Dr Joanna Leaviss

BA (Liverpool), MPA (Liverpool), PhD (Nottingham)

School of Medicine and Population Health

Research Fellow in Systematic Reviewing

j.leaviss@sheffield.ac.uk
+44 114 222 0895

Full contact details

Dr Joanna Leaviss
School of Medicine and Population Health
Regent Court (ScHARR)
30 Regent Street
Sheffield
S1 4DA
Profile

I conduct evidence synthesis research, in particular systematic reviews of intervention effectiveness, prognostic accuracy, and health care pathways modelling. This includes Health Technology Assessment reports for the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the NIHR Evaluation, Trials and Studies Co-ordinating Centre (NETSCC), and the Department of Health.

I also lead systematic reviews of newborn screening against programme appraisal criteria for the UK National Screening Committee.

I lead a module on systematic review methods at postgraduate level, and am co-chair of the Systematic Reviewers Academic Development Group within ScHARR. I am a longstanding member of ScHARR’s Research Ethics Committee.

Research interests

I am interested in the synthesis of evidence evaluating clinical and cost-effectiveness of health interventions.

Current recent projects:
PHE England. Newborn screening for congenital adrenal hyperplasia - External review against programme appraisal criteria for the UK National Screening Committee.

CRUK. Minimising health inequalities in Colorectal Cancer Screening – a systematic review of the evidence using rapid review methods.

IMI. Psychometric characteristics of patient- reported outcome measures of the impact of hypoglycaemia on quality of life in people with diabetes: a systematic review using COSMIN.
 

Current/recent projects

  • Medically Unexplained Symptoms (MUS): behaviour modification interventions in primary care settings
  • Assessing the cost-effectiveness of screening for Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) in the newborn bloodspot screening programme
  • Assessing the cost-effectiveness of including adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) in the newborn bloodspot screening programme
  • Supporting the routine collection of patient-reported outcome measures in the National Clinical Audits for assessing cost-effectiveness
  • Diabetes and co-morbid depression: an economic evaluation
  • Psychological interventions for Medically Unexplained Symptoms and Long Term Conditions: a scoping review
  • Cytisine for smoking cessation: A systematic review and economic evaluation
  • Group CBT for post-natal depression
  • Psychotherapeutic effects of Compassion-Focused Therapy
  • Workplace smoking cessation: a systematic review of qualitative evidence
  • Clinical and cost-effectiveness of managing varicose veins
  • Clinical and cost-effectiveness of diagnostic strategies for suspected acute coronary syndrome (ACS)
Publications

Show: Featured publications All publications

Journal articles

  • Leaviss J, Forsyth J, Daly G, Rooney G & Burton C (2025) . Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 196, 112224-112224.
  • Davis S, Mon-Yee M, Sutton A, Leaviss J, Forsyth JE & Burton C (2025) . Expert Review of Pharmacoeconomics & Outcomes Research.
  • Leaviss J, Verstraeten R, Carroll C, Booth A, Essat M & Cuevas DC (2025) . Obesity Reviews, 26(7).
  • Leaviss J, Carroll C, Essat M, van der Windt D, Grainge MJ, Card T, Riley R & Abhishek A (2024) . RMD Open, 10(1).
  • Scope A, Leaviss J, Booth A, Sutton A, Parry G, Buszewicz M & Moss-Morris R (2021) . Br J Health Psychol, 26(4), 1069-1094.
  • Carlton J, Leaviss J, Pouwer F, Hendrieckx C, Broadley MM, Clowes M, McCrimmon RJ, Heller SR & Speight J (2021) . Diabetologia, 64(6), 1213-1225.
  • Leaviss J, Davis S, Ren S, Hamilton J, Scope A, Booth A, Sutton A, Parry G, Buszewicz M, Moss-Morris R & White P (2020) . Health Technol Assess, 24(46), 1-490.
  • Bessey A, Chilcott J, Leaviss J, de la Cruz C & Wong R (2019) . International Journal of Neonatal Screening, 5(3).
  • Bessey A, Chilcott JB, Leaviss J & Sutton A (2018) . Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases, 13.
  • Sammy IA, Lecky FE, Sutton A, Leaviss J & O'Cathain A (2016) . Injury, 47(6), 1170-1183.
  • Leaviss J & Uttley L (2015) . PSYCHOLOGICAL MEDICINE, 45(5), 927-945.
  • Leaviss J, Sullivan W, Ren S, Everson-Hock E, Stevenson M, Stevens JW, Strong M & Cantrell A (2014) . Health Technol Assess, 18(33), 1-120.
  • Scope A, Leaviss J, Kaltenthaler E, Parry G, Sutcliffe P, Bradburn M & Cantrell A (2013) . BMC Psychiatry, 13, 321.
  • Carroll C, Rick J, Leaviss J, Fishwick D & Booth A (2013) . BMC Public Health, 13, 1095.
  • Carroll C, Hummel S, Leaviss J, Ren S, Stevens JW, Everson-Hock E, Cantrell A, Stevenson M & Michaels J (2013) . Health Technol Assess, 17(48), i-141.
  • Carroll C, Booth A, Leaviss J & Rick J (2013) . BMC Med Res Methodol, 13, 37.
  • Goodacre S, Thokala P, Carroll C, Stevens JW, Leaviss J, Al Khalaf M, Collinson P, Morris F, Evans P & Wang J (2013) . Health Technol Assess, 17(1), v-188.
  • Ferguson E, Leaviss J, Townsend E, Fleming P & Lowe KC (2005) . Transfusion Medicine, 15(5), 401-412.
  • Boaden N & Leaviss J (2000) . Medical Education, 34(11), 921-927.
  • Leaviss J (2000) . Medical Education, 34(6), 483-486.

Reports

  • Leaviss J, Harnan S, Pandor A & Cantrell A (2022) Newborn screening for congenital adrenal hyperplasia. External review against programme appraisal criteria for the UK National Screening Committee

All publications

Journal articles

  • Leaviss J, Forsyth J, Daly G, Rooney G & Burton C (2025) . Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 196, 112224-112224.
  • Davis S, Mon-Yee M, Sutton A, Leaviss J, Forsyth JE & Burton C (2025) . Expert Review of Pharmacoeconomics & Outcomes Research.
  • Leaviss J, Verstraeten R, Carroll C, Booth A, Essat M & Cuevas DC (2025) . Obesity Reviews, 26(7).
  • Mellor J, Kuznetsov D, Heller S, Gall M-A, Rosilio M, Amiel SA, Ibberson M, McGurnaghan S, Blackbourn L, Berthon W , Salem A et al (2024) . Diabetologia, 67(10), 2210-2224.
  • Mellor J, Kuznetsov D, Heller S, Gall M-A, Rosilio M, Amiel SA, Ibberson M, McGurnaghan S, Blackbourn L, Berthon W , Salem A et al (2024) . Diabetologia, 67(8), 1588-1601.
  • Leaviss J, Carroll C, Essat M, van der Windt D, Grainge MJ, Card T, Riley R & Abhishek A (2024) . RMD Open, 10(1).
  • Scope A, Leaviss J, Booth A, Sutton A, Parry G, Buszewicz M & Moss-Morris R (2021) . Br J Health Psychol, 26(4), 1069-1094.
  • Carlton J, Leaviss J, Pouwer F, Hendrieckx C, Broadley MM, Clowes M, McCrimmon RJ, Heller SR & Speight J (2021) . Diabetologia, 64(6), 1213-1225.
  • Thomas C, Brennan A, Goka E, Squires HY, Brenner G, Bagguley D, Buckley Woods H, Gillett M, Leaviss J, Clowes M , Heathcote L et al (2020) . BMJ Open, 10(9), e037486.
  • Leaviss J, Davis S, Ren S, Hamilton J, Scope A, Booth A, Sutton A, Parry G, Buszewicz M, Moss-Morris R & White P (2020) . Health Technol Assess, 24(46), 1-490.
  • Bessey A, Chilcott J, Leaviss J, de la Cruz C & Wong R (2019) . International Journal of Neonatal Screening, 5(3).
  • Bessey A, Chilcott JB, Leaviss J & Sutton A (2018) . Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases, 13.
  • Sutton AJ, Galvan De La Cruz MC, Leaviss J & Booth A (2018) . Research Synthesis Methods, 9(4), 551-560.
  • Kearns B, Rafia R, Leaviss J, Preston L, Brazier JE, Palmer S & Ara R (2017) . BMC Health Serv Res, 17(1), 78.
  • Sutton A, del Carmen Galvan de la Cruz M, Booth A & Leaviss J (2017) . International Journal of Technology Assessment in Health Care, 33(S1), 242-242.
  • Sammy IA, Lecky FE, Sutton A, Leaviss J & O'Cathain A (2016) . Injury, 47(6), 1170-1183.
  • Leaviss J & Uttley L (2015) . PSYCHOLOGICAL MEDICINE, 45(5), 927-945.
  • Carroll C, Hummel S, Leaviss J, Ren S, Stevens JW, Cantrell A & Michaels J (2014) . Br J Surg, 101(9), 1040-1052.
  • Leaviss J, Sullivan W, Ren S, Everson-Hock E, Stevenson M, Stevens JW, Strong M & Cantrell A (2014) . Health Technol Assess, 18(33), 1-120.
  • Leaviss J, Hummel S, Carroll C, Ren S, Stevens JW, Everson-Hock E, Cantrell A, Stevenson M & Michaels J (2014) Clinical and cost-effectiveness of minimally invasive techniques for the treatment of varicosis: Systematic review and economic evaluation. Vasomed, 26(4), 210-211.
  • Scope A, Leaviss J, Kaltenthaler E, Parry G, Sutcliffe P, Bradburn M & Cantrell A (2013) . BMC Psychiatry, 13, 321.
  • Carroll C, Rick J, Leaviss J, Fishwick D & Booth A (2013) . BMC Public Health, 13, 1095.
  • Fishwick D, Carroll C, McGregor M, Drury M, Webster J, Bradshaw L, Rick J & Leaviss J (2013) . Occup Med (Lond), 63(8), 526-536.
  • Carroll C, Hummel S, Leaviss J, Ren S, Stevens JW, Everson-Hock E, Cantrell A, Stevenson M & Michaels J (2013) . Health Technol Assess, 17(48), i-141.
  • Carroll C, Booth A, Leaviss J & Rick J (2013) . BMC Med Res Methodol, 13, 37.
  • Goodacre S, Thokala P, Carroll C, Stevens JW, Leaviss J, Al Khalaf M, Collinson P, Morris F, Evans P & Wang J (2013) . Health Technol Assess, 17(1), v-188.
  • Carroll C, Khalaf MA, Stevens JW, Leaviss J, Goodacre S, Wang J & Collinson PO (2013) . Emergency Medicine Journal, 30(4), 280-286.
  • Leaviss J, Gibb AGF & Bust PD (2008) Ageing workforce in construction - Equipment use and the prevention of early retirement. Contemporary Ergonomics 2008, 221-226.
  • McManus IC, Iqbal S, Chandrarajan A, Ferguson E & Leaviss J (2005) . BMC Medical Education, 5.
  • Ferguson E, Leaviss J, Townsend E, Fleming P & Lowe KC (2005) . Transfusion Medicine, 15(5), 401-412.
  • Boaden N & Leaviss J (2000) . Medical Education, 34(11), 921-927.
  • Leaviss J (2000) . Medical Education, 34(6), 483-486.
  • GOUDIE AJ, LEAVISS J & LEATHLEY MJ (1995) EFFECT OF THE 5-HT3 ANTAGONIST ONDANSETRON ON CHLORDIAZEPOXIDE WITHDRAWAL HYPERTHERMIA. BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY, 114, P379-P379.

Conference proceedings

  • Sutton A, Scope A, Leaviss J & Booth A (2018) . International Journal of Technology Assessment in Health Care, Vol. 33(S1) (pp 48-49). Rome, Italy, 17 June 2017 - 17 June 2017.
  • Bessey A, Leaviss J, Galvan de la Cruz C, Chilcott J & Wong R (2017) . Value in Health, Vol. 20(9) (pp A501-A501)
  • Gibb A, Leaviss J & Bust P (2014) Older construction workers: Needs and abilities. Proceedings 29th Annual Association of Researchers in Construction Management Conference, ARCOM 2013 (pp 261-271)
  • Gibb A, Leaviss J & Bust P (2013) Older construction workers: Needs and abilities. Proceedings 29th Annual Association of Researchers in Construction Management Conference Arcom 2013 (pp 261-271)
  • Carroll C, Goodacre S, Stevens J, Al Khalaf M, Leaviss J, Wang J & Collinson P (2012) . VALUE IN HEALTH, Vol. 15(7) (pp A361-A361)

Reports

  • Leaviss J, Harnan S, Pandor A & Cantrell A (2022) Newborn screening for congenital adrenal hyperplasia. External review against programme appraisal criteria for the UK National Screening Committee
  • Ara R, Duarte A, Harnan S, Leaviss J, Palmer S, Sculpher M & Brazier JE (2015) Supporting the routine collection of patient reported outcome measures in the National Clinical Audits for assessing cost-effectiveness. Work Package 1. What patient reported outcome measures should be used in the 2013/14 National Clinical Audit Programme. Appendix J - Dementia.
  • Ara R, Duarte A, Harnan S, Leaviss J, Palmer S, Sculpher M & Brazier JE (2015) Supporting the routine collection of patient reported outcome measures in the National Clinical Audits for assessing cost-effectiveness. Work Package 1. What patient reported outcome measures should be used in the 2013/14 National Clinical Audit Programme. Appendix K - Cardiovascular.
  • Ara R, Duarte A, Harnan S, Leaviss J, Palmer S, Sculpher M & Brazier JE (2015) Supporting the routine collection of patient reported outcome measures in the National Clinical Audits for assessing cost-effectiveness. Work Package 1. What patient reported outcome measures should be used in the 2013/14 National Clinical Audit Programme. Appendix H - Psychological Therapies
  • Ara R, Duarte A, Harnan S, Leaviss J, Palmer S, Sculpher M & Brazier JE (2015) Supporting the routine collection of patient reported outcome measures in the National Clinical Audits for assessing cost-effectiveness. Work Package 1. What patient reported outcome measures should be used in the 2013/14 National Clinical Audit Programme. Appendix I - Schizophrenia
  • Ara R, Duarte A, Harnan S, Leaviss J, Palmer S, Sculpher M & Brazier JE (2015) . Supporting the routine collection of patient reported outcome measures in the National Clinical Audits for assessing cost-effectiveness. Work Package 1. What patient reported outcome measures should be used in the 2013/14 National Clinical Audit Programme. Appendix F - Bowel Cancer.
  • Ara R, Duarte A, Harnan S, Leaviss J, Palmer S, Sculpher M & Brazier JE (2015) Supporting the routine collection of patient reported outcome measures in the National Clinical Audits for assessing cost-effectiveness. Work Package 1. What patient reported outcome measures should be used in the 2013/14 National Clinical Audit Programme. Appendix E - Diabetes
  • Ara R, Duarte A, Harnan S, Leaviss J, Palmer S, Sculpher M & Brazier JE (2015) Supporting the routine collection of patient reported outcome measures in the National Clinical Audits for assessing cost-effectiveness. Work Package 1. What patient reported outcome measures should be used in the 2013/14 National Clinical Audit Programme. Appendix G - Head and Neck Cancer.
  • Ara R, Duarte A, Harnan S, Leaviss J, Palmer S, Sculpher M & Brazier JE (2015) Supporting the collection patient reported outcome measures in the National Clinical Audits for assessing costeffectiveness Work Package 1. What patient reported outcome measures should be used in the 13 health conditions specified in the 2013/14 National Clinical Audit programme? APPENDIX C, INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE
  • Ara R, Duarte A, Harnan S, Leaviss J, Palmer S, Sculpher M & Brazier JE (2015) Supporting the routine collection of patient reported outcome measures in the National Clinical Audits for assessing cost-effectiveness. Work Package 1. What patient reported outcome measures should be used in the 2013/14 National Clinical Audit Programme. Appendix D - Epilepsy
  • Ara R, Duarte A, Harnan S, Leaviss J, Palmer S, Sculpher M & Brazier JE (2015) Supporting the routine collection of patient reported outcome measures in the National Clinical Audits for assessing cost-effectiveness. Work Package 1. What patient reported outcome measures should be used in the 2013/14 National Clinical Audit Programme.
  • Kearns B, Rafia R, Leaviss J, Preston L, Wong R, Brazier J, Palmer S & Ara R (2014) Whole pathway modelling of depression in patients. (Theme 2: Mental Health). Part 2. Independent economic evaluation: methods and results, discussion and conclusion
  • Kearns B, Rafia R, Leaviss J, Preston L, Wong R, Brazier J, Palmer S & Ara R (2014) Whole pathway modelling of depression in patients. (Theme 2: Mental Health). Appendices.
  • Kearns B, Rafia R, Leaviss J, Preston L, Wong R, Brazier J, Palmer S & Ara R (2014) Whole pathway modelling of depression in patients. (Theme 2: Mental Health). Part 1, Executive summary, introduction, clinical reviews and conceptual modelling.

Posters

  • Carroll C, Goodacre S, Stevens J & Leaviss J Diagnostic accuracy of early biomarkers for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) (2012).
  • Leaviss J, Stevens J, J W, Goodacre S & F M Prognostic accuracy of Exercise ECG and CT Coronary Angiography to predict Major Adverse Cardiac ¾Ã²Ý¸£Àû (MACE) in patients with suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS): A systematic review (2012).

Other

  • Carlton J, Leaviss J, Pouwer F, Hendrieckx C, Broadley MM, Clowes M, McCrimmon RJ, Heller SR & Speight J (2022) . Diabetologia, 65(6), 1063-1063.

Preprints

  • Yee MM, Burton C, Leaviss J, Forsyth JE, Daly G & Davis S (2025) , Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
  • Leaviss J, Booth A, Coyle D, Daly G, Davis S, Dawes H, Deary V, Dwivedi K, Forsyth J, Fryer K , McCormick S et al (2025) , Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
Grants
  • NIHR Health Technology Assessment 2015: Medically Unexplained Symptoms (MUS): primary care intervention, £200k, Chief Investigator.
  • Department of Health (IAPT)2013: Psychological interventions for Medically Unexplained Symptoms and Long-Term Conditions. £10k, co-applicant.
  • ScHARR strategic research fund 2012: Psychotherapeutic effects of Compassion-Focused Therapy. £5k, co-PI.
Teaching interests

My teaching interests lie in Systematic Reviews and Critical Appraisal, specifically data extraction, quality assessment and meta-analysis. I am currently involved in the following teaching activities:

  • HAR6029: Sytematically Reviewing the Literature. Joint module co-ordinator.
  • HAR6114: Systematic Reviews and Evidence Synthesis: Principles. Facilitator.
  • HAR6024V2/HAR679: Dissertation for Masters in Public Health. Dissertation supervisor.
Professional activities and memberships
  • Co-chair Systematic Reviewers Academic Development Group (SRADG)
  • Member ScHARR Research Ethics Committee

Peer review

  • Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings (JOCS)
  • Trials
  • NIHR HS&DR Programme
  • Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy
  • BMC Psychiatry
  • Psychology and Health
  • Asthma UK