Dr Sarah Thomas
- u_sthomas1 at bournemouth dot ac dot uk
- Principal Academic
Biography
With a background in psychology, I completed both my BSc and PhD at the University of Southampton. I am an experienced health services researcher with expertise in developing and evaluating complex interventions for people with long-term conditions, particularly in the areas of self-management, behaviour change, fatigue and digital health. I have a longstanding interest in behavioural and cognitive approaches to improving health outcomes, with a particular focus on multiple sclerosis.
I led the development of the FACETS (Fatigue: Applying Cognitive behavioural and Energy effectiveness Techniques to lifeStyle) programme - an evidence-based group fatigue management programme for people with MS. FACETS is now used across the UK and has also had international reach, including delivery in Australia, France and Norway. A digital “light-touch” version of FACETS was launched by the MS Society in 2020, and with funding from the MS Trust, we are currently finalising and piloting a mobile app toolkit to support remote use of the programme’s interactive components...
I am a co-investigator on two NIHR Programme Grants. REFUEL-MS, led by King’s College London, involves developed a tailored digital treatment pathway for MS-related fatigue. COMbAT Fatigue, led by the University of Birmingham, involves adapting FACETS for digital delivery to support people post-stroke. I am also a co-investigator on three NIHR RfPB projects in the areas of binge eating disorders and surface neuromuscular stimulation for people with MS and stroke.
Internationally, I am collaborating on several digital health projects, including MS WorkSmart (University of Tasmania), which supports people with MS to stay in work, and MS Energise (University of Tasmania), a mobile fatigue management app (Auckland University of Technology) that draws upon FACETS. I am a co-investigator on a US-based project (Craig Hospital, Colorado) that is adapting the FACETS for online group delivery for people with traumatic brain injury.
Until April 2024, I was a Senior Methodological Adviser with the NIHR Research Design Service providing methodological guidance for researchers applying for health and social care funding.
I am a member of the MS Society's Expert Review Network (TERN).
moreJournal Articles
- Yinusa, G., Surr, C., Thomas, S., Fenge, L.A., Howdon, D., Major, J., Heward, M., Taylor, G., Knight, H., Townson, J., Murphy, J., 2025. An intervention to provide nutritional care for people living with dementia at home receiving home care (TOMATO): study protocol for a single-arm feasibility study. Pilot and Feasibility Studies, 11 (1).
- Arden-Close, E., Thomas, S., Bush-Evans, R., Hamson-Ford, A., Bolat, E., Hodge, S., Phalp, K., Wang, R., McAlaney, J., 2025. Feasibility and acceptability of safer gambling interventions (social norms and goal setting) delivered via text message for those at low-to-moderate risk of gambling harm: a four-arm randomised controlled feasibility study. BMJ Open, 15 (10).
- Wang, R., Bush-Evans, R., Arden-Close, E., Thomas, S., McAlaney, J., Hodge, S., Phalp, K., Bolat, E., 2025. An Integrative Review of Transparency for Safer Gambling. Journal of Gambling Issues.
- Goodwin, E., Heather, A., Morrish, N., Freeman, J., Boddy, K., Thomas, S., Chataway, J., Middleton, R., Hawton, A., 2025. Comparative Responsiveness of Preference-Based Health-Related Quality of Life, Social Care, and Well-Being Measures in the Context of Multiple Sclerosis. Value in Health.
- Bush-Evans, R., Arden-Close, E., Thomas, S., McAlaney, J., Wang, R., Bolat, E., Hodge, S., Hamson-Ford, A., Phalp, K., 2024. Promoting safer gambling through social norms and goal setting: A qualitative process analysis of participants' experiences in the EROGamb 2.0 feasibility trial. Internet Interventions, 38.
- Van Der Mei, I., Thomas, S., Shapland, S., Laslett, L.L., Taylor, B.V., Huglo, A., Honan, C., 2024. Protocol for a pragmatic randomised controlled feasibility study of MS WorkSmart: An online intervention for Australians with MS who are employed. BMJ Open, 14 (5).
- Sait, M.I., Christie, R.A., Cox, C., Board, M., Thomas, S., O'Sullivan, C., Davies, C., Walker, D.M., Vassallo, M., Sadler, E.A., Allen-Pick, M., Moore, P., Bradbury, K., Murphy, J., 2024. DIALOR (DIgitAL cOaching for fRailty): Protocol for a single-arm mixed-methods feasibility study of a digital health coaching intervention for older people with frailty in primary care. BMJ Open, 14 (5).
- Singleton, H., Mahato, P., Arden-Close, E., Thomas, S., Ersser, S., Holley, D., Yang, X., Roberts, A., 2024. Virtual reality used to distract children and young people with long-term conditions from pain or pruritus: A scoping review using PAGER. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 33 (2), 469-480.
- Gay, M.C., Cassedanne, F., Barbot, F., Vaugier, I., Thomas, S., Manchon, E., Bensmail, D., Blanchere, M., Heinzlef, O., 2024. Long-term effectiveness of a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) in the management of fatigue in patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS): a multicentre, randomised, open-label, controlled trial versus standard care. Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, 95 (2), 158-166.
- Christie, R., Sadler, E., Sait, M., Light, K., Cox, C., Board, M., Thomas, S., Walker, D.M., Allen-Pick, M., Bradbury, K., Murphy, J., 2024. Digital empowerment in long-term condition management: A systematic review and narrative synthesis of the experiences and perceptions of home-based digital health coaching interventions. Digital Health, 10.
- Singleton, H., Davis, C., Cui, Y., Glithro, R., Arden-Close, E., Holley, D., Ersser, S., Thomas, S., Yang, X., Roberts, A., 2023. The use of an Eczema Gaming Igloo to distract children with eczema from distressing symptoms: a pilot study. Dermatological Nursing, 22 (3), 10-14.
- Arden-Close, E., Thomas, S., Bush-Evans, R., Wang, R., Bolat, E., Hodge, S., Phalp, K., McAlaney, J., 2023. Social norms and goal-setting interventions to promote responsible gambling in low-to-moderate online gamblers: protocol for a four-arm randomised controlled feasibility study. BMJ Open, 13 (3).
- Wang, R., Bush-Evans, R., Arden-Close, E., Bolat, E., McAlaney, J., Hodge, S., Thomas, S., Phalp, K., 2023. Transparency in persuasive technology, immersive technology, and online marketing: Facilitating users’ informed decision making and practical implications. Computers in Human Behavior, 139.
- Powell, A.J., Thomas, S., 2023. Reverse Coding of a Common-Sense Physical Activity Intervention for Older Adults Using Elements of the Behaviour Change Wheel Framework. Health Promotion Practice, 24 (1), 121-132.
- Hicks, B., Karim, A., Jones, E., Burgin, M., Cutler, C., Tang, W., Thomas, S., Nyman, S.R., 2022. Care home practitioners’ perceptions of the barriers and facilitators for using off-the-shelf gaming technology with people with dementia. Dementia, 21 (5), 1532-1555.
- Hawton, A., Goodwin, E., Boddy, K., Freeman, J., Thomas, S., Chataway, J., Green, C., 2022. Measuring the cost-effectiveness of treatments for people with multiple sclerosis: Beyond quality-adjusted life-years. Multiple Sclerosis Journal, 28 (3), 346-351.
- Thomas, S., Pulman, A., Dogan, H., Jiang, N., Passmore, D., Pretty, K., Fairbanks, B., Smith, A.D., Thomas, P.W., 2021. Creating a Digital Toolkit to Reduce Fatigue and Promote Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis: Participatory Design and Usability Study. Jmir Formative Research, 5 (12).
- Powell, A.J., Thomas, S., 2021. How the LiveWell Dorset lifestyle behaviour change service influences older adults’ physical activity behaviour: A generic qualitative study. Public Health in Practice, 2.
- Powell, A.J., Thomas, S., 2021. How the LiveWell Dorset lifestyle behaviour change service influences older adults’ physical activity behaviour: A generic qualitative study. Public Health in Practice, 2.
- van Kessel, K., Babbage, D.R., Kersten, P., Drown, J., Sezier, A., Thomas, P.W., Thomas, S., 2021. Design considerations for a multiple sclerosis fatigue mobile app MS Energize: A pragmatic iterative approach using usability testing and resonance checks. Internet Interventions, 24.
- Moss-Morris, R., Harrison, A.M., Safari, R., Norton, S., van der Linden, M.L., Picariello, F., Thomas, S., White, C., Mercer, T., 2021. Which behavioural and exercise interventions targeting fatigue show the most promise in multiple sclerosis? A systematic review with narrative synthesis and meta-analysis. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 137.
- Thomas, S., Pulman, A., Passmore, D., Thomas, P., Jiang, N., Dogan, H., Pretty, K., Smith, A.D., 2020. Enhancing engagement with fatigue management via a digital toolkit. MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS JOURNAL, 26 (2_SUPPL), 53.
- Adamczewska, N., Vassallo, M., Thomas, P.W., Thomas, S., Barrado-Martín, Y., Nyman, S.R., 2020. Feasibility and Accuracy of Different Methods for Collecting Data on Falls among Older People with Dementia. Alzheimer Disease and Associated Disorders, 34 (4), 362-365.
- Babbage, D.R., van Kessel, K., Drown, J., Thomas, S., Sezier, A., Thomas, P., Kersten, P., 2019. MS Energize: Field trial of an app for self-management of fatigue for people with multiple sclerosis. Internet Interventions, 18.
- Wolfensberger, P., Hahn, S., van Teijlingen, E., Thomas, S., 2019. Uncertainty in illness among people living with mental ill health - a mental health nursing perspective. British Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 8 (4), 181-187.
- Ersser, S.J., Effah, A., Dyson, J., Kellar, I., Thomas, S., McNichol, E., Caperon, E., Hewitt, C., Muinonen-Martin, A.J., 2019. Effectiveness of interventions to support the early detection of skin cancer through skin self-examination: a systematic review and meta-analysis. British Journal of Dermatology, 180 (6), 1339-1347.
- Gay, M.C., Baker, R., Vrignaud, P., Thomas, P., Heinzlef, O., Haag, P., Banovic, I., Thomas, S., 2019. Cross-cultural validation of a French version of the Emotional Processing Scale (EPS-25). Revue Europeenne De Psychologie Appliquee, 69 (3), 91-99.
- Thomas, S., Pulman, A., Thomas, P., Collard, S., Jiang, N., Dogan, H., Smith, A.D., Hourihan, S., Roberts, F., Kersten, P., Pretty, K., Miller, J.K., Stanley, K., Gay, M.C., 2019. Digitizing a face-to-face group fatigue management program: Exploring the views of people with multiple sclerosis and health care professionals via consultation groups and interviews. Jmir Formative Research, 3 (2).
- Ellis-Hill, C., Thomas, S., Gracey, F., Lamont-Robinson, C., Cant, R., Marques, E.M.R., Thomas, P.W., Grant, M., Nunn, S., Paling, T., Thomas, C., Werson, A., Galvin, K.T., Reynolds, F., Jenkinson, D., 2019. HeART of Stroke: Randomised controlled, parallel-Arm, feasibility study of a community-based arts and health intervention plus usual care compared with usual care to increase psychological well-being in people following a stroke. BMJ Open, 9 (3).
- Nyman, S.R., Ingram, W., Sanders, J., Thomas, P.W., Thomas, S., Vassallo, M., Raftery, J., Bibi, I., Barrado-Martín, Y., 2019. Randomised controlled trial of the effect of tai chi on postural balance of people with dementia. Clinical Interventions in Aging, 14, 2017-2029.
- Nyman, S.R., Hayward, C., Ingram, W., Thomas, P., Thomas, S., Vassallo, M., Raftery, J., Allen, H., Barrado-Martín, Y., 2018. A randomised controlled trial comparing the effectiveness of tai chi alongside usual care with usual care alone on the postural balance of community-dwelling people with dementia: Protocol for the TACIT trial (TAi ChI for people with demenTia). BMC Geriatrics, 18 (1).
- Hulme, K., Safari, R., Thomas, S., Mercer, T., White, C., Linden, M.V., Moss-Morris, R., 2018. Fatigue interventions in long term, physical health conditions: A scoping review of systematic reviews. Plos One, 13 (10).
- Watchorn, R.E., Thomas, S., Miller, C., Carr, R.A., Koch, D., Thomas, P., Taibjee, S.M., 2018. Keratoacanthoma management: results of a survey of U.K. dermatologists and surgeons. British Journal of Dermatology, 178 (1), e49-e50.
- Miller, J.K., McDougall, S., Thomas, S., Wiener, J., 2017. The impact of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene on trauma and spatial processing. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 6 (12).
- Thomas, S., Fazakarley, L., Thomas, P.W., Collyer, S., Brenton, S., Perring, S., Scott, R., Thomas, F., Thomas, C., Jones, K., Hickson, J., Hillier, C., 2017. Mii-vitaliSe: A pilot randomised controlled trial of a home gaming system (Nintendo Wii) to increase activity levels, vitality and well-being in people with multiple sclerosis. BMJ Open, 7 (9).
- Muir, S., Newell, C., Griffiths, J., Walker, K., Hooper, H., Thomas, S., Thomas, P.W., Arcelus, J., Day, J., Appleton, K.M., 2017. MotivATE: A Pretreatment web-based program to improve attendance at UK outpatient services among adults with eating disorders. Jmir Research Protocols, 6 (7).
- Miller, J.K., McDougall, S., Thomas, S., Wiener, J.M., 2017. Impairment in active navigation from trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, 140, 114-123.
- Gay, M.C., Bungener, C., Thomas, S., Vrignaud, P., Thomas, P.W., Baker, R., Montel, S., Heinzlef, O., Papeix, C., Assouad, R., Montreuil, M., 2017. Anxiety, emotional processing and depression in people with multiple sclerosis. BMC Neurology, 17 (1).
- Csillik, A., Bruce, J., Catley, D., Gay, M.C., Goggin, K.J., Swaggart, K.R., Thomas, P.W., Thomas, S., 2016. Psychological interventions for enhancing adherence to disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) in multiple sclerosis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2016 (11).
- Thomas, S., Kersten, P., Thomas, P.W., 2015. The Multiple Sclerosis-Fatigue Self- Efficacy (MS-FSE) scale: initial validation. Clin Rehabil, 29 (4), 376-387.
- Ellis-Hill, C., Gracey, F., Thomas, S., Lamont-Robinson, C., Thomas, P.W., Marques, E.M.R., Grant, M., Nunn, S., Cant, R.P.I., Galvin, K.T., Reynolds, F., Jenkinson, D.F., 2015. 'HeART of Stroke (HoS)', a community-based Arts for Health group intervention to support self-confidence and psychological well-being following a stroke: Protocol for a randomised controlled feasibility study. BMJ Open, 5 (8).
- Thomas, S., Kersten, P., Thomas, P.W., Slingsby, V., Nock, A., Jones, R., Smith, A.D., Galvin, K.T., Baker, R., Hillier, C., 2015. Exploring strategies used following a group-based fatigue management programme for people with multiple sclerosis (FACETS) via the Fatigue Management Strategies Questionnaire (FMSQ). BMJ Open, 5 (10).
- Bick, D.E., Beake, S., Hundley, V., van Tiejlingen, E., Sheppard, Z.A., Thomas, S., Allen, H., Sandall, J., Furuta, M., Wee, M.Y.K., Isaacs, R., Smith, G.B., 2014. A national cross sectional survey of heads of midwifery services of uptake, benefits and barriers to use of obstetric early warning systems (EWS) by midwives. Midwifery, 30 (11), 1140-1146.
- Isaacs, R.A., Wee, M.Y.K., Bick, D.E., Beake, S., Sheppard, Z.A., Thomas, S., Hundley, V., Smith, G.B., van Teijlingen, E., Thomas, P.W., Members of the Modified Obstetric Early Warning Systems Research Group, 2014. A national survey of obstetric early warning systems in the United Kingdom: five years on. Anaesthesia, 69 (7), 687-692.
- Thomas, P.W., Thomas, S., Kersten, P., Jones, R., Slingsby, V., Nock, A., Davies Smith, A., Baker, R., Galvin, K.T., Hillier, C., 2014. One year follow-up of a pragmatic multi-centre randomised controlled trial of a group-based fatigue management programme (FACETS) for people with multiple sclerosis. BMC Neurol, 14, 109.
- Thomas, S., Fazakarley, L., Thomas, P.W., Brenton, S., Collyer, S., Perring, S., Scott, R., Galvin, K., Hillier, C., 2014. Testing the feasibility and acceptability of using the Nintendo Wii in the home to increase activity levels, vitality and well-being in people with multiple sclerosis (Mii-vitaliSe): protocol for a pilot randomised controlled study. BMJ Open, 4 (5), e005172.
- Thomas, S., Kersten, P.. Fatigue, FACETS and future directions for fatigue management. International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation, 21.
- Thomas, S., Thomas, P.W., Kersten, P., Jones, R., Green, C., Nock, A., Slingsby, V., Smith, A.D., Baker, R., Galvin, K.T., Hillier, C., 2013. A pragmatic parallel arm multi-centre randomised controlled trial to assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a group-based fatigue management programme (FACETS) for people with multiple sclerosis. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry, 84 (10), 1092-1099.
- Thomas, S., Thomas, P.W., Kersten, P., Jones, R., Green, C., Nock, A., Slingsby, V., Smith, A.D., Baker, R., Galvin, K.T., Hillier, C., 2013. A pragmatic parallel arm multi-centre randomised controlled trial to assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a group-based fatigue management programme (FACETS) for people with multiple sclerosis. Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, 84 (10).
- Baker, R., Gale, L., Abbey, G., Thomas, S.. Emotional processing therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder. Counselling Psychology Quarterly.
- Thomas, S., Clark, C.J., Thomas, S., Khattab, A.D., Carr, E.C.. Development and psychometric properties of a screening tool for assessing developmental coordination disorder in adults. International Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
- Clark, C., Thomas, S., Carr, E., Breen, A., 2012. Development and Validation of the Functional Difficulties Questionnaire for Assessing Developmental Coordination Disorder in Adults. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 10 (42), A50.
- Clark, C., Thomas, S., Carr, E.C.J., Breen, A.C., 2012. Development and Validation of the Functional Difficulties Questionnaire for Assessing Developmental Coordination Disorder in Adults. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 10.
- Baker, R., Owens, M., Thomas, S., Whittlesea, A., Abbey, G., Gower, P., Tosunlar, L., Corrigan, E., Thomas, P.W., 2012. Does CBT facilitate emotional processing? Behav Cogn Psychother, 40 (1), 19-37.
- Thomas, P.W., Thomas, S., Allen, H.. Evaluation of a pilot relapse support service (RSS) for people with multiple sclerosis - "a tiny pot of sunshine in my pocket". Social Care and Neurodisability, 3.
- Thomas, S., Thomas, P.W., Kersten, P., Jones, R., Green, C., Nock, A., Slingsby, V., Hillier, C.E.M., Galvin, K., Baker, R.. Group-based cognitive behavioural approach to managing fatigue in multiple sclerosis is effective: a multi-centre parallel arm randomised controlled trial. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry.
- Thomas, P., Thomas, S., Kersten, P., Jones, R., Nock, A., Slingsby, V., Green, C., Baker, R., Galvin, K.T., Hillier, C., 2010. Multi-centre parallel arm randomised controlled trial to assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a group-based cognitive behavioural approach to managing fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis. BMC Neurology, 10.
- Thomas, S., Thomas, P., Nock, A., Slingsby, V., Galvin, K.T., Baker, R., Moffat, N., Hillier, C., 2010. Development and preliminary evaluation of a cognitive behavioural approach to fatigue management in people with multiple sclerosis. Patient Education and Counseling, 78, 240-249.
- Baker, R., Thomas, S., Thomas, P., Gower, P., Santonastaso, M., Whittlesea, A., 2010. The emotional processing scale: Scale refinement and abridgement (EPS-25). Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 68, 83-88.
- Baker, R., Thomas, P., Thomas, S., 2009. Emotional processing: Theory, assessment and therapy. PSYCHOLOGY & HEALTH, 24, 88-89.
- Austin, H., Campion-Smith, C., Thomas, S., Ward, W.. Parents' difficulties with decisions about childhood immunisation. Community Practitioner, 81.
- Baker, R., Thomas, S., Thomas, P., Owens, M., 2007. Development of an emotional processing scale. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 62, 167-178.
- Thomas, P., Thomas, S., Hillier, C., Galvin, K.T., Baker, R., 2006. Psychological interventions for multiple sclerosis.(Review). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CD004431.
- Baker, R., Holloway, J., Thomas, P., Thomas, S., Owens, M., 2004. Emotional processing and panic. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 42, 1271-1287.
- DeHouwer, J., Thomas, S., Baeyens, F.. Associative learning of likes and dislikes: A review of 25 years of research on human evaluative conditioning. Psychological Bulletin, 127.
- Moffat, A.C., Osselton, M.D., Widdop, B., Clarke, E.G.C.. Clarke's analysis of drugs and poisons. Pharmaceutical Pr.
- Moffat, A.C., Osselton, M.D., Widdop, B., Clarke, E.G.C.. Clarke's analysis of drugs and poisons. Pharmaceutical Pr.
- Moffat, A.C., Osselton, M.D., Widdop, B., Clarke, E.G.C.. Clarke's analysis of drugs and poisons. Pharmaceutical Pr.
Books
- Thomas, S., Thomas, P., Nock, A., Slingsby, V., Baker, R., Hillier C, 2013. A Fatigue Management Programme for People with Multiple Sclerosis (Facilitators Manual and Patient Handbook).. Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Chapters
- Thomas, S., Pulman, A., Robinson, J., 2020. Exergaming in Multiple Sclerosis – Bridging the Evidence-Practice Gap. Virtual Reality in Health and Rehabilitation. Boca Raton: CRC Press.
Conferences
- Turner, G., Mhizha-Murira, J., McKay, C., Mant, J., Greaves, C., Greenfield, S., Thomas, S., Helliwell, B., 2025. Co-production of a self-management programme for post-stroke fatigue (COMbAT Fatigue). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF STROKE, 20 (3_SUPPL).
- Turner, G., Bolderston, H., Gregory, N., Thomas, S., 2025. The impact of ACT and CBT components on social anxiety and eye-gaze behaviour. In: ACBS World Conference 25/06/2019 Dublin.
- Turner, G., Mant, J., Greaves, C., Thomas, S., Greenfield, S., Helliwell, B.. Post-Stroke Fatigue: Co-Production Of A Web-Based, SelfManagement Programme. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF STROKE, 19 (3_SUPPL).
- Huglo, A., Thomas, S., Shapland, S., Laslett, L., Taylor, B., Honan, C., van der Mei, I.. Maximizing work productivity and employment retention: preliminary findings from the MS WorkSmart feasibility study for working Australians with multiple sclerosis. MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS JOURNAL, 30 (4).
- Wang, R., Bush-Evans, R., Arden-Close, E., McAlaney, J., Hodge, S., Bolat, E., Thomas, S., Phalp, K., 2024. Usability of Responsible Gambling Information on Gambling Operator' Websites: A Webcam-Based Eye Tracking Study. Eye Tracking Research and Applications Symposium ETRA.
- Proudfoot, H., Fawson, S., O'Connor, E., Thomas, S., Finch, T., Sanders, T., Freeman, J., van der Linden, M., Mercer, T., Faheem, A., Leigh, S., Eldridge, H., Moss-Morris, R.. A BLENDED DIGITAL SELF-MANAGEMENT TREATMENT FOR FATIGUE IN MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS: DESCRIBING THE PROCESS OF CO-DEVELOPING "REFUEL-MS". PSYCHOSOMATIC MEDICINE, 86 (5).
- Huglo, A., Thomas, S., Shapland, S., Laslett, L., Taylor, B., Honan, C., Emery, H., van der Mei, I.. Enhancing workplace empowerment for people with multiple sclerosis via MS WorkSmart: Findings from a randomized controlled feasibility study. MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS JOURNAL, 30 (2).
- Singleton, H., Cui, Y., Ersser, S., Holley, D., Arden-Close, E., Thomas, S., Yang, X., Roberts, A., 2023. Non-pharmacological interventions for eczema to distract children from itch. In: EADV 11/10/2023 Berlin.
- Singleton, H., Thomas, S., Ersser, S., Arden-Close, E., Holley, D., Yang, X., Glithro, R., 2023. Distraction for childhood eczema. In: 34th International Sigma Nursing Research Congress 20/07/2023 Abu Dhabi.
- Singleton, H., Ersser, S., Arden-Close, E., Thomas, S., Holley, D., Yang, X., 2022. Eczema Research. In: Sigma London and the South Hub Conference 06/04/2022 Virtual.
- Smith, A.D., Thomas, S., Thomas, P., Powell, O., Burge, T., Jones, R., Thai, J., Pulman, A., Gay, M.-C., Heinzlef, O., Cassedanne, F., Maher, M., 2020. Multi-disciplinary approach to linking treatment and research in MS related fatigue. MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS JOURNAL, 26 (2_SUPPL), 48-49.
- Goodwin, E., Green, C., Boddy, K., Freeman, J., Thomas, S., Chataway, J., Hawton, A., 2020. Exploring the relevance and validity of wellbeing measures that can be used in cost-effectiveness analysis in the context of multiple sclerosis. MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS JOURNAL, 26 (3_SUPPL), 607.
- Hamelin, F., Gay, M.C., Thomas, S., Thomas, P., Heinzlef, O., Barbot, F., Blanchere, M., 2020. Effectiveness of a cognitive behavioral program for fatigue (facets +) in 110 french patients with multiple sclerosis: a randomized, controlled trial. MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS JOURNAL, 26 (3_SUPPL), 636.
- Wolfensberger, P., Hahn, S., van Teijlingen, E., Thomas, S., 2020. Creating Meaning - People Living with Mental Illness in Switzerland. In: Lomba, L., Parola, V., Costa, P., Feilzardo, H., Santos, M., Silva, M., Neves, M., Morgado, T., Casaleiro, T., Bernardes, R., eds. STTI 5th Biennial European Conference 28/05/2020 Virtual / Coimbra - Portugal. Book of Abstracts, 41 Coimbra, Portugal: Escola Superior de Enfermagem de Coimbra.
- Hamelin, F., Gay, M.C., Thomas, S., Thomas, P., Heinzlef, O., 2020. The Challenge of Maintaining Therapeutic Benefits over the Long Term: Example of Adding 4 Reactivation Sessions to a Cognitive-Behavioural Fatigue Management Program for People with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis. NEUROLOGY, 94 (15).
- Nyman, S.R., Ingram, W., Sanders, J., Thomas, P.W., Thomas, S., Vassallo, M., Raftery, J., Bibi, I., Barrado-Martín, Y., 2019. Randomised controlled trial of the effect of Tai Chi on postural balance of people with dementia. In: 1st World Congress on Falls and Postural Stability 04/12/2019 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
- van Kessel, K., Babbage, D., Kersten, P., Thomas, P., Thomas, S., Sezier, A., Drown, J., 2019. MS Energise: A Mobile Fatigue Management Application. In: International Society for Research on Internet Interventions ISRII: The next generation 13/02/2019 Auckland, New Zealand.
- Fairbanks, B., Pulman, A., Dogan, H., Jiang, N., Pretty, K., Thomas, P., Thomas, S., 2018. Creating a FACETS digital toolkit to promote quality of life of people with multiple sclerosis through Participatory Design. In: 2nd Workshop on Human Centred Design for Intelligent Environments (HCD4IE). The 32nd Human Computer Interaction Conference (British HCI'18) 03/07/2018 Belfast.
- Wolfensberger, P., Thomas, S., Hahn, S., van Teijlingen, E., 2018. Experiences of people living with mental illness in Switzerland - a qualitative inquiry. In: Horatio European Congress "Safe Settings" 10/05/2018 Faroe Islands. Programme and abstract book Torshavn, Faroe Islands: FPS, Faroese Psychiatric Nurses.
- Jeanette, R., Lund, S.L., Hilde, R., Sarah, T., Peter, T., Grethe, L.I., 2017. A modified version of a UK group-based fatigue management programme for people with MS (FACETS) for an inpatient setting in Norway. MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS JOURNAL, 23 (6), 888-889.
- Moss-Morris, R., Harrison, A.M., Safari, R.M., Mercer, T., Norton, S., White, C., van de Linden, M., Thomas, S., 2017. WHICH EXERCISE OR BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTIONS ARE MOST EFFECTIVE FOR TREATING FATIGUE IN PEOPLE WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS (MS)? A DETAILED SYSTEMATIC REVIEW WITH NETWORK META-ANALYSIS. PSYCHOSOMATIC MEDICINE, 79 (4), A123.
- Thomas, S., 2017. Présentation d’un programme de gestion de la fatigue (‘FACETS’). In: Journées de Neurologie de Langue Français. 28/03/2017 Toulouse.
- Ellis-Hill, C., Gracey, F., Thomas, S., Lamont-Robinson, C., Grant, M., Nunn, S., Thomas, P., Marques, E., Paling, T., Galvin, K., Reynolds, F., Cant, R., Jenkinson, D., 2016. 'HeARTof Stroke' - a community- based arts-and-health group for people following a stroke: Acceptability and preliminary findings from a randomised controlled feasibility study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF STROKE, 11, S10.
- Nyman, S.R., Hayward, C., Thomas, P., Thomas, S., Vassallo, M., Raftery, J., Allen, H., 2016. Protocol for the TACIT trial (TAi ChI for people with demenTia): A randomised controlled trial comparing the effectiveness of Tai Chi alongside usual care with usual care alone on the postural balance of community-dwelling people with dementia. In: 17th International Conference on Falls and Postural Stability 16/09/2016 Edinburgh, UK.
- Ellis-Hill, C., Gracey, F., Thomas, S., Lamont-Robinson, C., Grant, M., Nunn, S., Thomas, P., Marques, E., Paling, T., Galvin, K., Reynolds, F., Cant, R., Jenkinson, D., 2016. HeART of Stroke - A community based Arts & Health group for people following a stroke. In: Neuropsychological Rehabilitation Special Interest Group of the world Federation of Neurological Rehabilitation 10/07/2016 Glasgow, UK.
- Gracey, F., Ellis-Hill, C., Lamont -Robinson, C., Thomas, S., Grant, M., Nunn, S., Thomas, P., Marques, E., Reynolds, F., Cant, R., Jenkinson, D., Galvin, K., 2016. Towards the abiding expanse: treatment components and processes in the HeART of Stroke¹ feasibility trial to support confidence and wellbeing post stroke. In: 13th Neuropsychological Rehabilitation Special Interest Group of the WFNR 11/07/2016 Glasgow , Scotland.
- Thomas, S., Fazakarley, L., Thomas, P.W., Collyer, S., Brenton, S., Perring, S., Scott, R., Galvin, K.T., Hickson, J., Jones, K., Hillier, C., 2015. Mii-vitaliSe - Development of a physiotherapist-supported Nintendo Wii™ intervention to encourage people with multiple sclerosis to become more active in the home. MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS JOURNAL, 21, 775.
- Ellis-Hill, C., Gracey, F., Lamont-Robinson, C., Thomas, S., Grant, M., Nunn, S., Cant, R., Thomas, P., Marques, E., Reynolds, F., Galvin, K.T., Jenkinson, D., 2015. Protocol and preliminary findings of a multi-centre randomised controlled feasibility study of an Arts for Health group (HeART of Stroke) to support self-confidence and wellbeing following a stroke. In: International Neuropsychological Society mid-year meeting 01/07/2015 Sydney.
- Thomas, S., 2015. Enhancing adherence to behavioural interventions - the role of psychology. In: MS Frontiers 29/06/2015 London.
- Baker, R., Thomas, P., Thomas, S.. The Emotional Processing Scale;a new pan-diagnostic assessment of emotional style. In: British Psychological society Division of Clinical Psychology Annual Conference 02/12/2015 London.
- Thomas, S., Maclean, R., Nock, A., de Groot, V., 2014. Group and individual programmes for fatigue management. MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS JOURNAL, 20 (7), 1011.
- Williams, S., Newell, C., Griffiths, J., Thomas, S., 2014. MotivATE: A Pre-Treatment Motivational Enhancement Website for Eating Disorders. Development and Qualitative Evaluation. EUROPEAN EATING DISORDERS REVIEW, 22 (3), E1.
- Thomas, S., Thomas, P.W., Kersten, P., Jones, R., Green, C., Nock, A., Slingsby, V., Hillier, C.E.M., Galvin, K., Baker, R., 2012. GROUP-BASED COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL APPROACH TO MANAGING FATIGUE IN MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS IS EFFECTIVE: A MULTI-CENTRE PARALLEL ARM RANDOMISED CONTROLLED TRIAL. JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY NEUROSURGERY AND PSYCHIATRY, 83 (3).
- Thomas, S., Thomas, P., Nock, A., Slingsby, V., Galvin, K., Baker, R., Moffat, N., Hillier, C., 2007. Development and preliminary evaluation of a fatigue management programme for people with multiple sclerosis. MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS, 13, S127-S128.
- Thomas, S., Baker, R., 2002. Loneliness & Social Isolation in Older Adults in Wales; key findings and implications for policy. In: Loneliness and isolation among older people in Wales: a half day conference 11/04/2002 Cardiff.
Reports
- Bush-Evans, R., Arden-Close, E., Thomas, S., McAlaney, J., Wang, R., Bolat, E., Hodge, S., Phalp, K., 2025. GREO Research Snapshot: Exploring people’s experiences of social norms and goal setting interventions to support safer gambling. GREO. Available from: https://www.greo.ca/Modules/EvidenceCentre/files/Bush-Evans%20et%20al%20(2024)_Research%20Snapshot_Promoting%20safer%20gambling%20through%20social%20norms%20and%20goal%20setting_final.pdf.
- Bolat, E., Wang, R., Bush, R., Arden-Close, E., McAlaney, J., Thomas, S., Hodge, S., 2022. The Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP) and the Broadcast Committee of Advertising Practice (BCAP) call for evidence into Consulting on stricter rules for gambling ads on 22nd January 2021.. ASA. Available from: https://www.asa.org.uk/static/b9efd292-25cc-408c-b9e3b78ecb840100/Responses-A-B.pdf.
- Bush, R., Wang, R., McAlaney, J., Ali, R., Bolat, E., Charles, F., Arden-Close, E., Hodge, S., Phalp, K., Thomas, S., 2022. EROGamb 2 Scoping Review. Bournemouth University.
- Wang, R., Bush, R., Arden-Close, E., Thomas, S., Hodge, S., McAlaney, J., Bolat, E., Phalp, K., 2022. EROGamb 2 Narrative Review. Bournemouth University.
- Wang, R., Bush, R., Arden-Close, E., Thomas, S., Hodge, S., McAlaney, J., Bolat, E., Phalp, K., 2022. EROGamb 2 Systematic Review. Bournemouth University.
- Bolat, E., Wang, R., Bush, R., Arden-Close, E., Hodge, S., McAlaney, J., Thomas, S., Phalp, K., 2022. EROGamb 2 Website Transparency and Responsible Gambling Report. Bournemouth University.
- Wang, R., Bush-Evans, R., Arden-Close, E., Thomas, S., Hodge, S., McAlaney, J., Bolat, E., Phalp, K.T., 2021. EROGamb 2 Systematic Review. Poole, England: Bournemouth University.
- Bolat, E., Wang, R., Bush-Evans, R., Arden-Close, E., Hodge, S., McAlaney, J., Thomas, S., Phalp, K.T., 2021. EROGamb 2 Website Transparency and Responsible Gambling Report. Poole, England: Bournemouth University.
- Wang, R., Bush-Evans, R., McAlaney, J., Bolat, E., Arden-Close, E., Hodge, S., Phalp, K.T., Thomas, S., 2020. EROGamb 2 Narrative Review. Poole, England: Bournemouth University.
- Bush-Evans, R., Wang, R., McAlaney, J., Ali, R., Bolat, E., Charles, F., Arden-Close, E., Hodge, S., Phalp, K.T., Thomas, S., 2020. EROGamb 2 Scoping Review. Poole: Bournemouth University.
- Pulman, A., Collard, S., Miller, J., Thomas, P., Jiang, N., Dogan, H., Kersten, P., Gay, M.-C., Davies-Smith, A., Hourihan, S., Roberts, F., Stanley, K., Pretty, K., Thomas, S., 2018. Consultation on delivering an MS-fatigue management group programme in an online format (cFACETS). Bournemouth: BUCRU, Bournemouth University.
- Thomas, P., Thomas, S., Baker, R., 2005. Psychological treatments in Multiple Sclerosis: MS Society Scoping Exercise. London: Multiple Sc. Multiple Sclerosis Society.
- Thomas, S., 2002. Loneliness & Social Isolation in Older People in Wales. Dorset RSU.
Theses
- Wolfensberger, P., 2020. Creating meaning: understanding the experiences of people living with mental illness in Switzerland: a qualitative study. Bournemouth University, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences.
Posters
- Pulman, A., Thomas, P., Jiang, N., Dogan, H., Pretty, K., Passmore, D., Fairbanks, B., Thomas, S., 2019. Developing a FACETS digital toolkit. In: MS Frontiers 2019.
- Thomas, S., Thomas, P.W., Kersten, P., Nock, A., Slingsby, V., Jones, R., Davies Smith, A., Galvin, K.T., Baker, R., Hillier, C., 2015. ‘FACETS’ fatigue management programme for multiple sclerosis From research into practice. In: Researching Complex Interventions in Health: The State of the Art.
Others
- Bolat, E., Bush, R., Wang, R., McAlaney, J., Arden-Close, E., Hodge, S., Thomas, S., 2021. A Content Analysis of the UK’s Gambling Operators’ Websites: Technical report. Bournemouth University. Unpublished.
Grants
- Using surface neuromuscular electrical stimulation for lower limb weakness early after stroke: A randomised controlled feasibility study. (NIHR RfPB, 01 Sep 2025). Awarded
- A randomised controlled feasibility study investigating surface neuromuscular STIMulation as an exercise therapy versus usual care in people with multiple sclerosis to help improve lower limb strength, walking and fatigue (STIM-MS) (NIHR RfPB, 01 Apr 2025). In Progress
- A brief online emotion-based intervention to provide early support for adult patients with binge eating disorders awaiting NHS treatment: intervention acceptability, early feasibility and optimisation. (NIHR RfPB, 01 Jan 2025). In Progress
- Adaptation and feasibility of a fatigue intervention in adults with traumatic brain injury (Department of Defense. Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs, 30 Sep 2024). In Progress
- Developing evidence and theory-informed digital videos employing a user-centred participatory approach, to support the early detection of skin cancer (EDSC) via self-examination of the skin (SSE), focused on at-risk (older men) and under-served populations (‘people of colour’) (Cancer Research UK, 01 Sep 2024). In Progress
- COMbAT Fatigue: COproduction and evaluation of a self-MAnagemenT intervention for post-stroke Fatigue. (National Institute for Health Programme Grant, 01 Apr 2024). In Progress
- Thomas S, Dogan H. FACETS digital toolkit: extending its reach and piloting. Nov 2023 Multiple Sclerosis Research, Treatment and Education (MSRTE). £50,628.81. (CI) (Multiple Sclerosis Trust, 01 Nov 2023). In Progress
- Feasibility study of an intervention to provide nutritional care for people living with dementia at home (TOMATO: nuTritiOn and deMentia AT hOme) (National Institute for Health and Care Research Research for Patient Benefit, 01 Oct 2022). In Progress
- Developing, optimising and implementing a blended digital self-management tReatmEnt for FatigUe in multiplE scLerosis (REFUEL-MS) (National Institute for Health and Care Research Programme Grants for Applied Research, 01 Oct 2022). In Progress
- WorkSmart program: A novel online program to assist people living with MS in the workforce (IOOF, 01 Jan 2018). In Progress
- A feasibility study of a randomised controlled trial of an Arts for Health group intervention to support self-confidence and psychological wellbeing following a stroke (NIHR RfPB, 03 Feb 2014). Completed
- The Mii-vitaliSe study: A pilot randomised controlled trial of a home gaming system (Nintendo Wii) to increase activity levels, vitality and well-being in people with multiple sclerosis (Multiple Sclerosis Society, 01 Oct 2011). Completed
- Weight Estimation Intended to Guide How to dose Treatment in adults in the Emergency Department (WEIGHTED) (College of Emergency Medicine, 03 Jan 2011). Completed
- Evaluation of a pilot relapse support service for people with MS (MS Society, 01 Jan 2009). Completed
- Multi-centre randomised controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of a group-based cognitive behavioural approach to managing fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis (FACETS Trial) (MS Society, 01 Jan 2007). Completed
- Adaptation, development, process evaluation and three centre pilot study of a fatigue management programme in multiple sclerosis (BUPA Foundation, 03 Jan 2005). Completed
- Adaptation, development and process evaluation of a fatigue management programme in multiple sclerosis (MS Trust, 01 Jan 2004). Completed
- Loneliness and social isolation in older adults (Age Concern Cymru/National Assembly for Wales, 01 Jan 2002). Completed
External Responsibilities
- NIHR RDS Southwest, RDS Consultant/Adviser (2006-), http://www.rds-sw.nihr.ac.uk/
Memberships
- MS Society Grant Review Panel 2, Member (2016-), https://www.mssociety.org.uk/ms-research/for-researchers/applying-for-research-funding/grant-review-panels
- MS Society CTN Fatigue Working Group, Member (2014-), https://www.mssociety.org.uk/ctn