Systematic reviews: how to perform and interpret

Dr Baldwin's research interests are in the use of oral nutritional support interventions in the management of weight loss in patients with acute and chronic illness. In 1999, she completed a postgraduate diploma in Systematic Reviews Methodology at University College London and subsequently completed a major systematic review of nutritional support in the management of weight loss, focusing particularly on food-based interventions. This is published in the Cochrane Library and is updated annually.

Dr Baldwin's PhD was completed in 2002-2006, and involved conducting a series of patient-focused studies examining aspects of nutritional support in the management of weight loss in patients with advanced cancers. The principal project during this period was a major intervention study, which necessitated recruitment, dietetic support and follow-up of more than 300 subjects.

Dr Baldwin's current research interests are split between using systematic review methodology to examine the role of interventions designed to enhance food intake in the management of patients with weight loss and, studies of the factors affecting patient compliance with oral nutritional interventions which focus on assessment of compliance and patient understanding of simple dietary interventions.