Profile
Biography
Jen Brown is an applied health researcher with expertise in health psychology, behaviour change, intervention and service development and evaluation, evidence synthesis, and co-design. Her research focuses on multimorbidity, particularly in improving long-term condition management for people with serious mental illness (SMI).
Her research methodologies include:
- Systematic reviews and meta-analysis
- Qualitative and mixed-methods research
- Intervention co-production and evaluation
- Participatory methods
- Patient and public involvement (PPI) and knowledge translation
- Implementation science
Jen is also committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), leading initiatives that promote inclusive research practices and health equity.
Qualifications
- PhD Health Sciences (2021–2025, part-time ongoing), University of York
- Thesis: Development of a support package for continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) as part of a diabetes self-management intervention for people with serious mental illness
- MSc Health Psychology (Distinction), University of Stirling, 2011
- BA (Hons) Psychology (First Class), University of Strathclyde, 2010
Departmental roles
- Senior Research Fellow, Mental Health & Addiction Research Group (MHARG), University of York
- Programme Manager, DIAMONDS Programme (NIHR-funded)
- Co-Chair, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Committee (2022–present; Deputy Chair 2020–2022)
- Academic Lead, Systematic Reviews & Meta-Analysis Training
University roles
- Mentor, University of York PhD Mentoring Programme (2020–present)
- Founder & Coordinator, University of York EU Staff Forum (2018–2021)
- Received the "Making the Difference" departmental award for advocacy and support of EU staff
Research
Overview
Jen Brown is an applied health researcher dedicated to enhancing the management of long-term conditions in individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) through the development and evaluation of innovative health interventions and services. Her expertise encompasses digital health solutions, patient-centred service design, and co-production methodologies.
Digital Health Solutions
As part of her doctoral research in the Department of Health Sciences at the University of York, Jen is investigating the utility of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) to improve diabetes self-management in people with SMI. This work aims to integrate advanced digital health technologies into routine care, providing real-time data to empower patients in managing their health.
Patient-Centred Service Design & Co-Production Methodologies
Jen employs qualitative research methods to understand the lived experiences of individuals with co-existing SMI and long-term conditions, and explores the challenges faced by service users, carers, and healthcare professionals in self-managing co-existing mental and physical health conditions. Findings from this research inform the design of tailored, patient-centred services that address the unique needs of this population. A cornerstone of Jen's approach is the co-production of interventions, ensuring they are developed collaboratively with those who will use them. She leads the DIAMONDS Programme, a multi-site NIHR-funded project that co-designs self-management interventions for people with SMI and type 2 diabetes. This collaborative effort involves service users, carers, and healthcare professionals, ensuring the interventions are both practical and effective.
Projects
- DIAMONDS (Diabetes and Mental Illness, Improving Outcomes and Self-Management) (NIHR-funded, 2019-present)
- Developing and evaluating a self-management intervention for people with SMI and type 2 diabetes
- Role: Programme Manager, overseeing six workstreams, and working closely with DIAMONDS Voice (service-user and carer group).
- DIAMONDS URDU (NIHR-funded, 2024-2025)
- (Translation and cultural adaptation of the DIAMONDS intervention for South Asian communities)
- Role: Principal Investigator
Research group(s)
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Jen’s work aligns with key UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
- Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3) – Improving health outcomes for people with mental illness
- Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10) – Enhancing accessibility and cultural adaptation of interventions
- Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17) – Engaging patients, policymakers, and practitioners in research translation.
