Lydia’s PhD project aims to further our understanding of informed consent and identify how emerging technologies including electronic consent may be used to streamline clinical trials. This project will include a comprehensive review of the current evidence with regard to both the effectiveness and challenges in informed consent, including quality of informed consent. The consent processes across ongoing clinical research studies will be evaluated, incorporating the perspectives of patients and staff. Strategies to improve the consent process, particularly the use of technology, will be identified. Finally, a study within a trial will be designed to evaluate impact of technology on improve the quality of informed consent.

Lydia has worked as a Clinical Trial Coordinator and a Clinical Research Associate and holds a BSc in Radiation Therapy and a post graduate diploma in Radiotherapy and Oncology.

Lydia is studying under the supervison of Prof Peter Doran and Dr Rachel Crowley (both UCD School of Medicine) and Prof Éilish McAuliffe (UCD School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems).