I got into clinical research to make things better for my patients. I was becoming aware that health problems are increasingly chronic, which requires more self-management from patients. I realised “that’s my field, psychology is the science behind behavior change” and so I began getting involved in other health-related research projects, initially just as a collaborator and then taking more of a lead role. Research has allowed me to find more of what works and then help people put it into practice, ultimately improving the health of patients, and seeing those results is very rewarding.
I predominately work in hospitals and community health settings that treat people who are already unwell such as mental health, oncology, malnutrition, diabetes and cardiac rehabilitation. The ultimate goal would be to make myself redundant through patients getting the absolute most out of any treatment, clinicians delivering the best practice treatments to the greatest effect, and health systems supporting both of them to do that.
Dr Britton is a full-time Senior Clinical and Health Psychologist working in Newcastle’s John Hunter Hospital. He holds a Doctorate of Clinical & Health Psychology and a PhD in Psychiatry. He has collaborated with researchers and clinicians across all chronic illness domains including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Despite a full clinical load, Dr Britton has won multiple awards, published extensively in peer reviewed journals, been invited to keynote and present at national and international conferences and is a sought-after presenter and trainer at professional events.
His research has encompassed studies and trials at local, national, and international institutions.
Dr Britton holds a conjoint position with the University of Newcastle and teaches medical, psychology, radiation medicine, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology, and podiatry students; and supervises several postgraduate students.
Looking forward, my goal is to grow the capacity of the health system to incorporate evidence-based behaviour change into improving care for patients.