Trish Holch

Dr. Trish Holch is a Reader in Health Psychology at Leeds Beckett University's School of Humanities and Social Sciences. As a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, she leads the MSc Health Psychology module 'Health Psychology in Action' and supervises numerous MSc and PhD students. Her work bridges academic research with clinical practice through collaborations with NHS settings including Radiotherapy, Oncology, and Speech and Language departments.

• Specializes in Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) development and implementation
• Works with cancer charities on awareness and early help-seeking initiatives
• Researches quality of life impacts for individuals with rare conditions like Goldenhar Syndrome
• Co-leads NIHR i4i grant developing SuperPenguin digital therapeutic for children who stammer

Dr. Holch's research centers on applying psychological theory to improve patient care through mixed methods approaches. She focuses on health behavior change, self-management of symptoms, electronic symptom monitoring, and health literacy. Her work emphasizes public and patient involvement throughout the research process - from conception to dissemination. She collaborates extensively with clinical staff, patients, and third sector partners to design, implement, and evaluate complex healthcare interventions that address real-world challenges in cancer care, rare conditions, and trauma recovery.

Analysis of Dr. Holch's recent publications reveals a strong focus on Patient Reported Outcome Measures across multiple clinical contexts. Her work spans cancer care (particularly in gynecological, lung, and breast cancers), rare conditions like Goldenhar Syndrome, and digital health interventions. She demonstrates expertise in both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, with particular strength in mixed methods research. A consistent theme across her publications is the translation of research into practical tools and interventions that improve patient care and healthcare delivery.

• Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
• Co-applicant on Yorkshire Cancer Research Funded LiLAC project (£200,000)
• Co-applicant on College of Radiographers funded AIRPoRT project (£10,000)
• Co-applicant on Teenage Cancer Trust funded project (£60,000)
• Lead on Eve Appeal charity project for cancer awareness in teens
• Lead on Sir Halley Stuart trust study for Goldenhar Syndrome

Dr. Holch actively supervises a substantial portfolio of research students across multiple institutions, with 8 current PhD candidates and 4 MRes students. Her grant portfolio demonstrates successful collaboration with NHS partners, cancer charities, and international institutions including University of Michigan, University of Manchester, and University of Leeds. She has developed significant partnerships with the Teenage Cancer Trust, Leeds Beckett University Diabetes Special Interest Research Group, and Radiotherapy department at St James's Institute of Oncology to improve service delivery through innovative models of follow-up and care.

Dr. Holch co-leads the Centre for Psychological Research (PsyCen) at Leeds Beckett University, which focuses on creating an inclusive and supportive research culture. She collaborates extensively with stakeholders across healthcare settings, particularly in developing the eRAPID system for electronic patient self-reporting of adverse events during cancer treatment. Her work with the Goldenhar Syndrome community represents a significant contribution to understanding quality of life impacts in rare conditions through patient-centered research approaches.