Background:

Lavanya is a senior policy research fellow in the NIHR Quality Safety and Outcomes Policy Research Unit (QSO PRU), a collaboration between YQSR, the Universities of Kent, Oxford and Bradford, and the Picker Institute. She contributes to projects under the PRU’s Safety arm, which currently includes a formative evaluation of the implementation of Martha’s Rule across three acute trusts.

As a research psychologist, Lavanya has gained significant research experience in the safety space, primarily leading qualitative work to understand patient and clinician experiences of harm. Before joining YQSR in March 2024, she led the qualitative components of the ‘Adverse Medical Incidents and Outcomes in the NHS’ study at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. This work aimed to understand the prevalence, patients’ perspectives and factors that influence subsequent actions, and to explore minority experiences of harm.

Lavanya completed her PhD in mental health services research at Imperial College London. The aim of the project was to examine micro and meso level processes contributing to adverse outcomes of psychotherapy using Constructivist Grounded Theory. During her time at the College, she also worked on randomised controlled trials of complex psychological interventions for adults and children with a range of mental health conditions.

Research interests

Lavanya’s primary areas of interest are in patient safety and addressing inequalities, particularly by amplifying voices through inclusive research practice. She also has interests in person-centred care, and NHS and community mental health interventions.