Patient perceptions are key predictors of clinical outcomes and health behaviours, and a central focus of Dr Falahee’s research is on understanding the perspectives of individuals with, or at risk of musculoskeletal disorders and the development of psychological and/or educational interventions to improve clinical outcomes or enhance shared decision making.

There is an increasing research interest in the development of predictive biomarkers and preventive strategies for rheumatoid arthritis, and Dr Falahee has a particular interest in the measurement of patient preferences in this context, in order to facilitate the efficient translation of this work and to inform the design of future clinical services that are effective and acceptable to patients and other stakeholders. She is also involved in the development of international evidence-based recommendations on the methodologies used to integrate patient preferences into decision making throughout the lifecycle of medical products as a partner in the European Union Innovative Medicines Initiative funded consortium PREFER.

Dr Falahee is passionate about patient and public involvement in research and as academic coordinator of the Birmingham Rheumatology Research Patient Partnership (R2P2): http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/r2p2 she facilitates patient involvement across the Rheumatology Research Group, ensuring that our research is informed by patients’ needs, experiences and expectations and is sharply focussed on public benefit.

• PhD School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, 1997
• BSc (Hons) Class 1. School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, 1992

2017                Lecturer, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham

2014                Post-doctoral Researcher, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham

2000                Career Break

1997                Lecturer in Psychology, Aston University

1995                Research Fellow, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham

1992                PhD School of Psychology, University of Birmingham

1989                BSc University of Birmingham