Medicine

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Level 1
Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute
Trinity College
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Professor Catherine Darker

Professor Catherine Darker

Professor in Health Services Res, Public Health & Primary Care

3531896 8510

Biography

Associate Professor Catherine Darker is a Health Psychologist and her research interests lie in translating evidence into practice, in particular, using theories, evidence and methods for changing the behaviours of healthcare professionals, patients and the general public. This is known in Ireland and the UK as Implementation Science research. She has a particular expertise in applying and developing complex intervention methodology in the context of community based programmes and trials (including intervention design, outcome measurement, fidelity, feasibility, and process evaluation), for prevention related research (e.g., smoking cessation, alcohol, physical activity/sedentary behaviour). She has a proven track record in attracting research funds as PI or Co-Applicant (€2.5 million). She has been PI and Co-PI on funded research by the Health Research Board (HRB) to undertake public health studies relating to COVID-19; a pilot cluster randomized trial of a community-based smoking cessation intervention for disadvantaged women in Ireland, and a a peer-to-peer motivational interview intervention for smoking, alcohol and physical activity among at risk adolescents in low SES communities. Professor Darker is routinely commissioned by the Health Service Executive to conduct outcome and process type evaluations of national programmes and services. All of her research has a clearly defined Knowledge Exchange Dissemination plan with recommendations to change policy and practice in the prevention and management of a range of chronic conditions. She has served as Head of Discipline of Public Health & Primary Care. She is the Director of Postgraduate Teaching and Learning within the School of Medicine. She is a senior member of teaching teams and develops and delivers innovative curriculum's for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. She is an active member of the Psychological Society of Ireland (Chartered Health Psychologist) having held many roles within the governance of the Society. She is a member of the European Health Psychology Society. She was an inaugural member of the Healthy Ireland Council, and a Member of the Expert Committee on Prevention within the Irish Cancer Society. She is a strong advocate for the just and equitable distribution of and access to healthcare services. She has over 100 peer reviewed publications (h-index 20) and supervises and examines PhD and Masters students. In 2024, she was elected as Fellow of Trinity College Dublin.

Director of Teaching and Learning (Postgraduate)

Publications and Further Research Outputs

  • Supporting women with complex needs to access appropriate substance use treatment. in, editor(s)M. Florence, W. Vanderplasschen, M. Yu, J. De Maeyer, S. Savahl , Handbook of Addiction, Recovery and Quality of Life, Springer, 2025, [Ivers, J.H., Darker, C., & Paul. G.]Book Chapter, 2025, URL
  • Darker, C.D. et al, HEA Healthy Campus Evaluation Toolkit for higher education institutions in Ireland " Project Overview, HEA Higher Education Authority - A Whole of Institution Approach to Health and Wellebing, Dublin, 2024, 2024Conference Paper, 2024
  • Darker, C.D., Nicolson, G., Reddon, H., O"Connor, K., Jennings, R., & O"Connell, N., Monthly engagement with EIP keyworkers was associated with a five-fold increase in the odds of engagement with psychosocial interventions, BMC Psychiatry, 24, (96), 2024Journal Article, 2024, DOI , URL , TARA - Full Text
  • O'Brien T, Darker CD, Mockler D and Barrett EM., Strategies for recruitment of adolescent girls into physical activity programmes: a systematic review protocol, HRB Open Research, 7, (6), 2024Journal Article, 2024, DOI , URL
  • Elaine Burke, Catherine Darker, Isabelle Molly Godson-Treacy, Columb Kavanagh, David Mockler, Natasha Slattery, Martina Hennessy, Gender equality in academic medicine before, during and after COVID-19: A systematic review., The Clinical Teacher, 2024Journal Article, 2024
  • Darker C.D. & Collins, A, Fireside Chat: Health and Educational Inequalities " A wicked problem worth solving, Prevention and Early Intervention Summit 2023, Limerick, 2023, 2023Conference Paper, 2023
  • Darker, C.D. et al, Development and proposed evaluation of an eHealth learning tool for undergraduate students university students in Ireland, PH&M 2023 Book of Abstracts, Psychology, Health and Medicine, Limerick, Ireland, 2023Conference Paper, 2023, URL
  • Darker C.D., Dempster, M., O"Connor C., O"Connell, N., Nicolson, G., Graham, C., Zgaga, L., Burke, E., Mather, L., Barry, J., Scally, G., Nolan, A., Tobin, K., & Crowley, P, Non-adherence to COVID-19 containment behaviours: results from an all-Ireland telephone survey, 16th European Public Health Conference `Our Food, Our Health, Our Earth: A Sustainable Future for Humanity, Dublin, Ireland, 2023, 2023Conference Paper, 2023, URL
  • Darker CD, Mullin M, Doyle L, Tanner M, McGrath D, Doherty L, Dreyer-Gibney K, Barrett EM, Flynn D, Murphy P, Ivers JH, Burke E, Ryan M, McCarron M, Murphy P, Sheils O, Hevey D, Leen A, Keogh L, Walls B, Bennett AE, Petersen F, Nolan A, Barry JM., Developing a health promoting university in Trinity College Dublin-overview and outline process evaluation, Health Promotion International, 38, (4), 2023, p1 - 14, p1-14Journal Article, 2023, DOI
  • Darker, C.D., Nicolson, G., Reddon, H., O"Connor, K., Jennings, R., & O"Connell, N., Barriers and facilitators to the implementation of an early intervention in psychosis service in three demonstration sites in Ireland, BMC Health Services Research, 23, (653), 2023Journal Article, 2023, DOI , TARA - Full Text
  • Darker CD, Moore E, Flynn E, O'Neill M, Doherty L, McMahon J, McLoughlin O, Rouine E, Ivers J, Allwright S, McGrath D, Seery A, McAndrew M, Barrett E, Tanner M, Bennett AE, Brennan S, Mullin M, Barry JM., Development and proposed evaluation of an eHealth learning tool for undergraduate university students in Ireland, Health Promotion International, 2022, p1 - 14Journal Article, 2022, DOI
  • McCarron P., Smyth B., Carroll G., Glynn M., Barry J., Whiston L., Keenan E., Darker C., Truszkowska E., Patterns of new psychoactive substance use among opioid-dependent patients attending for opioid substitution treatment, HEROIN ADDICTION AND RELATED CLINICAL PROBLEMS, 24, (1), 2022, p21 - 29Journal Article, 2022, URL
  • Hayes CB, Patterson J, Castello S, Burke E, O'Connell N, Darker, CD Bauld L, Vance J, Ciblis A, Dobbie F, Loudon K, Declan D, Dougall N, Peer-Delivery of a Gender-Specific Smoking Cessation Intervention for Women Living in Disadvantaged Communities in Ireland We Can Quit2 (WCQ2)-A Pilot Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial, Nicotine & Tobacco Research, 24, (4), 2022, p564 - 573Journal Article, 2022, DOI , TARA - Full Text
  • Catherine Darker; Kirsty Loudon; Nicola O'Connell; Stefania Castello; Emma Burke; Joanne Vance; Caitriona Reynolds; Aine Buggy; Nadine Dougall; Pauline Williams; Fiona Dobbie; Linda Bauld; Catherine B Hayes, An application of PRECIS-2 to evaluate trial design in a pilot cluster randomised controlled trial of a community-based smoking cessation intervention for women living in disadvantaged areas of Ireland, Pilot and Feasibility Studies, 8, (19), 2022Journal Article, 2022, DOI , TARA - Full Text
  • Castello S, Darker CD, Vance J, Dougall N, Linda Bauld L , Hayes CB, The We Can Quit2 Smoking Cessation Trial: Knowledge Exchange and Dissemination Following a Community-Based Participatory Research Approach, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health , 19, (4), 2022, p2333-Journal Article, 2022, DOI , TARA - Full Text
  • Darker CD, Burke E, Castello S, O'Sullivan K, O'Connell, N., Vance, J, Reynolds C, Buggy A, Dougall, N, Loudon K, Williams P, Dobbie F, Bauld L and Hayes, CB., A process evaluation of 'We Can Quit' a community-based smoking cessation intervention targeting women from areas of socio-disadvantage in Ireland., A process evaluation of 'We Can Quit' a community-based smoking cessation intervention targeting women from areas of socio-disadvantage in Ireland., BMC Public Health, 22, 2022, p1528-Journal Article, 2022, DOI , TARA - Full Text
  • Martin Dempster, Nicola O'Connell, Christopher D. Graham, Cliodhna O'Connor, Lina Zgaga, Emma Burke, Luke Mather, Gail Nicolson, Joe Barry, Gabriel Scally, Ann Nolan. Katy Tobin, Philip Crowley and Catherine D. Darker, Non-adherence to COVID-19 containment behaviours: results from an all-Ireland telephone surv, BMC Public Health, 22, (898), 2022Journal Article, 2022, DOI , TARA - Full Text
  • O'Connell, N., Burke, E., Dobbie, F., Dougall, N., Mockler, D., Darker, C., Vance, J., Bernstein, S., Gilbert, H., Bauld, L., & Hayes, C.B. , The effectiveness of smoking cessation interventions for socio-economically disadvantaged women: A systematic review and meta-analysis, Systematic Reviews , 11, (111), 2022Journal Article, 2022, DOI , TARA - Full Text
  • O'Ciardha, D., Blake, A.M., Creane, D., O'Callaghan, M., & Darker, C., Can a practice pharmacist improve prescribing safety and reduce costs in polypharmacy patients? A pilot study on an intervention in an Irish general practice setting, BMJ Open , 12, (5), 2022Journal Article, 2022, DOI , TARA - Full Text
  • Darker C.D. & O"Connell, N, COVID-19 Toolbox for an `all island" (CONTAIN) project: A cross border analysis in Ireland to disentangle psychological, behavioural, media and Governmental responses to (SARS-CoV2) COVID-19, EUPHA, 14th European Public Health Conference `Public health futures in a changing world",, Virtual event, 2021, 2021Conference Paper, 2021, URL
  • Darker C.D., O"Connell, N., Molloy, G., Durand, H., & Perry, I, Conference workshop: Factor"s associated with compliance to COVID-19 measures and messaging " lessons learnt from Ireland for public health communications for the next pandemic, EUPHA, 14th European Public Health Conference `Public health futures in a changing world, Virtual event, 2021, 2021Conference Paper, 2021, URL
  • Nolan, A., Burke, S., Burke, E., Darker, C., Barry, J., O'Connell, N., Zgaga, L., Mather, L., Nicolson, G., Dempster, M., Graham, C., Crowley, P., O'Connor, C., Tobin, K and Scally, G., Obstacles to Public Health that even Pandemics cannot Overcome: The Politics of Covid-19 on the Island of Ireland, Irish Studies in International Affairs, 32, (2), 2021Journal Article, 2021, DOI
  • Cliodhna O'Connor, Nicola O'Connell, Emma Burke, Martin Dempster, Christopher D. Graham, Gabriel Scally, Lina Zgaga, Ann Nolan, Gail Nicolson, Luke Mather, Joseph Barry, Philip Crowley, Catherine D. Darker,, Bordering on crisis: A qualitative analysis of focus group, social media, and news media perspectives on the Republic of Ireland-Northern Ireland border during the 'first wave' of the COVID-19 pandemic, Social Science and Medicine, 282, 2021Journal Article, 2021, DOI , TARA - Full Text
  • O'Connor, C., O'Connell, N., Burke, E., Nolan, A., Dempster, M., Graham, C.D., Nicolson, G., Barry. J., Scally, G., Crowley, P., Zgaga, L., Mather,L., & Darker, C.D, Media Representations of Science during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Analysis of News and Social Media on the Island of Ireland, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18, (9542), 2021Journal Article, 2021
  • Ogutu, Michael, Muraya, Kui, Mockler, David, Darker, Catherine, Factors influencing the performance of community health volunteers working within urban informal settlements in low- and middle-income countries: a qualitative meta-synthesis review, Human Resources for Health, 19, (1), 2021Journal Article, 2021, DOI
  • O'Connell, N., O'Connor, K., McGrath, D., Vagge, L., Mockler, D., Jennings, R., Darker, C.D., Early Intervention in Psychosis services: a systematic review and narrative synthesis of the barriers and facilitators to implementation, European Psychiatry, 2021, p1-44Journal Article, 2021, DOI , TARA - Full Text
  • Gamage, N.M., Darker, C., Smyth, B.P. , Improvement in psychological wellbeing among adolescents with a substance use disorder attending an outpatient treatment programme, Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine , 8, (Apr), 2021, p1 - 8Journal Article, 2021, DOI
  • Nicolson, G.H., Hayes, C.B., & Darker, C.D., A cluster-randomised crossover pilot feasibility study of a multicomponent intervention to reduce occupational sedentary behaviour in professional male employees, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18, (17), 2021, p9292-Journal Article, 2021, DOI , TARA - Full Text
  • Sayers G, Donohoe F, McKeown D, Mc Dermott R, Cianci F, Darker C, Haase T & Johnson H, Analysis of low birth weight first-born babies by geography and deprivation as an aid to policy and service targeting., Journal of Public Health., 42, (1), 2020, p66 - 73Journal Article, 2020, DOI
  • Darker, C., O'Connell, N., Dempster, M., Graham, C., O'Connor, C., Zgaga, L., Nolan, A., Tobin, K., Brennan, N., Nicolson, G., Burke, E., Mather, L., Crowley, P., Scally, G., Barry, J., Study protocol for the COvid-19 Toolbox for All IslaNd (CONTAIN) project: A cross-border analysis in Ireland to disentangle psychological, behavioural, media and governmental responses to COVID-19, HRB Open Research, 2020, p10.12688/hrbopenres.13105.1Journal Article, 2020
  • Lungu, E., Darker, C.D., & Biesma, R. , Determinants of healthcare seeking for childhood illnesses among caregivers of under-five children in urban slums in Malawi: a population-based cross-sectional study, BMC Pediatrics , 20 , 2020Journal Article, 2020, DOI
  • Risk perception. in, editor(s)M.D. Gellman & J.R. Turner , Encyclopaedia of Behavioral Medicine. , New York, USA, Springer , 2020, [Darker, C. & Phillips, A. ]Book Chapter, 2020, DOI
  • Lawler, M., Hickey, A., Hevey, D., Doyle, F., Nixon, E., Darker, C., Barry, M., & Field, C. , Effects of a peer-led motivational interviewing intervention on physical activity levels of adolescents in low SES communities, Psychology Health and Medicine Conference 2019, Maynooth University , 22nd March, 2019Published Abstract, 2019
  • Lawler, M., Hickey, A., Doyle, F., Nixon, E., Darker, C., Barry, M., Field, C., & Hevey, D., Effectiveness of a peer-led motivational interviewing intervention for increasing physical activity among at-risk adolescents, 33rd Annual Conference of the European Health Psychological Society, Dubrovnik, Croatia, 3 - 7 September 2019, 2019Published Abstract, 2019, URL
  • Hickey, A., Lawler, M., Doyle, F., Nixon, E., Darker, C., Barry, M., Field, C., & Hevey, D. , The effects of training low-SES adolescents in Motivational Interviewing for health behaviour change among peers., 33rd Annual Conference of the European Health Psychological Society, Dubrovnik, Croatia, 3 - 7 September 2019, 2019Published Abstract, 2019
  • Darker, C.D., Hayes, C., & Nicolson, G, 7. Examining total and domain-specific sedentary behaviour using the socio-ecological model " a cross sectional study of Irish adults using the `Healthy Ireland" survey, PH&M Book of Abstracts, Psychology, Health & Medicine, Maynooth University, Ireland, 2019, 2019Conference Paper, 2019, URL
  • Sorin, G.M., Darker, C., Whiston, L., O'Callaghan, A., Barry, J.M., Kelly, B.D. , A cross-sectional, face-to-face, community survey of mental health and deprivation in post-recession Ireland: a rising tide lifts all boats? , Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine , 2019, p1 - 12Journal Article, 2019, DOI
  • Haberlin, C., Broderick, J., Guinan, E., Darker, C.D., Hussey, J., O'Donnell, D.M., eHealth-based intervention to increase physical activity levels in people with cancer: protocol of a feasibility trial in an Irish acute hospital setting, 2019, pe024999-Journal Article, 2019, DOI , TARA - Full Text
  • Emma Burke, Fiona Dobbie, Nadine Dougall, Mary Adebolu Oluwaseun, David Mockler, Joanne Vance, Nicola O'Connell, Catherine Darker, Linda Bauld, Catherine Hayes, Smoking cessation programmes for women living in disadvantaged communities, We Can Quit 2: A systematic review protocol, HRB Open Access, 2, (10), 2019Journal Article, 2019, DOI , URL , TARA - Full Text
  • Nicolson, G., Hayes, C., & Darker, C. , Examining total and domain-specific sedentary behaviour using the socio-ecological model - a cross-sectional study of Irish adults. , BMC Public Health , 19, (1155), 2019Journal Article, 2019, DOI , URL
  • Hayes, C., Ciblis, A., Darker, C.D., Dougall, N., Vance, J., O'Connell, N., Dobbie, F., Louden, K., Burke, E., Devane, D., Bauld, L. , We can Quit 2: A community-based intervention on smoking cessation for women living in disadvantaged areas of Ireland: study protocol for a pilot cluster randomised controlled trial. , BMC Pilot and Feasibility Studies , 5 , (138 ), 2019Journal Article, 2019, DOI
  • Darker, C.D. , KEYNOTE ADDRESS: In the horrors: a decade of generating applied research to influence health service and health policy. , Psychology, Health & Medicine , Ulster University, 2018Conference Paper, 2018
  • Ivers JH, Zgaga L, Sweeney B, Keenan E, Darker C, Smyth BP, Barry J., A naturalistic longitudinal analysis of post-detoxification outcomes in opioid-dependent patients., Drug and Alcohol Review, 37, (S1), 2018, p339 - 347Journal Article, 2018, DOI , TARA - Full Text
  • Lungu, E.A., Obse, A.G., Darker, C., & Biesma, R. , What influences where they seek care? Caregivers' preferences for under-five child healthcare services in urban slums of Malawi: A discrete choice experiment. , PLoS ONE, 13, (1), 2018Journal Article, 2018, DOI , TARA - Full Text
  • Darker, C.D., Donnelly-Swift, E., & Whiston, L. , Demographic factors and attitudes that influence the support of the general public for the introduction of universal healthcare in Ireland: A national survey. , Health Policy, 122, (2), 2018, p147 - 156Journal Article, 2018, DOI
  • Lungu, EA., Biesma R., Chirwa, M., & Darker., C., "Is the urban child health advantage declining in Malawi?: Evidence from Demographic and Health Surveys and Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys.", Journal of Urban Health , online, (online), 2018, p1 - 14Journal Article, 2018, DOI
  • Kelly, B.D., Sorin, G.M., Barry, J.M., Whiston, L., Donnelly-Swift, E., & Darker, C. , Community-based, cross sectional study of self-reported health in post-recession Ireland: what has changed? , QJM: An International Journal of Medicine., 111, (8), 2018, p555 - 559Journal Article, 2018, DOI , URL
  • Whiston, L., O'Keane, V., Barry, J.M., & Darker, C, Patient, family and clinician preferences for the intensity and implementation of patient and family participation in healthcare design and delivery in psychiatry. , European Journal of Psychiatry. , in press, 2018Journal Article, 2018
  • Darker, C.D., Nicolson, G.H., Carroll, A., & Barry, J. , The barriers and facilitators to the implementation of National Clinical Programmes in Ireland: using the MRC framework for process evaluations. , BMC Health Services Research , 18, (733), 2018Journal Article, 2018, DOI , TARA - Full Text
  • Darker, C.D., KEYNOTE ADDRESS: Aligning population based approaches to improving health outcomes: improving primary care services and lessons for integrated care. , International Conference on Integrated Care, Dublin, 2017Conference Paper, 2017
  • Darker, C.D., Nicolson, G.H., Carroll, A., & Barry, J., Process evaluation of the national clinical care programmes in Ireland, International Conference on Integrated Care, Dublin, 2017Conference Paper, 2017
  • Darker, C.D., Donnelly-Swift, E., Whiston, L., Moore, F. & Barry, J. , Determinants of self rated health in an Irish deprived suburban population - a cross sectional face-to-face household survey., Psychology, Health & Medicine, Dublin, 2017Conference Paper, 2017
  • O'Connor, G., O'Keeffe, D.O., Darker, C., & O'Shea, B. , Patient acceptability and experiences of therapeutic switching of proton pump inhibitors within the National Preferred Drugs initiative in Ireland., Irish Journal of Medical Science, 186, (3), 2017, p631 - 639Journal Article, 2017, DOI
  • Whiston, L., Joe M. Barry, & Darker, C.D. , Participation of patients and family members in healthcare services at the service and national levels: a lesson learned in Dublin, Ireland. , Patient Education and Counselling. , 100, (3), 2017, p583 - 591Journal Article, 2017, DOI , TARA - Full Text
  • Darker, C., Ho, J., Kelly, G., Whiston, L., & Barry, J. , Demographic and clinical factors predicting retention in methadone maintenance: results from an Irish cohort. , Irish Journal of Medical Science, 185, (2), 2016, p433 - 441Journal Article, 2016, DOI , TARA - Full Text
  • Darker C, Sweeney B, Keenan E, Whiston L, Anderson R, Barry J, Screening and Brief Intervention for illicit drug use and alcohol use in methadone maintained opiate dependent patients: Results of a randomised control trial feasibility study, Substance Use and Misuse, 51, (9), 2016, p1104 - 1115Journal Article, 2016, DOI , URL
  • Barrett EM, Darker CD, Hussey J, The sedentary profile of primary care patients, Journal of Public Health, 39, (2), 2016, p347 - 352Journal Article, 2016, DOI , URL , TARA - Full Text
  • Barrett EM, Hussey J, Darker CD, Location and deprivation are important influencers of physical activity in primary care populations, Public Health, 136, 2016, p80 - 86Journal Article, 2016, DOI
  • Barrett EM, Hussey J, Darker CD, Feasibility of a physical activity pathway for Irish primary care physiotherapy services, Physiotherapy, 103, (1), 2016, p106 - 112Journal Article, 2016, DOI , URL , TARA - Full Text
  • Lungu, EA., Biesma R., Chirwa, M., Darker., C. , Healthcare seeking practices and barriers to accessing under-five child health services in urban slums in Malawi: a qualitative study. , BMC Health Services Research, 16, (410), 2016Journal Article, 2016, DOI , TARA - Full Text
  • Darker, C.D., Donnelly-Swift, E., Whiston, L., Moore, F., & Barry, J. , Determinants of self rated health in an Irish deprived suburban population - a cross sectional face-to-face household survey. , BMC Public Health, 16, (767), 2016Journal Article, 2016, DOI , TARA - Full Text
  • Darker, C., Sweeney, B., Keenan, E., Whiston, L., Anderson, R., & Barry, J. , Tailoring a brief intervention for illicit drug use and alcohol use in Irish methadone maintained opiate dependent patients: a qualitative process. , BMC Psychiatry , 16, (373), 2016Journal Article, 2016, DOI , TARA - Full Text
  • Darker, C.D., Sweeney, B.P., Barry, J.M., Farrell, M.F., Donnelly-Swift, E, 'PODCAST: Psychosocial interventions for benzodiazepine harmful use, abuse or dependence', Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews , 2015, -Digital research resource production, 2015, URL
  • Darker, C.D. & Doyle, F. , The Healthy Ireland Framework and health behaviour change to improve public health, Institute of Public Health Open Conference , Dublin, 2015Conference Paper, 2015
  • Darker, C., Palmer, D., O'Reilly, G., Whiston, L., & Smyth, B. , Young people in drug treatment: their views on substance use - aetiology, trajectory, parents' role in drug use and coping skills., Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine, 32, (31), 2015, p247 - 258Journal Article, 2015, DOI , TARA - Full Text
  • Doorley, E., Young, C., O'Rorke, C., Hollywood, B., Darker, C., O'Shea, B. , Is primary prevention of childhood obesity by education at 13-month immunisations feasible and acceptable? Results from a General Practice based pilot study., Irish Medical Journal, 108, (1), 2015, p13 - 15Journal Article, 2015
  • Smyth, B.P., James, P., Cullen, W., & Darker, C., "So prohibition can work?" Changes in use of novel psychoactive substances among adolescents attending a drug and alcohol treatment service following a legislative ban. , International Journal of Drug Policy, 26, (9), 2015, p887 - 889Journal Article, 2015, DOI
  • Smyth, B.P., Kelly, A., Cullen, W., Darker, C. , Treatment outcome for adolescents abusing alcohol and cannabis: how many 'reliably improve'?, Irish Medical Journal, 108, (5), 2015, p137 - 140Journal Article, 2015
  • Darker CD, Sweeney BP, Barry JM, Farrell MF, Donnelly-Swift E, Psychosocial interventions for benzodiazepine harmful use, abuse or dependence., Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews , CD009652, (5), 2015Journal Article, 2015, DOI , TARA - Full Text
  • Breen N, MacEoin S, Loy A, O'Shea B, Darker C, Insights and Concerns of Patients and GPs Regarding Introduction of Universal Health Insurance in Ireland, Irish Medical Journal, 108, (9), 2015, p281 - 282Journal Article, 2015, TARA - Full Text
  • Drug Use and Abuse: Psychosocial Aspects in, editor(s)James D. Wright , International Encyclopedia of the Social and Behavioral Sciences, Oxford, Elsevier, 2015, pp685 - 689, [Darker, C., Whiston, L., ]Book Chapter, 2015
  • Darker, C.D., Sweeney, B., Keenan, E., Whiston, L., Anderson, A., & Barry, J, Screening and brief interventions for illicit drug use and alcohol use in methadone maintained opiate dependent patients: results of a cluster randomised controlled feasibility study , Psychology, Health & Medicine, University of Limerick, 2014Conference Paper, 2014
  • Darker, C.D., Sweeney, B., Keenan, E., Whiston, L., Anderson, A., & Barry, J, Brief intervention for alcohol and illicit drug use in methadone maintained patients: a cluster RCT feasibility study, European Working Group on Drugs Orientated Research , Dublin, 2014Conference Paper, 2014
  • Darker CD, Sweeney B, Keenan E, Whiston L, Rolande A, & Barry J., Development of a culturally and contextually appropriate brief intervention for illicit drug use and alcohol use in Irish methadone maintained opiate dependent patients: a qualitative approach. , Psychological Society of Ireland Annual Conference, Cork, Ireland, 2014Conference Paper, 2014
  • Gilroy, D., O'Brien, S., Barry, J., Ivers, J., Whiston, L., Keenan, E., & Darker, C. , Benzodiazepine use in a methadone maintained opioid dependent cohort in Ireland. , Heroin Addiction & Related Clinical Problems, , 14, (3), 2014, p101 - 110Journal Article, 2014
  • O' Shea, B., McElwee, O., Martin, D., Brennan, B., O'Leary, F., Kavanagh, K., Courtney, A., Scully, M., Ramiah, D., & Darker, C. , Are we ready to"Think Ahead" ? Results from a patient acceptability study using an innovative end of life planning tool in General Practice., Irish Medical Journal, 107, (5), 2014, p138 - 140Journal Article, 2014
  • Darker, C. , Hospital governance in Ireland - the dilemma of diversity. , Administration, 62, (1), 2014, p5 - 28Journal Article, 2014
  • O'Toole J, Hambly R, Cox AM, O'Shea B, Darker C. , Methadone-maintained patients in primary care have higher rates of chronic disease and multimorbidity, and use health services more intensively than matched controls. , European Journal of General Practice, 20, (4), 2014, p275 - 280Journal Article, 2014, DOI
  • Darker CD, Palmer D, O'Reilly G, Whiston L, Smyth B, Young people in drug treatment in Ireland: their views on substance use aetiology, trajectory, parents' role in substance use and coping skills, Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine, 2014, p1 - 12Journal Article, 2014
  • Ni Shuilleabhain, Barry, J., Kelly, A., O'Kelly, F., Darker, C., & O'Dowd, T. , Alcohol consumption in pregnancy: results from the general practice setting, Irish Journal of Medical Science, 183, (2), 2014, p231 - 240Journal Article, 2014, DOI
  • Doyle, F., & Darker, C.D., What can Health Psychology contribute to public health? , Institute of Public Health Open Conference, Dublin, 2013Conference Paper, 2013
  • Darker, C.D., Ivers, J.H., O'Farrell, A., Dolan, R., Eldin, N., & Allwright, S.P.A. , A qualitative study of the perceived impact of a community mobilisation intervention to reduce alcohol consumption among amateur sportsman, Psychology, Health & Medicine, Dublin, 2013Conference Paper, 2013
  • Darker, C., Sweeney, B., Keenan, E., Whiston, L., Anderson, R., & Barry, J, Making it 'Dublin' and 'keeping it real': Development of a brief intervention for illicit drug use and alcohol use in Irish methadone maintained opiate dependent patients, Psychological Society of Ireland Annual Conference , Sligo , 2013Conference Paper, 2013
  • French, DP., Darker, CD., Eves, FF., & Sniehotta, FF. , The systematic development of a brief intervention to increase walking in the general public using an "extended" Theory of Planned Behavior. , Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 10, (7), 2013, p940 - 948Journal Article, 2013, DOI , URL
  • O'Shea, B. Darker, C., & O'Kelly, F. , Chronic disease management in patients attending Irish General Practice Training Practices. , Irish Medical Journal, 106, (7), 2013, p207 - 209Journal Article, 2013
  • Barrett E, Darker C, Hussey J., Promotion of physical activity in primary care: knowledge and practice of general practitioners and physiotherapists, Journal of Public Health, 21, (1), 2013, p63 - 69Journal Article, 2013, DOI , URL
  • Redmond, P., Darker, C., McDonnell, M. & O'Shea, B. , Establishing a general practitioner led minor injury service: mixed methods evaluation at 10 months with an emphasis on use of radiology by GPs in the out-of- hours setting, Irish Journal of Medical Science, 182, (2), 2013, p213 - 216Journal Article, 2013, DOI
  • Apantaku-Olajide T, Darker CD, Smyth BP, Onset of Cocaine Use: Associated Alcohol Intoxication and Psychosocial Characteristics Among Adolescents in Substance Abuse Treatment., Journal of addiction medicine, 7, (3), 2013, p183 - 188Journal Article, 2013, DOI
  • Darker, C., Ivers, J., O'Farrell, A., Dolan, R., Eldin, N., & Allwright. , A qualitative study of the perceived impact of a community mobilisation intervention to reduce alcohol consumption among amateur sportsmen, Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine, 30, (1), 2013, p57 - 66Journal Article, 2013, DOI
  • Agnew, J., Taaffe, M., Darker, C., O'Shea, B., & Clarke, J. , Delayed prescribing of antibiotics for respiratory tract infections: Use of information leaflets, Irish Medical Journal, 106, (8), 2013, p243 - 245Journal Article, 2013, TARA - Full Text
  • What is the right model of universal health insurance for Ireland?. in, editor(s)Tom O'Connor , Integrated Care for Ireland in an International context: Challenges for Policy, Institutions & Specific Service User Needs., Cork, Ireland , Oak Tree Press , 2013, pp68 - 89, [Thomas S & Darker C. ]Book Chapter, 2013, URL
  • Darker, C., Sweeney, B., El Hassan, H., Kelly, A., Smyth, B., & Barry, J. , Non-attendance at counselling therapy in cocaine-using methadone-maintained patients: lessons learnt from an abandoned randomised controlled trial, Irish Journal of Medical Sciences, 181, (1), 2012Journal Article, 2012, DOI , TARA - Full Text
  • Darker, C., Sweeney, B., El Hassan, H., Smyth, B., Ivers, J., & Barry, J, Brief interventions are effective in reducing alcohol consumption in opiate dependent methadone maintained patients: results from an implementation study. , Drug & Alcohol Review, 31, (3), 2012, p348 - 356Journal Article, 2012, DOI , TARA - Full Text
  • Darker, C., Sweeney, B., El Hassan, H., Kelly, A., Smyth, B., and Barry, J. , Cognitive behavioural coping skills therapy in cocaine using methadone maintained patients: a pilot randomised controlled trial, Heroin Addiction & Related Clinical Problems, 14, (3), 2012, p101-110Journal Article, 2012
  • Darker C, Martin C, O'Dowd T, O'Kelly F, O'Shea B., Chronic disease management in general practice: results from a national study., Irish Medical Journal, 105, (4), 2012, p102 - 105Journal Article, 2012, URL , TARA - Full Text
  • White A, O'Brien B, Houlihan T, Darker C, O'Shea B., Childhood obesity: parents fail to recognise, general practitioners fail to act., Irish Medical Journal, 105, (1), 2012, p7 - 10Journal Article, 2012, URL
  • Darker CD, Sweeney BP, Barry JM, Farrell MF., Psychosocial interventions for benzodiazepine harmful use, abuse or dependence (Protocol) , Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2, (CD009652), 2012Journal Article, 2012, URL
  • Ducray D, Darker C, Smyth BP, Situational and psycho-social factors associated with relapse following detoxification in a population of Irish opioid dependent patients. , Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine , 29, (2), 2012, p72 - 79Journal Article, 2012, URL
  • Darker CD, Sweeney B, El Hassan H, Kelly A, O'Connor S, Smyth B, & Barry B., Non-attendance at counselling therapy in cocaine using methadone maintained patients: lessons learnt from an abandoned randomised controlled trial. , Psychology, Health & Medicine, National University of Ireland, Galway, 2011Conference Paper, 2011
  • Duffy, S., Darker, C., O'Shea, B., Conlon, T., & Hollywood, B. , New Developments in Service Delivery. Are GP led Sexual Health Clinics Acceptable and Satisfactory for Patients Attending?" , Irish Medical Journal, 104, (3), 2011, p71 - 73Journal Article, 2011
  • Floyd, S., O'Shea, B. & Darker, C. , General practitioners experience in dietary counseling: poor access to deictic services., Irish Medical Journal, 104, (2), 2011, p59 - 60Journal Article, 2011
  • Darker, C., Sweeney, B., El Hassan, H., Smyth, B., Ivers, J.I. & Barry, J., Brief interventions are effective in reducing alcohol consumption in opiate dependent methadone maintained patients: results from an Irish cohort. , All Ireland Social Medicine Meeting , Belfast , 2010Conference Paper, 2010
  • Darker, C., Sweeney, B., El Hassan, H., Smyth, B., Ivers, J.I. & Barry, J., Brief interventions are effective in reducing alcohol consumption in opiate dependent methadone maintained patients: results from an Irish cohort. , INEBRIA - International Network for Brief Interventions for Alcohol, 2010Conference Paper, 2010
  • Ryan J, Snow A, Darker C, Torreggiani W, Comparison of clinical outcomes from chest X-rays of smokers and non-smokers in a general practice population., Irish Medical Journal, 103, (3), 2010, p90 - 92Journal Article, 2010
  • Barry, J.M., Darker, C.D., Thomas, D.E., Allwright, S.P., & O'Dowd T. , Primary medical care in Irish prisons, BMC Health Services Research, 10, (74), 2010, p74 - 79Journal Article, 2010, DOI , URL , TARA - Full Text
  • Darker, C., French, D.P., Eves, F.F., & Sniehotta, F.F. , An intervention to promote walking amongst the general population based on an 'extended' theory of planned behaviour: A waiting list randomised controlled trial , Psychology & Health, 25, (1), 2010, p71 - 88Journal Article, 2010, DOI , URL , TARA - Full Text
  • Smyth, B.P., Darker, C., Donnelly-Swift, E., Barry, J.M., & Allwright, S.P. , A telephone survey of parental attitudes and behaviours regarding teenage drinking, BMC Public Health, 10, 2010, p297Journal Article, 2010, DOI , URL , TARA - Full Text
  • McMahon, D., Darker, C., O'Shea, B., & Taaffe., The prescribing of contraception and emergency contraception to girls aged less than 16 - what are the views and beliefs of GPs and of parents? , Medico-Legal Journal of Ireland, 16, (2), 2010, p91 - 96Journal Article, 2010
  • Darker, C., Sweeney, B., El Hassan, H., Smyth, B., Ivers, J.I. & Barry, J., Alcohol screening and brief intervention delivery to an Irish cohort if opiate dependent methadone maintained patients , INEBRIA - International Network for Brief Interventions for Alcohol , Newcastle, United Kingdom , 2009Conference Paper, 2009
  • Darker, C., & French, D.P. , What sense do people make of a theory of planned behaviour questionnaire?: a think-aloud study., Journal of Health Psychology, 14, (7), 2009, p861 - 871Journal Article, 2009, DOI , URL
  • Darker, C.D., French, D.P., Eves, F.F., Sniehotta, F.F., A theory of planned behaviour intervention to promote walking: A waiting list randomised controlled trial., European Health Psychology Society Annual Conference, Bath, UK, 2008Conference Paper, 2008
  • Darker, C., Larkin, M., & French, D.P. , An exploration of walking behaviour--an interpretative phenomenological approach., Social Science & Medicine, 65, (10), 2007, p2172 - 2183Journal Article, 2007, DOI , URL
  • Darker, C., French, D.R., Longdon, S., Morris, K., & Eves, FF. , Are beliefs elicited biased by question order? A theory of planned behaviour belief elicitation study about walking in the UK general population., British Journal of Health Psychology, 12, (1), 2007, p93 - 110Journal Article, 2007, DOI , URL
  • Darker, C., Intervention checklist - developing a comprehensive checklist to guide the design of interventions. , The European Health Psychologist , 8, (3), 2006, p10 - 11Journal Article, 2006, URL
  • Darker, C.D., French, D.P., & Eves, F.F., Instrumental and affective beliefs about walking in the general population: a theory of planned behaviour belief elicitation study. , European Health Psychology Society Annual Conference, National University of Ireland, Galway, 2005Poster, 2005

Research Expertise

I lead three key research themes: **1. Applied Behavioural Change Research:** My expertise lies in conducting applied research to address real-world health challenges. I design and execute studies that bridge theory and practice, generating actionable insights for policy and practice. I formulate research questions grounded in behavioural theory, design robust methodologies, and conduct rigorous data collection and analysis. I prioritise interdisciplinary collaboration and stakeholder engagement to ensure research relevance and impact. My research contributes to public health knowledge and supports evidence-informed decision-making in smoking cessation, alcohol use, and physical activity for the general public, chronic illness sufferers, and healthcare professionals. **2. Evaluation of Health Programmes and Services:** I excel in evaluating health policies, programmes, and services to assess their effectiveness and impact. Using qualitative and quantitative methods, I rigorously measure changes in behaviour, health outcomes, and equity indicators. I assess implementation fidelity, identify barriers, and provide improvement recommendations. My evaluations inform evidence-based decision-making, influencing clinical practice and health policy. My HRB-funded trial changed treatment for methadone service patients in Ireland. My research impacted health psychology theories and questionnaire design. Additionally, my evaluation of the National Clinical Care Programmes in Ireland shapes their national reconfiguration. **3. Health Policy Implementation:** My expertise includes advising on policy implementation using implementation science principles. I systematically study the process of integrating evidence-based interventions into real-world settings, identifying barriers and facilitators, tailoring strategies to context, engaging stakeholders, and monitoring progress. This ensures effective implementation and sustained impact of policies in diverse healthcare environments. I have exceeded the Research Metrics of FHS for Associate Professor, achieving a personal score of 36.5 over four years, despite two maternity leaves. I have secured over €2.4 million in research funding and published extensively in leading health journals, with 103 publications (73 as senior author) and an h-index of 21, with 1,900 citations. My research is widely reported in media, including the Irish Times and RTE radio. As a research leader, I enhance the School's and College's research reputation and lead in Public and Patient Involvement (PPI), improving research relevance and societal impact. I have supervised five PhD students to completion.

Recognition

  • Fellow of Trinity College Dublin April 2024
  • Winner of Dean's Award for Innovation in Teaching 2016 May 2016
  • Nominated for Provosts Teaching Award 2018-2019 February 2018