My research explores how health behaviours develop within clinical practice, professional education, and the wider systems that shape health outcomes.
Much of this work uses practice-based action research, allowing clinicians to explore behaviour change in real-world settings. This includes examining how professionals themselves experience behaviour change, how communities influence health behaviours, and how learning environments support professional development.
Social Presence in Online Learning
Exploring how professional learning communities form in digital environments.
This research formed part of my Masters in Medical Education at the University of Bedfordshire and explored an important question for modern professional education:
What makes online learning environments feel real, connected, and effective for participants?
The study examined synchronous online learning within a community of dental hygienists and explored how relationships, communication, and technology influence learning experiences in virtual classrooms.
Participants included students, facilitators, and curriculum designers within an online education programme. Through recorded group discussions, the research explored how participants experienced interaction, connection, and engagement in a live online learning environment.
The findings suggested that successful online learning depends on more than technology. Community, communication style, and emotional connection all played important roles in shaping the learning experience. When participants felt part of a supportive professional community, engagement and learning were stronger.
Although focused on dental hygiene education, the research contributed to a broader question that continues to influence my work:
How do environments shape behaviour, learning, and professional practice?
The full Masters dissertation (10,793 words) is available on request.
The 28 Day No-Added-Sugar Challenge (2021)
Examining what clinicians learn when attempting behaviour change themselves.
This action research project invited an international group of dental hygienists and dental therapists to attempt a 28-day period without consuming added sugar.
The aim was to explore what clinicians might discover when attempting the same behaviour change they often recommend to patients.
Participants reported a wide range of experiences. Some completed the challenge successfully, while others struggled due to stress, social pressures, hidden sugars in processed foods, and the addictive nature of sugar consumption. However, all participants generated new insights into the realities of behaviour change.
The research highlighted the complexity of dietary behaviour change and suggested that reducing sugar consumption may require approaches similar to those used for other addictive behaviours. Clinicians who undertook the challenge reported becoming more empathetic and realistic when discussing diet with patients.
Full research paper available on request.
The No Added-Sugar Tribe Study (2022)
Investigating the role of peer support in sustaining behaviour change.
A follow-up study explored whether peer support could help clinicians sustain reductions in added sugar consumption.
Participants joined a three-month online “tribe” that met weekly and maintained a supportive discussion community. The group environment encouraged open conversation about sugar consumption, relapse, motivation, and practical strategies for avoiding highly processed foods.
Most participants reported health improvements and many experienced weight loss and increased wellbeing. Members consistently described the sense of belonging within the group as a key factor supporting behaviour change.
The study suggested that community identity and peer support may play a powerful role in supporting long-term health behaviour change, particularly for behaviours with addictive characteristics.
Full research paper available on request.
Continuing Interest
These studies contribute to a continuing interest in how behaviour change unfolds within individuals, communities, and professional systems.
My current work increasingly explores how clinical practice, education, and wider social environments interact to shape health behaviours over time.