 2016
Darker CD, Casey E, Seraukina T, Whiston L, & O'Shea B, The patients' perspective - a survey of chronic disease management in Ireland, Dublin, 2015
Darker C, Whiston L, O'Shea B, Chronic Disease Management in Ireland: Perspectives from patients and clinical stakeholders- implications and recommendations for the Irish healthcare system, Dublin, Adelaide Health Foundation, 2015
Darker, C.D. & O'Shea, B, Chronic Disease Management in Ireland. Perspectives from patients and clinical stakeholders - implications and recommendations for the Irish healthcare system, Adelaide Hospital Society Roundtable Meeting, Dublin, 2015
Darker, C.D., The Patients' Perspective - A Survey of Chronic Disease Management in Ireland, Adelaide Hospital Society Roundtable Meeting, Dublin, 2015
Darker CD, Whiston L, Long J, Donnelly-Swift E & Barry J, Health assets and needs assessment (HANA) in Tallaght, 2014, Dublin, 2015
Darker, C.D., Integrated healthcare in Ireland - a critical analysis and a way forward. , Integrated Care , Dublin, 2014
Darker, C.D., KEYNOTE ADDRESS: Health reforms - putting the patient (and the citizen?) at the centre of our care, The Mater Misericordiae University Hospital Annual Conference, Dublin, 2014
Darker CD, Whiston L, Jordan S, Doogue R, Collins C, Ryan K & O'Shea, A national survey of chronic disease management by practice nurses in Ireland, Dublin, 2014
Darker, C.D., Universal healthcare for Ireland , Irish Medical Organisation meeting , Dublin, 2014
Darker CD, Bergin C, Walsh G, & O'Shea B, A national survey of chronic disease management by Irish hospital based consultants, Dublin, 2014
Darker, C.D., Contemporary Health Policy & Service Reforms - impact on Irish hospitals , The Mater Misericordiae University Hospital Annual Conference , Dublin, 2014
Darker, C.D., Chronic illness - health policy, health services management and health psychology perspectives , IBD Nurses Clinical Educational Symposium , Dublin, 2013
Darker, C.D., Future Health: A Strategic Framework for the Reform of the Health Service 2012-2015, Adelaide Hospital Society Roundtable Meeting, Dublin, 2013
Darker, C. , Hospital Governance: Can medicine, ethics, the law, compassion and wisdom find common ground? , Conference Proceedings and Report , Dublin , Adelaide Health Policy Initiative, 2013
Darker CD, Integrated healthcare in Ireland - a critical analysis and a way forward. , Dublin, 2013
Darker, C.D., Why health & social equality is better for everyone (even the rich), TASC Annual Conference: Health Service Reform - the Government's First Year: What Progress? , Croke Park, Dublin , 2012
Darker C, Martin CM, O'Dowd TC, O'Kelly F, O'Kelly M, O'Shea B, A national survey of chronic disease management in Irish general practice, Dublin, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, TCD, June, 2011, p1 - 71
Darker, C.D., KEYNOTE ADDRESS: Health inequalities in Irish society and its impact on population health, Primary Care Social Workers Conference, Dublin, 2011
Research Expertise
Description
I lead on two themes across my research - 1. Behavioural change programmes and trials at population level and 2. Implementation Science. Theme 1: I have a proven track record in research for impact - applying and developing complex interventions (intervention design, measurement, fidelity, feasibility and process evaluation), for prevention-related health research (e.g., smoking cessation, alcohol, physical activity) for the general public, people with chronic illnesses and healthcare professionals. I am a leading international expert in behaviour change in health and healthcare contexts, as evidenced by my collaborations, research income, metrics and media appearances. Theme 2: My research has directly shaped and influenced clinical practice and health policy. For example, the result of my HRB funded brief intervention trial has changed the treatment of patients attending methadone services in Ireland. I routinely influence theory development and measurement. For example, my research demonstrated that the measurement of a popular theory in health psychology (theory of planned behaviour) is problematic for respondents to engage with; this has subsequently changed how researchers design this type of questionnaire. I incorporate evidence based processes into routine health practice and policy. For example, my process evaluation of the National Clinical Care Programmes in Ireland is shaping the reconfiguration of these Programmes nationally. . I am far surpassing the Research Metrics of FHS for Associate Professor (minimum score of 7 points over 4 year period) with a personal score of 36.5 over a 4 year period; even with two maternity leaves). . I have attracted 1,298,538 research funding to date, as PI or Co-Applicant, including HRB, IRC & HSE grants. . I have published extensively in leading health journals (N=102 overall; N=73 as senior author; h-index 19). I have been cited 1498 times. . My research has extensive reach and impact having been reported widely in print and broadcast media. For example, in the Irish Times and on national RTE radio. . As a research leader I contribute significantly to the research reputation of the School and the College. . I collaborate nationally and internationally with a wide range of disciplines, practitioners and policy makers. . I am a College leader in engaged research through a constant focus on Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) within my research - I use PPI from the design stage, improving the relevancy of the research and increasing its societal impact. . I have supervised four PhD students to completion. . I have a growing reputation as an external PhD examiner.Projects
- Title
- Multi-modal study examining social prescribing, examining clinical and cost effectiveness.
- Funding Agency
- Adelaide Health Foundation
- Date From
- 1st September 2018
- Date To
- 31st August 2021
- Title
- Developing a framework for mental health peer-support in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Funding Agency
- Irish Research Council
- Date From
- 1st September 2018
- Date To
- 31st August 2021
- Title
- A conduct a cluster randomised pilot trial of a community-based smoking cessation intervention for women in disadvantaged areas of Ireland.
- Funding Agency
- Health Research Board
- Date From
- September 2017
- Date To
- March 2020
- Title
- To conduct a process evaluation of the National Clinical Care Programmes.
- Funding Agency
- Health Service Executive
- Date From
- 1st September 2016
- Date To
- 31st May 2017
- Title
- A peer-to-peer motivational interview intervention for smoking, alcohol and physical activity among at-risk adolescents in low SES communities: A feasibility trial.
- Funding Agency
- Medical Research Charities Group and Health Research Board
- Date From
- 1st March 2017
- Date To
- 28th February 2020
- Title
- A pilot physical activity project for workplaces in Tallaght and also to determine the feasibility of community based physical activity in Tallaght.
- Funding Agency
- Health Service Executive
- Date From
- 1st September 2016
- Date To
- 31st August 2017
- Title
- To conduct secondary analysis on the Health Assets and Needs Assessment in Tallaght, specifically, to identify a combination of health assets that are most likely to lead to higher levels of health in the Tallaght community, with residents as co-producers of health.
- Funding Agency
- Health Research Board
- Date From
- 31st May 2015
- Date To
- 28th August 2015
- Title
- A Health Assets and Needs Assessment in Tallaght.
- Funding Agency
- Adelaide Health Foundation and Tallaght University Hospital
- Date From
- 1st September 2014
- Date To
- 31st December 2015
- Title
- Patient and family participation in healthcare design and delivery from a mental and physical healthcare perspective.
- Funding Agency
- Irish Research Council
- Date From
- 1st September 2015
- Date To
- 31st January 2018
- Title
- Screening and brief interventions for illicit drug and alcohol use in methadone maintained opiate dependent patients: a cluster randomised controlled trial feasibility study.
- Funding Agency
- Health Research Board
- Date From
- 1st September 2012
- Date To
- 31st May 2013
- Title
- Cochrane Systematic Review examining the evidence for the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions for benzodiazepine abuse or dependence.
- Funding Agency
- Health Research Board
- Date From
- 1st September 2010
- Date To
- 31st December 2012
- Title
- A comprehensive Health Needs Assessment of female drug users in Dublin North Inner City.
- Funding Agency
- Health Service Executive and Department of Health and Children and Women's Health Council
- Date From
- September 2009
- Date To
- October 2010
Recognition
Representations
Irish Platform for Patient's Organisations, Science and Industry (IPPOSI)(Board Member)
Expert Committee on Prevention, Irish Cancer Society (Committee member)
Trinity representative - Healthy County Committee (South Dublin)
Healthy Ireland (Council Member)
HEI HSE National Standard Undergraduate Curriculum for chronic disease prevention and management (Steering Group member)
Department of Health, National Advisory Committee on Drugs and Alcohol (subcommittee member of Treatment, Rehabilitation and Consequences, plus Research Advisory Group)
Expert Committee on Health Inequalities, Irish Cancer Society (Committee Member)
TASC Group on Health Inequalities (Committee member)
Health Reform Alliance (Chair; Ordinary Committee Member)
Reviewer for the following journals, inter alia: BMJ Open, BMC Public Health, BMC Health Services Research, BMC Family Practice, Health Policy, International Journal of Integrated Care, Health Psychology Review, Journal of Addiction Research & Therapy,
Council member - Psychological Society of Ireland
Honorary Secretary - Psychological Society of Ireland
Chair of Division of Health Psychology - Psychological Society of Ireland
Honorary Treasurer, Division of Health Psychology, Psychological Society of Ireland
Chair of Standing Committee on Psychometric Testing - Psychological Society of Ireland
Scientific Committee - Psychology, Health & Medicine Conference
Scientific Committee - International Foundation for Integrated Care Conference
Awards and Honours
Nominated for Provosts Teaching Award 2018-2019
Dean's Award for Innovation in Teaching 2016
Memberships
Cochrane International Collaboration
Psychological Society of Ireland (Registered Member 2009-2011) (Chartered Member 2011 - present)
British Psychological Society (Full member 2008-2016) (Associate Fellow 2017 - present)
European Health Psychology Society (Full Member)