Professor Una Macleod

Una Macleod became Dean of the Hull York Medical School on 1st January 2017. She joined the Medical School in 2010 as Professor of Primary Care Medicine and had previously worked in Glasgow, where she trained in Medicine and had been Senior Lecturer in General Practice and Primary Care and a half-time GP principal in the east end of the city. Her research interests revolve around primary care and cancer, and health inequalities. She is a national leader in the area of cancer and early diagnosis research, has contributed significantly to policy development, and holds or has held grants from Cancer Research UK, Yorkshire Cancer Research and the Department of Health Policy Research Unit programme in this area. She continues to work clinically as a GP at Bransholme Health Centre in Hull. She is a non-executive director at Hull University Teaching Hospital NHS Trust, is a member of Medical Schools Council Executive and a member of the NIHR Advanced Fellowships panel.

Current research projects include:

EMPRESS: Cancer diagnosis via Emergency Presentation: a case control Study £343,755 funded by Cancer Research

TRANSFORM: Reducing inequalities in cancer outcomes in Yorkshire: Realising our potential for innovation in diagnosis, patient management, survivorship and palliative care research. £4.9m, funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research

PEOPLE-HULL: Primary care and community Engagement to Optimise time to Presentation with Lung cancEr symptoms in HULL.  £712,501, funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research

Using primary care to increase uptake of the Bowel Scope Screening Programme in Hull: evaluating paper and telephone-based interventions.  £349, 944, funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research (PI L McGregor, Stirling)

REviewing long term anti-Depressant Use by Careful monitoring in Everyday practice (REDUCE) programme. NIHR Programme Grants for Applied Research  2016-2021, £2,244,889. (PI T Kendrick, Southampton)

CPR for cancer outcomes - comprehensive patient records (CPR) to define the impact of cancer, co-morbidities and late effects on individuals and the health service.  Funded by Macmillan Cancer Support  £689,000, (PI A Glaser, Leeds)

Integrated therapist and online CBT for depression in primary care. NIHR Programme Grants for Applied Research, £2,218,726 (PI N Wiles, Bristol)

Una Macleod contributes to the Phase 1 Scholarship and Special Interest Programme on cancer screening, awareness and detection. She also lectures on NHS cancer policy and health inequalities.

Selected publications

Clark J, Amoakwa E, Wright-Hughes A , Blenkinsopp J, C. Currow DC, Meads D, Farrin A, Allgar V, Macleod U , Johnson M. A cluster randomised trial of a Needs Assessment Tool for adult Cancer patients and their carers (NAT-C) in primary care: A feasibility study. PLOS ONE Published: January 28, 2021 doi: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0245647

Crosbie PA., Gabe R, Simmonds I, Kennedy M, Rogerson S, Ahmed N, Baldwin DR, Booton R, Cochrane A, Darby M, Franks K, Hinde S, Janes SM, Macleod U, Messenger M, Moller H, Murray RL, Neal RD, Quaife SL, Sculpher M, Tharmanathan P, Torgerson D, Callister M. Yorkshire Lung Screening Trial (YLST): protocol for a randomised controlled trial to evaluate invitation to community-based low-dose CT screening for lung cancer versus usual care in a targeted population at risk. BMJ Open 2020: 10(9): e037075. doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2020-037075

Kendrick T, Geraghty AWA, Bowers H, Stuart B, Leydon G , May C, Yao G, O’Brien W, Glowacka M, Holley S, Williams S, Zhu S, Dewar-Haggart R, Palmer B, Bell M, Collinson S, Fry I, Lewis G, Griffiths G, Gilbody S, Moncrieff J, Moore M, Macleod U, Little P, Dowrick C. REDUCE (Reviewing long-term antidepressant use by careful monitoring in everyday practice) internet and telephone support to people coming off long-term antidepressants: protocol for a randomised controlled trial. Trials 2020; 21:419; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-020-04338-7

Kerrison RS, von Wagner C, Ghanouni A, Green T, Macleod U, Hughes M, Rees CJ, Duffy S. McGregor LM. Lessons learned from conducting a rapid review: a case study examining factors associated with flexible sigmoidoscopy screening use. SAGE Research Methods Cases: Medicine and Health 2020; DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781529718164

Howell D, Hart R, Smith A, Macleod U, Patmore R, Roman E. ‘Unpacking’ pathways to lymphoma and myeloma diagnosis: Do experiences align with the Model of Pathways to Treatment? Findings from a UK qualitative study with patients and relatives. BMJ Open 2020;10:e034244; DOI:10.1136/bmjopen-2019-034244

Jefferson L, Atkin K, Sheridan R, Oliver S, Macleod U, Hall G, Forbes S, Green T, Allgar V, Knapp P. Non-attendance at urgent referral appointments for suspected cancer: a qualitative study to gain understanding from patients and GPs. British Journal of General Practice 2019; 69: e850-e859. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3399/bjgp19X706625

Sheridan R, Oliver SE, Hall G , Allgar V, Melling P, Bolton E, Atkin K, Denton D, Forbes S, Green T, Macleod U, Knapp P. Patient non-attendance at urgent referral appointments for suspected cancer and its links to cancer diagnosis and one year mortality: A cohort study of patients referred on the Two Week Wait pathway. Cancer Epidemiology2019: 63; 101588. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.canep.2019.101588

Bikker AP, Macdonald S, Robb KA, Conway E, Browne S, Campbell C, Weller D, Steele R, Macleod U. Perceived colorectal cancer candidacy and the role of candidacy in colorectal cancer screening. Health, Risk & Society 2019: 21;352-372. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13698575.2019.1680816

Chen H, Julie Walabyeki J, Johnson M, Boland E, Seymour J, Macleod U. An integrated understanding of the complex drivers of emergency presentations and admissions in cancer patients: Qualitative modelling of secondary-care health professionals’ experiences and views. PLoS ONE 2019 14: e0216430. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/ journal.pone.0216430

Jackson M, Jones D, Dyson J, Macleod U. Facilitated group work for people with long-term conditions: a systematic review of benefits from studies of group-work interventions. Br J Gen Pract 2019; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3399/bjgp19X702233

Cunningham Y, Wyke S,  Blyth K,G. Rigg D,  Macdonald S, Macleod U, Harrow S, Robb KA, Whitaker KL. Lung cancer symptom appraisal among people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A qualitative interview study. Psycho-Oncology, 2019, https://doi.org/10.1002/pon.5005

Allgar VL, Oliver  SE , Chen H, Oviasu O, Johnson MJ, Macleod U.  Time intervals from first symptom to diagnosis for head and neck cancers: An analysis of linked patient reports and medical records from the UK.  Cancer Epidemiology 2019; 59: 37-45  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.canep.2019.01.008

Howell DA, Hart RI, Smith AG, Macleod U, Patmore R, Roman E.  Disease-related factors affecting timely lymphoma diagnosis: a qualitative study exploring patient experiences. Br J Gen Pract 2019; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3399/bjgp19X701009

Jones D, Dunn L, Watt I, Macleod U.  Safety netting for primary care: evidence from a literature review. Br J Gen Pract 2019; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3399/bjgp18X700193

Macdonald S, Conway E, Bikker A, Browne S, Robb K, Campbell C, Steele RJ, Weller D, Macleod U.  Making sense of bodily sensations: Do shared cancer narratives influence symptom appraisal?  Social Science & Medicine (2019), doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2018.12.034.

Kerrison RS, von Wagner C, Green T, Gibbins M, Macleod U, Hughes M, Reese CJ, Duffy S, McGregor LM.  Rapid review of factors associated with flexible sigmoidoscopy screening use.  Preventive Medicine 2019; 120: 8-18 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2018.12.018

Kessler DS, MacNeill SJ, Tallon D, Lewis G, Peters TJ, Hollingworth W, Round J, Burns A, Chew-Graham CA, Anderson, IM, Shepherd T, Campbell J, Dickens CM, Carter M, Jenkinson C, Macleod U, Gibson H, Davies S, Wiles NJ.  Mirtazapine added to SSRIs or SNRIs for treatment resistant depression in primary care: phase III randomised placebo controlled trial (MIR).  BMJ 2018;363:k4218 http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmj.k4218

Allgar VL, Chen H, Richfield E, Currow D, Macleod U, Johnson MJ.  Psychometric Properties of the Needs Assessment Tool—Progressive Disease Cancer in U.K. Primary Care.  Journal of Pain and Symptom Management 2018 :56;602–612.   DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2018.07.002

Chen H, Johnson M, Boland E, Seymour J, Macleod U.  Emergency admissions and subsequent inpatient care through an emergency oncology service at a tertiary cancer centre: service users’ experiences and views.  Support Care Cancer (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-018-4328-5

Von Wagner C, Hirst, Y, Tookey S, Kerrison RS, Marshall S, Prentice A, Vulkan D, Macleod U, Dufffy S. Use of a GP endorsed 12 months’ reminder letter to promote uptake of bowel scope screening: protocol for a randomised controlled trial in a hard-to reach population. BMJ Open 2018;8:e022263. doi:10.1136/ bmjopen-2018-022263

Johnson MJ, Allgar V, Chen H, Dunn L, Macleod U, Currow DC.  The complex relationship between household income of family caregivers, access to palliative care services and place of death: A national household population survey.  Palliative Medicine 2018 Feb;32(2):357-365. doi: 10.1177/0269216317711825.

Merrett A, Jones D, Sein K, Green T, Macleod U.  Attitudes of newly qualified doctors towards a career in general practice: a qualitative focus group study. Br J Gen Pract 2017; 67 (657): e253-e259. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3399/bjgp17X690221

McGregor LM, Kerrison RS, Green T, Macleod U, Hughes M, Gibbins M, Morris S, Rees C, von Wagner C.  Using primary care-based paper and telephone interventions to increase uptake of bowel scope screening in Yorkshire: a protocol of a randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open 2018;8:e024616. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2018-024616

Jones D, Friend, C, Dreher, A, Allgar V, Macleod U.  The diagnostic test accuracy of rectal examination for prostate cancer diagnosis in symptomatic patients: a systematic review.  BMC Family Practice 201819:79 https://doi.org/10.1186/s12875-018-0765-y

Macdonald S, Cunningham Y, Patterson C, Robb K, Macleod U, Anker T, Hilton S.  Mass media and risk factors for cancer: the under-representation of age. BMC Public Health (2018) 18:490 https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-018-5341-9

Howell DA, Hart RI, Smith AG, Macleod U, Patmore R, Cook G, Roman E. (2018) Myeloma: Patient accounts of their pathways to diagnosis. PLoS ONE 13(4): e0194788. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal. pone.0194788

Rees I, Jones J, Chen H, Macleod U.  Interventions to improve the uptake of cervical cancer screening among lower socioeconomic groups: A systematic review Preventive Medicine (2017), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2017.11.019

Walabyeki J, Adamson J, Buckley HL, Sinclair H, Atkin K, Graham H, Whitaker K, Wardle J, Macleod U. (2017) Experience of, awareness of and help-seeking for potential cancer symptoms in smokers and non-smokers: A cross-sectional study. PLoS ONE 12(8): e0183647. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0183647

Macdonald S, Blane D, Browne S, Conway E, Macleod U, May C, Mair, F.   Illness identity as an important component of candidacy: Contrasting experiences of helpseeking and access to care in cancer and heart disease. Social Science & Medicine (2016), doi:10.1016/j.socscimed.2016.08.022.

Renzi C, Lyratzopoulos G, Card T, Chu T, Macleod U, Rachet B.  Do colorectal cancer patients diagnosed as an emergency differ from non-emergency patients in their consultation patterns and symptoms?  A longitudinal data-linkage study in England.  British Journal of Cancer (2016) 115, 866–875. doi:10.1038/bjc.2016.250

Boland JW, Reigada C, Yorke J, Hart SP, Bajwah S, Ross J, Wells A, Papadopoulos A, Currow DC, Grande G, Macleod U, Johnson MJ. The Adaptation, Face, and Content Validation of a Needs Assessment Tool: Progressive Disease for People with Interstitial Lung Disease. J Palliat Med. 2016; 19: 549–555 https://doi.org/10.1089/jpm.2015.0355

Rubin G, Berendsen A, Crawford SM, Dommett , Earle C, Emery J, Fahey T, Grassi L, Grunfeld E, Gupta S, Hamilton W, Hiom S, Hunter D, Lyratzopoulos G, Macleod U, Mason R, Mitchell G, Neal RD, Peake M, Roland M, Seifert B, Sisler J, Sussman J, Taplin S, Vedsted P, Voruganti T, Walter F, Wardle J, Watson E, Weller D, Wender R, Whelan J, Whitlock J, Wilkinson C, de Wit N, Zimmermann. The expanding role of primary care in cancer control. Lancet Oncol 2015; 16: 1231–72. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1470-2045(15)00205-3

Chen H, Nicolson D, Macleod U; Allgar V Dalgliesh C; Johnson M.  Does the use of specialist palliative care services modify the unfavourable effect of socioeconomic status on place of death? A systematic review. Palliative Medicine 2016: 30: 434-445, DOI: 10.1177/0269216315602590.

Mitchell ED, Pickwell-Smith B, Macleod U. Risk factors for emergency presentation with lung and colorectal cancers: a systematic review. BMJ Open 2015;5:e006965. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2014-006965

Green T, Atkin K, Macleod U.  GPs’ perceptions and experiences of public awareness campaigns for cancer: a qualitative enquiry.  Health Expectations 2015; 19: 377-387, DOI: 10.1111/hex.12362

Mitchell ED, Rubin GR, Merriman L, Macleod U.  The role of primary care in cancer diagnosis via emergency presentation: qualitative synthesis of significant event reports.  British Journal of Cancer (2015), S50-S56 doi: 10.1038/bjc.2015.42

Green T, Atkin K, Macleod U.  Cancer detection in primary care: insights from general practitioners.  British Journal of Cancer (2015), S41–49; doi: 10.1038/bjc.2015.41

Neal RD, Tharmanathan P, France B, Ud Din N, Cotton S, Julia Fallon-Ferguson, Hamilton W, Hendry A, Hendry M, Lewis R, Macleod U, Mitchell ED, Pickett M, Rai T, Shaw K, Stuart N, Tørring ML, Wilkinson C, Williams B, Williams N, Emery J. Is increased time to diagnosis and treatment in symptomatic cancer associated with poorer outcomes? Systematic review.  British Journal of Cancer (2015), S92-1071–16, doi: 10.1038/bjc.2015.48

Whitaker K, Macleod U, Winstanley K, Scott SE, Wardle J.  Help-seeking for cancer ‘alarm’ symptoms: a qualitative interview study.  Br J Gen Pract 2015; DOI: 10.3399/bjgp15X683533.

Green T, Martins T, Hamilton W, Rubin G, Elliott K, Macleod U. Exploring GPs' Experiences of Using Diagnostic Tools for Cancer: a qualitative study in primary care. Family Practice 2014; doi: 10.1093/fampra/cmu081

Mitchell ED, Rubin G, Macleod U. Understanding diagnosis of lung cancer in primary care: qualitative synthesis of Significant Event Audit reports. Br JGenPract 2013 Jan e37-e46 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3399/bjgp13X660760

Macdonald S, Watt GCM, Macleod U. In search of the cancer candidate: can lay epidemiology help? Sociology of Health and Illness 2012 Sep 26. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-9566.2012.01513.x.

Macleod U, Mitchell E, Burgess C, Macdonald S, Ramirez AJ.  Risk factors for delayed presentation and referral of symptomatic cancer: evidence for common cancers. British Journal of Cancer 2009; 101: S92-S101. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3399/bjgp13X660760

Emslie C, Browne S, Macleod U, Rozmovits L, Mitchell E, Ziebland S.  ‘Getting through’ not ‘going under’: A qualitative study of gender and spousal support after diagnosis with colorectal cancer.  Social Science and Medicine 2009; 68: 1169-1175. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2009.01.004