ProfessorNancy Baxter

My research program is grounded in clinical epidemiology and health services research, with a sustained focus on improving cancer prevention, early detection, and outcomes through rigorous, real-world evidence. I investigate how screening programs operate in practice and how they can be optimised to increase participation, reduce disparities, and maximise population-level benefit—particularly in bowel (colorectal) cancer screening. This includes evaluating strategies such as redesigning invitation and advance notification materials and understanding consumer perspectives on screening communication to enhance engagement and uptake. Bowel Cancer Screening Alliance

A key dimension of my work is the application of large-scale linked administrative and registry data to evaluate the long-term consequences of care, both for people undergoing cancer screening and for survivors, enabling health system performance assessments that directly inform policy and practice. 

Quality and safety of surgical care are central pillars of my research portfolio. I have contributed to studies that develop and evaluate tools like checklists to support multidisciplinary decision-making in cancer care, and I use observational data to understand variations in practice and outcomes across settings. 

Methodologically, my interests span observational study design, bias and measurement error in population research, and pragmatic evaluation of interventions that aim to close gaps between evidence and practice. Across all projects, I prioritise approaches that generate actionable insights for clinicians, health services, and policymakers, advancing equitable, effective, and patient-centred care.