Dr Catherine Best

Lecturer Statistician

Institute for Social Marketing University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA

Dr Catherine Best

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About me

About me

Catherine’s research focus is primarily methodological and her skills are in the areas of quantitative data analysis and statistics. Catherine has been employed in health research for 20 years and has worked on projects involving survey data analysis, analysis of linked administrative data sets, and the conduct and analysis of randomized controlled trials. She has also co-authored a number of systematic reviews. Catherine obtained her PhD from the University of Edinburgh in 2007 and has a BSc from the University of Manchester. Catherine has worked across a range of research topics including delayed discharge and repeat admission to hospital, assistive technology for cognition, shared decision making interventions for people with mental health problems, evaluating smoking cessation services, care pathways for people with psychiatric or self-harm emergencies, tobacco and e-cigarette use in young people.

Catherine is also interested in the use of quantitative methods for systematic review and research synthesis.

Research (10)

Catherine's methodological expertise/interests are in:   -Quantitative data analysis including multivariate regression and multi-level modelling

 -Systematic reviews and research synthesis

Catherine's research interests are 

-Interventions to improve population health and well-being

-Interventions to promote independence and well-being for people with long-term health conditions

-Neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders

Projects

Removing the marketing power of cigarettes: A multi-method study aimed at protecting the health of adolescents in Latin America
PI: Professor Crawford Moodie
Funded by: Medical Research Council

The Adult Tobacco Policy Survey: Understanding how smokers and ex-smokers respond to tobacco control policies in the UK
PI: Professor Crawford Moodie
Funded by: Cancer Research UK

Methods of assessing perinatal anxiety: The acceptability, effectiveness and feasibility of different approaches
PI: Professor Helen Cheyne
Funded by: National Institute for Health Research

Testing the optimal design of health-promoting pack inserts and dissuasive cigarettes
PI: Professor Crawford Moodie
Funded by: Department of Health

Exploring the utility and safety of benzodiazepine prescribing among people receiving Opiate Replacement Therapy in Scotland: a multicentre retrospective cohort study
PI: Mr Joe Schofield
Funded by: Scottish Government

Evaluation of the Greater Manchester Smoke Free Pregnancy Programme
PI: Professor Michael Ussher
Funded by: Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership

What is the longer-term response of smokers and ex-smokers to standardised packaging and how does standardised packaging impact on health inequalities? Adult Tobacco Policy Survey Wave 3
PI: Professor Crawford Moodie
Funded by: Department of Health

PRoGRAM-A Preventing gambling related harm in adolescents: developing a peer-led, social network Intervention
PI: Dr Catherine Best
Funded by: Medical Research Council

Ambulance call-outs for psychiatric emergencies during the COVID-19 pandemic
PI:
Funded by: Chief Scientist Office

Longitudinal trends in national smoking prevalence and e-cigarette use in the European Union
PI: Dr Catherine Best
Funded by: Cancer Research UK

Outputs (55)

Outputs

Article

Best CS, Matheson C, Robertson J, Ritchie T, Cowden F, Dumbrell J, Duncan C, Kessavalou K, Woolston C & Schofield J (2024) Association between benzodiazepine coprescription and mortality in people on opioid replacement therapy: a population-based cohort study. BMJ Open, 14. https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/14/3/e074668.citation-tools; https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2023-074668


Article

Toft K, Best C & Donaldson J (2024) Assessment of patients with head and neck cancer using the MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory: Results of a study into its comprehensiveness, comprehensibility and relevance to clinical practice. International Journal of Language and Communication Disorder. https://doi.org/10.1111/1460-6984.13026


Article

Hagen S, Kearney R, Goodman K, Best C, Elders A, Melone L, Dwyer L, Dembinsky M, Graham M, Agur W, Breeman S, Culverhouse J, Forrest A, Forrest M & Bugge C (2023) Clinical effectiveness of vaginal pessary self-management vs clinic-based care for pelvic organ prolapse (TOPSY): a randomised controlled superiority trial. eClinicalMedicine, 66, p. 102326. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.102326


Article

Fitzpatrick D, Duncan EAS, Moore M, Best C, Andreis F, Esposito M, Dobbie R, Corfield AR & Lowe DJ (2022) Epidemiology of emergency ambulance service calls related to COVID-19 in Scotland: a national record linkage study. Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine, 30 (1), Art. No.: 9. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13049-022-00995-6


Article

Best C, Brown A & Hunt K (2022) Purchasing of tobacco-related and e-cigarette-related products within prisons before and after implementation of smoke-free prison policy: analysis of prisoner spend data across Scotland, UK. BMJ Open, 12 (2), Art. No.: e058909. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2021-058909


Article

Moodie C, Best C, Lund I, Scheffels J, Critchlow N, Stead M, McNeill A, Hitchman S & Mackintosh AM (2021) The response of smokers to health warnings on packs in the United Kingdom and Norway following the introduction of standardized packaging. Nicotine and Tobacco Research, 23 (9), pp. 1551-1558. https://doi.org/10.1093/ntr/ntab027


Article

Moodie C, Best C, Critchlow N, Stead M, McNeill A & Hitchman S (2021) The impact of including cessation resource information on health warnings on standardized tobacco packaging on awareness and use: A longitudinal online survey in the United Kingdom. Nicotine and Tobacco Research, 23 (6), pp. 1068-1073. https://doi.org/10.1093/ntr/ntaa251


Article

Critchlow N, Moodie C, Best C & Stead M (2021) Anticipated responses to a hypothetical minimum price for cigarettes and roll-your-own tobacco: An online cross-sectional survey with cigarette smokers and ex-smokers in the UK. BMJ Open, 11 (3), Art. No.: e042724. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2020-042724


Article

Hagen S, Kearney R, Goodman K, Melone L, Elders A, Manoukian S, Agur W, Best C, Breeman S, Dembinsky M, Dwyer L, Forrest M, Graham M, Guerrero K & Bugge C (2020) Clinical and cost-effectiveness of vaginal pessary self-management compared to clinic-based care for pelvic organ prolapse: protocol for the TOPSY randomised controlled trial. Trials, 21 (1), Art. No.: 837. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-020-04738-9


Article

Dawkins L, Bauld L, Ford A, Robson D, Hajek P, Parrott S, Best C, Li J, Tyler A, Uny I & Cox S (2020) A cluster feasibility trial to explore the uptake and use of e-cigarettes versus usual care offered to smokers attending homeless centres in Great Britain. PLoS ONE, 15 (10), Art. No.: e0240968. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0240968


Article

AG Kuipers M, Best C, Wilson M, Currie D, Ozakinci G, Marie Mackintosh A, Stead M, Eadie D, MacGregor A, Pearce J, Amos A & Haw S (2020) Adolescents' perceptions of tobacco accessibility and smoking norms and attitudes in response to the tobacco point-of-sale display ban in Scotland: Results from the DISPLAY study. Tobacco Control, 29 (3), pp. 348-356. https://doi.org/10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2018-054702


Article

Pearce J, Cherrie M, Best C, Eadie D, Stead M, Amos A, Currie D, Ozakinci G, MacGregor A & Haw S (2020) How has the introduction of point-of-sale legislation affected the presence and visibility of tobacco retailing in Scotland? A longitudinal study. Tobacco Control, 29 (2), pp. 168-174. https://doi.org/10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2018-054543


Policy Document

Haw S, Currie D, Eadie D, Pearce J, MacGregor A, Stead M, Amos A, Best C, Wilson M, Cherrie M, Purves R, Ozakinci G & Marie MacKintosh A (2020) Tobacco point-of-sale displays, brand awareness, and smoking and vaping among young people in Scotland Insights for policymakers from the DISPLAY project In. University of Stirling. Stirling. https://www.stir.ac.uk/research/public-policy-hub/policy-briefings/


Article

Duncan EAS, Best C, Dougall N, Skar S, Evans J, Corfield AR, Fitzpatrick D, Goldie I, Maxwell M, Snooks H, Stark C, White C & Wojcik W (2019) Epidemiology of emergency ambulance service calls related to mental health problems and self harm: a national record linkage study. Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine, 27, Art. No.: 34. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13049-019-0611-9


Meeting Abstract

Best C, Haseen F, Currie D, Ozakinci G, Mackintosh AM & Haw S (2018) Effect of seeing e-cigarettes in small shops on probability of e-cigarette experimentation by 1 year follow up in adolescents in Scotland, UK. 17th World Conference on Tobacco or Health, Cape Town, South Africa. Tobacco Induced Diseases, 16 (1), Art. No.: 233. https://doi.org/10.18332/tid/84188


Meeting Abstract

Pearce J, Cherrie M, Best C, Eadie D, Stead M, Amos A, MacGregor A, Currie D, Ozakinci G & Haw S (2018) Has point-of-sale legislation led to a reduction in exposure to tobacco retailing?. 11th European Public Health Conference - Winds of change: towards new ways of improving public health in Europe, Ljubljana. European Journal of Public Health, 28, pp. 69-70.


Article

O'Neill B, Best C, O'Neill L, Ramos SDS & Gillespie A (2018) Efficacy of a Micro-Prompting Technology in Reducing Support Needed by People With Severe Acquired Brain Injury in Activities of Daily Living: A Randomized Control Trial. Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation, 33 (5), pp. E33-E41. https://journals.lww.com/headtraumarehab/Citation/2018/09000/Efficacy_of_a_Micro_Prompting_Technology_in.13.aspx


Article

Best C, Haseen F, Currie D, Ozakinci G, MacKintosh AM, Stead M, Eadie D, MacGregor A, Pearce J, Amos A, Frank J & Haw S (2018) Relationship between trying an electronic cigarette and subsequent cigarette experimentation in Scottish adolescents: a cohort study. Tobacco Control, 27 (4), pp. 373-378. http://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/content/early/2017/07/22/tobaccocontrol-2017-053691; https://doi.org/10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2017-053691


Conference Proceeding

Stead M, Eadie D, Purves R, Haw S, Pierce J, Amos A, Best C & Ford A (2018) Point of sale display ban in Scotland: retailers' views of the effects on customer transactions, sales, youth and feelings about selling tobacco. In: 17th World Conference on Tobacco or Health Abstract Book. Tobacco Induced Diseases, 16 (Supplement 1) 17th World Conference on Tobacco or Health, Cape Town, South Africa, 07.03.2018-09.03.2018. Heraklion, Crete, Greece: International Society for the Prevention of Tobacco Induced Diseases, p. A184. https://doi.org/10.18332/tid/84248


Meeting Abstract

Haseeni F, Best C, Murray S, Ozakinci G, Currie D, van der Sluijs W, Eadie D, Stead M, MacKintosh AM, Pearce J, MacGregor A, Amos A, Frank J & Haw S (2016) Smoking in the social environment and adolescent brand awareness: Differential effects by gender. 14th International Congress of Behavioral Medicine "Behavioral Medicine: Making an Impact in the Modern World", Groningen. International Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 23 (Supplement 1), pp. S196-S197, Art. No.: O607.


Article

van der Sluijs W, Haseen F, Miller M, MacGregor A, Sharp C, Amos A, Best C, Stead M, Eadie D, Pearce J, Frank JW & Haw S (2016) 'It looks like an adult sweetie shop': point-of-sale tobacco display exposure and brand awareness in Scottish secondary school students. Nicotine and Tobacco Research, 18 (10), pp. 1981-1988. https://doi.org/10.1093/ntr/ntw032


Article

Best C, Haseen F, van der Sluijs W, Ozakinci G, Currie D, Eadie D, Stead M, MacKintosh AM, Pearce J, Tisch C, MacGregor A, Amos A, Frank JW & Haw S (2016) Relationship between e-cigarette point of sale recall and e-cigarette use in secondary school children: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health, 16, Art. No.: 310. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-016-2968-2


Article

Eadie D, Stead M, MacKintosh AM, Murray S, Best C, Pearce J, Tisch C, van der Sluijs W, Amos A, MacGregor A & Haw S (2016) Are Retail Outlets Complying with National Legislation to Protect Children from Exposure to Tobacco Displays at Point of Sale? Results from the First Compliance Study in the UK. PLoS ONE, 11 (3), Art. No.: e0152178. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0152178


Book Chapter

Best C, O'Neill B & Gillespie A (2014) Assistive Technology for Cognition: An Updated Review. In: Naik G & Guo Y (eds.) Emerging Theory and Practice in Neuroprosthetics. Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA: IGI Global, pp. 215-236. http://www.igi-global.com/chapter/assistive-technology-for-cognition/109891


Book Chapter

Best C, O'Neill B & Gillespie A (2013) Assistive technology for cognition: Enabling activities of daily living. In: Cruz-Cunha M, Miranda I & Goncalves P (eds.) Handbook of Research on ICTs for Human-Centered Healthcare and Social Care Services. Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA: IGI Global, pp. 112-129. http://www.igi-global.com/chapter/assistive-technology-cognition/77139; https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-4666-3986-7.ch006


Book Chapter

Best C (2013) Models of exercise after stroke service design. In: Mead G & van Wijck F (eds.) Exercise After Stroke: A Handbook for Evidence-based Practice. Oxford: Churchill Livingstone/ Elsevier, pp. 233-248. http://www.elsevierhealth.co.uk/Health-Professions/Manual-Therapy/book/9780702043383/Exercise-and-Fitness-Training-After-Stroke/#anchor-author


Book Chapter

Best C, Mead G & Dennis J (2013) Guidelines for exercise after stroke service design. In: Mead G & van Wijck F (eds.) Exercise After Stroke: A Handbook for Evidence-based Practice. Oxford: Churchill Livingstone/ Elsevier, pp. 249-260. http://www.elsevierhealth.co.uk/Health-Professions/Manual-Therapy/book/9780702043383/Exercise-and-Fitness-Training-After-Stroke/#anchor-author


Article

Best C & Mead G (2010) GPs have pivotal role in care of stroke patients. Practitioner, 254 (1726), pp. 31-34. http://www.thepractitioner.co.uk/Special-Report/Special-Report/2446-/GPs-have-pivotal-role-in-care-of-stroke-patients


Article

Best C, Moffat V, Power MJ, Owens D & Johnstone EC (2008) The boundaries of the cognitive phenotype of autism: Theory of mind, central coherence and ambiguous figure perception in young people with autistic traits. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 38 (5), pp. 840-847. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-007-0451-8