Rachel Barnard

Dr Rachel Barnard is a Research Fellow at Queen Mary University of London’s Wolfson Institute of Population Health, specializing in applied health research with a background in speech and language therapy. Her current project, funded by Barts Charity, investigates story-sharing groups to support older adults affected by polypharmacy through collaboration with Care City, an East London community initiative. Her research employs qualitative methods, particularly ethnography, to explore healthcare professionals' and patients’ experiences in interprofessional settings. Recent work has focused on communication dynamics in stroke unit care, aphasia rehabilitation, and addressing health inequities through allied health professional collaboration. Key projects include exploring general practitioners’ hidden workloads, digital creativity in aphasia support, and the feasibility of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy for post-stroke aphasia patients. She has contributed to advancing methodological approaches in qualitative data synthesis and interprofessional team analysis. Dr Barnard’s work emphasizes patient-centered care, interdisciplinary collaboration, and systemic healthcare improvements.

• Current Project: "Let’s Talk Differently about Medicines" addressing polypharmacy in aging populations
• Methodological Expertise: Ethnography, qualitative data analysis, meta-synthesis techniques
• Key Collaborations: NIHR School for Primary Care Research, Care City partnership

Her research bridges clinical practice and policy, with a focus on vulnerable populations such as older adults and stroke survivors. Ongoing interests include healthcare workforce dynamics, therapeutic communication strategies, and equitable service delivery.