Testimonial – Susan Guthrie

Susan Guthrie, Principal Speech and Language Therapist, LYPFT

How I started in research … In 2013, I completed an MSc at Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) and my dissertation topic explored choking in adults with learning disabilities and mental health conditions. This led to a research secondment working on a project exploring dysphagia competency development for Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs). I continued working clinically as an SLT clinical lead dysphagia and spent some time with academics at MMU, Uclan (University of Central Lancashire) and University of Lancaster finding out about NIHR funding.

My PhD with LYPFT and University of Leeds
In 2018, I was awarded a Cardinal (ClinicAl Doctoral Nurses and ALlied Health Professionals) clinical academic research fellowship. This is a funded post for a clinical and academic combined role in LYPFT. I work as an Principal Speech and Language Therapist at LYPFT and the other 50% of my time is spent working on my PhD. My research study has been exploring the perspectives and experiences of patients on inpatient mental health wards at mealtimes.

Working with Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT)
I chair the UK network #SLTsinMH and work with our RCSLT on various workgroups and projects related to people with mental health conditions. I have a RCSLT clinical advisor role which involves advising and mentoring SLTs and promoting the role of SLT in mental health settings.

I was recently invited to Houses of Parliament as an expert in communication difficulties.

Dissemination and planning future research
I completed my PhD Fellowship in 2024 and then progressed to Clinical research lead with the R&D team. My Phd study has been widely disseminated and has included patients and caregivers as well as colleagues in the Multi Disciplinary Team (MDT). It’s been good to offer range of formats for dissemination so that everyone can access the information. I’ve done a summary video (kindly funded by R&D) ‘me at mealtimes – patient stories’ and also Podcasts, conference presentations, nursing bulletins and talks for interest groups spanning different healthcare professions. There’s some peer reviewed publications too Patient Perspectives on Inpatient Mealtimes: Insights on Swallowing, Mental Wellbeing and Recovery – Guthrie – 2026 – International Journal of Mental Health Nursing – Wiley Online Library

Please get in touch if you want to know more or would like to talk about how you could get started in research. We offer regular research interest sessions for AHPs and others and offer a warm welcome for new members.

Advice for colleagues thinking about starting a project

Most important – talk to patients and caregivers about what’s important for improving clinical practice – and then get in touch with R&D for support to develop your ideas!

Contact details:
Susan.guthrie1@nhs.net

Researchgate – list of research papers and projects

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