Hema Chaplin

Background

About Hema Chaplin

My professional involvement and interest has been focused on health psychology and health services research; particularly the impact and involvement of patients and the public in designing and prioritising research projects to improve the quality and focus of research, using participatory research methods. I applied these interests to the area of Rheumatology during both my PhD (2017-2023) and MSc (2016-2017) here at KCL, where I have focused on persistent symptoms and/or inflammation despite treatment in adult-onset and juvenile onset inflammatory arthritis. However, I am broadly interested in involving patients and the public across conditions and age groups in health services research and public engagement activities. Involving patients and the public should be at the core of all research and their involvement in the implementation and improvement stages are particularly vital. Currently I am working on a mixed-methods evidence synthesis with consultation activities to identify information and education interventions for people with early stage Chronic Kidney Disease. Although a new patient population for my work professionally, this topic is of close personal relevance and importance. Kidney Disease affects several members of my family and is more prevalent in the South Asian population, with Mum having a kidney transplant and her mother most likely dying from it. Please reach out to connect and collaborate, especially if you are a member of the public or patient interested in getting more involved in research and need some support with that!