Doctor Katie Shearn PhD, BSc.
Researcher
Summary
My research interests span cultural, political, organisational and interpersonal factors affecting health and wellbeing. My doctoral studies developed theory and evidence to support services deliver positive youth sexual health services
I am currently researching whole-systems transformations to deliver person-centred public health including for sexual wellbeing and increased levels of physical activity. I am a methods pluralist with an expertise in realist methodologies which are orientated towards the explanation of social phenomena situated within complex systems.
I returned to academia in 2014 following a successful career in contract social and marketing research in the private sector.
About
I am actively involved in research and supervision at both Sheffield Hallam University and in collaboration with other universities. Most of my projects include a realist methodology component and I have contributed methodological advancements in peer-reviewed journal articles and at international conferences.
1) Sexual health and wellbeing for young people. This includes advising on policy and conducting research on positive sexuality, sexuality education and services for sexual wellbeing. I have contributed to national policy as well as peer reviewed publications and conference presentations. I am interested in the application of the Capabilities Approach as a framework to support young people's sexual health and general wellbeing.
2) Living well with HIV. This emerging research area acknowledges that people with HIV who are adherent to treatment can live longer lives but often with a range of comorbidities and ill mental health. This programme of work would investigate new models of health care and community led interventions to support people living with HIV to have the best possible quality of life.
3) Whole-systems transformations. In collaboration with local stakeholders I have developed realist informed theory and evaluation frameworks for transforming systems and processes to support community-led, assets-based or person-centred systems.
My academic career builds on the successes of a 13 year career in contract social and marketing research where I was responsible for large scale and high profile research projects for clients including the Department of Health and Social Care and the Wellcome Trust.
Research
1) Sexual health and wellbeing for young people. This includes advising on policy and conducting research on positive sexuality, sexuality education and services for sexual wellbeing. I have contributed to national policy as well as peer reviewed publications and conference presentations. I am interested in the application of the Capabilities Approach as a framework to support young people's sexual health and general wellbeing.
2) Living well with HIV. This emerging research area acknowledges that people with HIV who are adherent to treatment can live longer lives but often with a range of comorbidities and ill mental health. This programme of work would investigate new models of health care and community led interventions to support people living with HIV to have the best possible quality of life.
3) Whole-systems transformations. In collaboration with local stakeholders I have developed realist informed theory and evaluation frameworks for transforming systems and processes to support community-led, assets-based or person-centred systems.
My academic career builds on the successes of a 13 year career in contract social and marketing research where I was responsible for large scale and high profile research projects for clients including the Department of Health and Social Care and the Wellcome Trust.
I am currently working with Public Health England, the English Institute of Sport, Sheffield Accountable Care Partnership, Doncaster Council and the National Centre for Sports and Exercise Medicine.
Publications
Key Publications
Shearn, K. (2023). The Evaluation of "Whole-of-Systems Approaches" to Sport and Physical Activity. In Adams, A., & Harris, K. (Eds.) Evaluation in Sport and Leisure. Routledge: https://www.routledge.com/Evaluation-in-Sport-and-Leisure/Adams-Harris/p/book/9780367423704
Shearn, K., Brooks, A., Humphreys, H., & Wardle, C. (2022). Mixed methods Participatory Action Research to inform service design based on the Capabilities Approach, in the North of England. Children and Society: the international journal of childhood and children's services, 36 (4), 450-471. http://doi.org/10.1111/chso.12496
Potts, A.J., Nobles, J., Shearn, K., Danks, K., & Frith, G. (2022). Embedded researchers as part of a whole systems approach to physical activity: reflections and recommendations. Systems, 10 (3). http://doi.org/10.3390/systems10030069
Bansal, A., Greenley, S., Mitchell, C., Park, S., Shearn, K., & Reeve, J. (2022). Optimising planned medical education strategies to develop learners' person-centredness: A realist review. Medical Education, 56 (5), 489-503. http://doi.org/10.1111/medu.14707
Potts, A., Shearn, K., Frith, G., & Christy, E. (2021). Working with Local People as Part of a Whole-systems Approach to Physical Activity: Reflections from Local Delivery Pilots. Perspectives in Public Health, 141 (2), 74-75. http://doi.org/10.1177/1757913920982645
Danks, K., Shearn, K., Dalkin, S., Fitzgerald, M., & Broom, D.R. (2021). Towards a common purpose: a theoretical model for a whole system approach to physical activity developed in South Tees. Perspectives in Public Health, 141 (2), 72-73. http://doi.org/10.1177/1757913920983389
Bellow, B., Cavill, N., Allender, S., Copeland, R., & Shearn, K. (2020). Strategic principles and capacity building for a whole-of-systems approaches to physical activity. In Bellew, B., Nau, T., Smith, B.J., & Bauman, A. (Eds.) Getting Australia Active III. A systems approach to physical activity for policy makers. The Australian Prevention Partnership Centre and The University of Sydney
Shearn, K., Crabbe, T., Edgar, K., Frith, G., & Christy, E. (2020). Greater Manchester Local Pilot Process Evaluation April 2020. Substance.
Shearn, K., Allmark, P., Piercy, H., & Hirst, J. (2017). Building realist programme theory for large complex and messy interventions. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 16 (1), 1-11. http://doi.org/10.1177/1609406917741796
Shearn, K., Piercy, H., Allmark, P., & Hirst, J. (2016). Provision of positive sexual health services for young people: a realist evaluation. The Lancet, 388 (Supp2), S105. http://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(16)32341-8
Journal articles
Downey, J., Shearn, K., Brown, N., Wadey, R., & Breckon, J. (2024). The implementation of behaviour change practices in Physical Activity Referral Schemes: a narrative review. Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine, 12 (1). http://doi.org/10.1080/21642850.2023.2278293
Jones, S.M., Porroche-Escudero, A., Shearn, K., Hunter, R.F., & Garcia, L. (2024). Thinking about inequalities in physical activity as an emergent feature of complex systems. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 21. https://ijbnpa.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12966-024-01659-7
Grinvalds, N., Copeland, R., Shearn, K., & Humphreys, H. (2024). 38 Combining healthcare and fitness through physical co-location: is that alone enough to get people physically active? [abstract only]. European Journal of Public Health, 34 (Supple). http://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/ckae114.154
Downey, J., Harris, N., Rybczynska-Bunt, S., Golder, E., Shearn, K., & Bradley, N. (2024). Reflecting on Reflexivity in Realist Evaluation: A Call to Action. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 23. http://doi.org/10.1177/16094069241284206
Reece, L., Bauman, A., Nau, T., Lee, K., Smith, B.J., Bellew, W., ... Copeland, R. (2021). Translating whole system approaches into practice to increase population physical activity [Abstract only]. Health & Fitness Journal of Canada, 14 (3). http://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.473
Downey, J., Shearn, K., Brown, N., Wadey, R., & Breckon, J. (2021). Behaviour change practices in exercise referral schemes: developing realist programme theory of implementation. BMC Health Services Research, 21. http://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-021-06349-9
Peckover, S., Shearn, K., Wood, D., Frankland, S., & Day, P. (2020). Extending the Scope of Health Visiting and School Nursing Practice Within a 0–19 Service. Journal of Health Visiting, 8 (10), 426-434. http://doi.org/10.12968/johv.2020.8.10.426
Walker, S., Piercy, H., Shearn, K., & Acton, F. (2019). What consultation resources are available to support delivery of integrated sexual and reproductive health services? A scoping review. BMJ Sexual and Reproductive Health. http://doi.org/10.1136/bmjsrh-2019-200414
Shearn, K., Piercy, H., Allmark, P., & Hirst, J. (2019). Clarity, conviction and coherence supports buy-in to positive youth sexual health services: focused results from a realist evaluation. BMC Health Services Research, 19, 503. http://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-019-4298-4
Reports
Haywood, A., Dayson, C., Garside, R., Foster, A., Lovell, B., Husk, K., ... Wilson, I. (2024). National evaluation of the preventing and tackling mental ill health through green social prescribing project: Final report - March 2021 to June 2023. London: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/gsp-final-report-march-2021-to-june-2023
Haywood, A., Dayson, C., Garside, R., Foster, A., Lovell, B., Husk, K., ... Wilson, I. (2024). National evaluation of the preventing and tackling mental ill health through green social prescribing project: Appendices to final report - March 2021 to June 2023. London: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/gsp-final-report-appendices-march-2021-to-june-2023
Haywood, A., Dayson, C., Garside, R., Foster, A., Lovell, B., Husk, K., ... Wilson, I. (2024). National Evaluation of the Preventing and Tackling Mental Ill Health through Green Social Prescribing Project: Policy Briefing - Final Report - March 2021 to June 2023. London: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/gsp-final-report-briefing-march-2021-to-june-2023
Haywood, A., Dayson, C., Garside, R., Foster, A., Lovell, B., Husk, K., ... Wilson, I. (2024). National evaluation of the preventing and tackling mental ill health through green social prescribing project: Final report Summary - March 2021 to June 2023. London: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/gsp-final-report-summary-march-2021-to-june-2023
Haywood, A., Dayson, C., Garside, R., Foster, A., Lovell, B., Husk, K., ... Wilson, I. (2023). National Evaluation of the Preventing and Tackling Mental Ill Health through Green Social Prescribing Project: Interim Report Summary - September 2021 to September 2022. Sheffield Hallam University, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/gsp-interim-report-summary-sept-2021-to-sept-2022
Haywood, A., Dayson, C., Garside, R., Foster, A., Lovell, B., Husk, K., ... Wilson, I. (2023). National Evaluation of the Preventing and Tackling Mental Ill Health through Green Social Prescribing Project: Briefing Document - Interim Report - September 2021 to September 2022. Sheffield Hallam University, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/gsp-interim-report-briefing-sept-2021-to-sept-2022
Haywood, A., Dayson, C., Garside, R., Foster, A., Lovell, B., Husk, K., ... Wilson, I. (2023). National Evaluation of the Preventing and Tackling Mental Ill Health through Green Social Prescribing Project: Appendices to Interim Report - September 2021 to September 2022. Sheffield Hallam University, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/gsp-interim-report-appendices-sept-2021-to-sept-2022
Haywood, A., Dayson, C., Garside, R., Foster, A., Lovell, B., Husk, K., ... Wilson, I. (2023). National Evaluation of the Preventing and Tackling Mental Ill Health through Green Social Prescribing Project: Interim Report - September 2021 to September 2022. Sheffield Hallam University, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/gsp-interim-report-sept-2021-to-sept-2022
Griffiths, K., & Shearn, K. (2022). Move More Empowering Communities, Final Report.
Shearn, K., Penhall, S., & Leahy, H. (2022). You've Got This (South Tees) Process Evaluation, September 2022. (6).
Shearn, K., Crabbe, T., Edgar, K., Griffiths, K., Hart, G., & Storey, R. (2022). Greater Manchester Moving Process Evaluation, October 2022. (6).
Shearn, K., Crabbe, T., Edgar, K., Hart, G., Griffiths, K., & Storey, R. (2022). Greater Manchester Moving Process Evaluation, March 2022. (5).
Danks, K., Shearn, K., Broom, D., & Leahy, H. (2022). You've Got This (South Tees) Process Evaluation, March 2022. (5).
Griffiths, K., & Shearn, K. (2021). This Girl Can, Evaluation.
Shearn, K., Danks, K., & Broom, D. (2021). You've Got This (South Tees) Process Evaluation, September 2021. (3).
Shearn, K., Crabbe, T., Edgar, K., Storey, R., Hart, G., & Griffiths, K. (2021). Greater Manchester Moving Process Evaluation, September 2021. (4).
Shearn, K., Crabbe, T., & Edgar, K. (2021). Greater Manchester Moving Process Evaluation Report, March 2021. (3).
Danks, K., Shearn, K., & Broom, D. (2021). You've Got This (South Tees) Process Evaluation, March 2021.
Brook, A., Shearn, K., & Humphreys, H. (2020). Building young people’s capabilities:participatory action research. Unspecified.
Shearn, K., Crabbe, T., Edgar, K., Frith, G., & Christie, E. (2020). GM Moving Local Pilot September 2020 Process Evaluation. Sport England.
Danks, K., Shearn, K., & Broom, D. (2020). You've Got This (South Tees) Process Evaluation, September 2020. (2).
Danks, K., Shearn, K., & Broom, D. (2020). You've Got This (South Tees) Process Evaluation Report, March 2020. (1).
Theses / Dissertations
Brentnall, C. (2023). Theorising competitive enterprise education. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Palmer, N., Darabi, F., O'Leary, C., Kerrigan, K., Mcauley, J., & Shearn, K. http://doi.org/10.7190/shu-thesis-00527
Shearn, K.M. (2018). Delivering positive youth sexual health services: a realist evaluation. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Piercy, H., Allmark, P., & Hirst, J. http://doi.org/10.7190/shu-thesis-00062
Presentations
Shearn, K., Dalkin, S., Danks, K., & Allmark, P. (2021). Using Models in Realist Research. Presented at: International realist conference 2021, Dublin, Ireland, 2021
Posters
Shearn, K., Piercy, H., Allmark, P., & Hirst, J. (2018). Interpretations of 'positive' approaches to youth sexual health services: concept defining as one phase of a realist evaluation.
Postgraduate supervision
Natalie Grinvalds - Full Time (Y2):
A realist account of the co-location of NHS clinics within leisure centres to place physical activity at the heart of the NHS
2nd Supervisor
Jenny Longden - Part Time (Y2):
What makes effective Advanced Nursing Practitioners, for whom, under what circumstances and why?
2nd Supervisor
Laura Makey - Part Time (Y1):
A realist evaluation of community based support services for people living with HIV
2nd Supervisor
John Downey - Part Time (Y2):
Exercise referral schemes: A realist evaluation.
Methods advisor