Background

Research Assistant for the Stroke Research Group at Newcastle University since January 2018. Graduated with a BSc(Hons) in Psychology from Northumbria University in 2016 and an MSc in Cognitive Neuroscience from Durham University in 2018.

Worked on PEARS (Promoting Effective and Rapid Stroke Care) programme. Currently working on SINONIMS (Study In NOvel Neuromuscular Imaging biomarkers for Motor outcome in Stroke). 

Qualifications

BSc (Hons) Psychology

First-Class Honours

Northumbria University

July 2016

MSc Cognitive Neuroscience

Distinction

Durham University

January 2018

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Research Interests

Biomarkers in stroke, Acute stroke care, Stroke treatments, Stroke recovery, Stroke Rehabilitation, Translational Neuroscience,  Clinical Neuroscience, Applied Neuroscience, Basic Neuroscience; Cognitive Neuroscience.  

Research Projects

Promoting Effective and Rapid Stroke Care (PEARS)

We aimed to increase the efficiency of acute stroke care by implementing and exploring various methods to optimise pre-hospital protocols and access to treatment to improve functional outcomes for patients.

Objective 1

Paramedic Acute Stroke Treatment Assessment (PASTA)

I conducted a survey to assess the views of paramedics involved in the PASTA trial which explored the impact of an enhanced paramedic role on patient treatment and outcomes. 

Objective 2

PEARS 2

The aim of PEARS 2 was to increase thrombectomy provision to eligible patients by optimising the configuration of stroke services.

I constructed a survey for the helicopter emergency services to assess the feasibility of the use of air-ambulances for secondary transfer of stroke patients to neuroscience centres for thrombectomy. I presented the results of the survey at UK Stroke Forum Conference. I also conducted a survey on patient and public preferences in relation to thrombectomy service configuration. 

Pre-hospital Diagnostic Imaging Technology Literature Review 

We conducted a scoping review of technologies, with potential for pre-hospital stroke (and sub-type) diagnosis and/or stratification, which could be used by paramedics. 

Study in Novel Neuro-muscular Imaging Biomarkers for Motor Outcome in Stroke (SINONIMS)

I am currently working on the SINONIMS study which aims to utilise neuro-muscular imaging biomarkers to predict lower limb motor outcome following stroke. Advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) will be used to assess white matter integrity in the brain, as well as muscle quality in the lower limb. The study will examine the impact of sarcopaenia (age related muscle degeneration) and loss of connectivity in the corticospinal tract on motor recovery. The goal is to  increase the accuracy of prognosis to allow provision of tailored treatments.  

Experience

Although I have not participated in any formal teaching, I have spent a significant amount of time personally tutoring friends and course mates. This was a particularly frequent occurrence in the context of statistical methods. I also assisted course mates struggling to conceptualise complex concepts by providing accessible explanations. I have provided writing guidance to many individuals by helping to structure pieces, editing work and transmitting writing skills. Lastly, during my Master’s thesis, I was asked to tutor an undergraduate student in experimental data collection and feel that I provided valuable insight into the research process.   

• Lumley H, Flynn D, Coughlan D, McMeekin P, Ford GA, Craig D, Rice S, Burgess D, Balami JS, Mawson A, White PM. Secondary Transfers by Helicopter Emergency Services for Thrombectomy in Rural England: a Feasibility Study. In: UK Stroke Forum 2018. 2018, Telford, UK: Sage Publications Ltd.
• Balami JS, Coughlan D, McMeekin P, White PM, Flynn D, Roffe C, Wiggam I, Flynn P, Chembala J, Natarajan I, Dixit A, Hunter A, Foddy L, Hopkins E, Lumley H, Rice S, Burgess D, Craig D, Buchan AM, Ford GA, Gray A. Case Costing of Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Ischaemic Stroke in Routine Clinical Setting: Cost Differences Between Mothership vs Drip and Ship. In: UK Stroke Forum 2018. 2018, Telford, United Kingdom: International Journal of Stroke.
• Lumley H, Flynn D, Ford GA, Inskip A, McClelland G, Shaw L, White PM, Price CIM. A Review of Technology to Assist with Patient Stratification during the Emergency Assessment of Suspected Stroke. PROSPERO 2018 2018, CRD42018087611.
• Flynn D, Coughlan D, McMeekin P, Ford GA, Craig D, Rice S, Burgess D, Balami J, Mawson A, Lumley H, White P. Secondary Transfer of Stroke Patients for Thrombectomy by Air Ambulance in England: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis. In: European Stroke Organisation Conference. 2018, Gothenburg, Sweden: European Stroke Journal.
• McMeekin P, Flynn D, Allen M, Coughlan D, Ford GA, Lumley H, Balami JS, James MA, Stein K, Burgess D, White P. Estimating the Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness of Establishing Additional Endovascular Thrombectomy Stroke Centres in England: A Discrete Event Simulation. BMC Health Services Research 2019, 19, 821.
• Lumley HA, Flynn D, Shaw L, McClelland G, Ford GA, White P, Price C. A Scoping Review of Pre-hospital Technology to Assist Ambulance Personnel with Patient Diagnosis or Stratification during the Emergency Assessment of Suspected Stroke. BMC Emergency Medicine 2020, 20, 30.
• Coughlan D, McMeekin P, Flynn D, Ford GA, Lumley H, Burgess D, Balami J, Mawson A, Craig D, Rice S, White P. Secondary transfer of emergency stroke patients eligible for mechanical thrombectomy by air in rural England: Economic evaluation and considerations. Emergency Medicine Journal 2020. In Press.
• Coughlan D, McMeekin P, Flynn D, Ford GA, Lumley H, Burgess D, Balami J, Mawson A, Craig D, Rice S, White P. Secondary transfer of emergency stroke patients eligible for mechanical thrombectomy by air in rural England: Economic evaluation and considerations. Emergency Medicine Journal 2020. In Preparation.
• Balami JS, Coughlan D, White PM, McMeekin P, Flynn D, Roffe C, Natarajan I, Chembala J, Nayak S, Wiggam I, Flynn P, Simister R, Sammaraiee Y, Sims D, Nader K, Dixit A, Craig D, Lumley H, Rice S, Burgess D, Foddy L, Hopkins E, Hudson B, Jones R, James MA, Buchan AM, Ford GA, Gray AM. The cost of providing mechanical thrombectomy in the UK NHS: a micro-costing study. Clinical Medicine Journal 2020, 20(3), e40-e45.
• Lumley H, Flynn D, Coughlan D, McMeekin P, Ford GA, Craig D, Rice S, Burgess D, Balami J, Mawson A, White P. Secondary transfers by helicopter emergency services for thrombectomy in rural England: a feasibility study (updated). In: UK Stroke Forum. 2019, International Journal of Stroke. In Preparation.