Mala Mann
Information Specialist/Systematic Reviewer
- mannmk@cardiff.ac.uk
- +44 (0)29 2068 7913
- 602E, Neuadd Meirionnydd, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4YS
Overview
I am an Information Specialist/Systematic Reviewer and with considerable experience in undertaking wide ranges of systematic reviews and other evidence synthesis projects in public health, clinical and social care over many years. I have worked on systematic and evidence review projects for a range of organisations including the Welsh Government, NICE, NSPCC and Public Health Wales. My particular expertise is in advanced literature searching and the development of systematic review methodologies. I have co-authored over 100 publications including Cochrane reviews and methodology papers. I provide advice, support and training for staff and students and have conducted workshops in UK and Europe.
Biography
2000 to date Cardiff University - Specialist Unit for Review Evidence (SURE), Information Specialist/Systematic Reviewer
1996 - 2000 University of Wales College of Medicine, Health Evidence Bulletins Wales Project - Information Officer
1995 - 1996 Velindre Hospital NHS Trust, Cancer Research Wales Library - Acting Librarian - Acting Librarian
Professional memberships
2022 Member of the European Association for Health Information and Libraries (EAHIL) Executive Board
2019 Member of the Evidence Synthesis Taxonomy Initiative
2019 Member of the European Association for Health Information and Libraries (EAHIL) Council
2018 Member of the Cochrane Rapid Reviews Advisory Committee
2002 Member of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (MCLIP)
1999 Member of the Institute of Information Scientists (MIInfSc)
Speaking engagements
- The Evolving Health Information Landscape Symposium, 2nd December, 2021, Doha, Qatar
- EAHIL 2021 Virtual Workshop, 5th -8th July 2021, Istanbul, Turkey
- EAHIL Public Health Information Group, 16-18 November 2020, Lodz, Poland
Publications
We are currently unable to retrieve the list of publications. Visit our institutional repository.Teaching
I lead the Cardiff Systematic Review Course and teach on the systematic review methodology across a number on postgraduate courses including:
- MSc in Ageing Health and Disease
- MSc in Palliative Medicine
I teach evidence-based methodologies on several internal and external programmes including Cardiff University Doctoral Academy, Cardiff Researcher programme teach critical appraisal on the Critical Appraisal Training for Child Health (CATCH).
Research interests
- systematic review methodology
- Evidence synthesis and implementation
My current reviews include a realist review on how shared decision-making approaches and patient aids influence treatment decisions for patients with advanced (non-curative) cancer. A number of systematic reviews including a Campbell systematic review on "Exploring the effect of case management in homelessness per components: A systematic review of effectiveness and implementation, with meta-analysis and thematic synthesis”.
I undertake rapid reviews to support professionals and other decision makers working in palliative care, as part of the Palliative Care Evidence Review Service (PaCERS). This is an initiative set up by Wales Cancer Research Centre and University’s Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Centre.
In addition, conducting reviews for Wales COVID-19 Evidence Centre work programme.
Significant grants won:
NIHR Health Services and Delivery Research Programme funded - End of life care for people with severe mental illness: an evidence synthesis (the MENLOC study). 2018, Grant awarded £143,445
NIHR NIHR Health Services and Delivery Research Programme funded - A novel peer-support intervention using Motivational Interviewing for breastfeeding maintenance: a UK feasibility study. 2014, Grant awarded £293,310.00.
Scoping a National Nutrition Policy for Australia. Subcontractor to: Queensland University of Technology (Grant DOHA, Australia). 2013, Grant awarded £13,355.
NICE Public Health guidance for the oral health of adults in nursing and residential care homes. 2012, Grant awarded £109,378.