Dr David Francis Hunt

Research and Future Focus

David is an applied psychologist who specialises in improvement and implementation science in mental health. He considers himself to be a values-based researcher, conducting transdiagnostic research that is underpinned by two core principles:

1. Employing participatory methodologies to ensure substantive involvement with pertinent stakeholders, encompassing those with lived experience.
2. Advocating for personalised care and recovery-centred practices that position patients at the core of their own care, enabling them to proactively engage in their journey to recovery. This was exemplified by his work on co-creating a new care plan approach using appreciative inquiry when in his role at Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust.

Future Research Priorities

David's work continues to evolve with a clear focus on two pressing areas for the future:

Enhancing Integrated Service Provision for Men's Mental Health
His research seeks to advance our understanding of men's specific needs when accessing mental health support and how services can respond proactively to address identified gaps. This involves both refining how services engage with men and ensuring that mental health provision is tailored to be more accessible, acceptable, and effective.

Since David has focused his efforts in this area last summer, he has successfully secured two NIHR funding applications to look at how community services support and integrate into primary care to support men at risk of suicide, and how we can increase involvement of young men in mental health research.

Ethically Integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into Service Provision
David is committed to exploring how AI can be ethically and meaningfully incorporated into healthcare. His approach centres on co-creation, ensuring that AI-driven enhancements complement rather than replace existing healthcare delivery. By engaging stakeholders—including patients, clinicians, and policymakers—his work aims to shape AI interventions that are aligned with ethical standards and practical service needs. David is currently building collaborations with Professor Serge Sharoff from the University of Leeds and Professor Alan Simpson from Kings College London to develop a foundation for this emerging research stream.

Research Underpinnings: The Domains of Quality in Healthcare

David’s research is grounded in key healthcare quality domains, ensuring that any advancements align with core principles of excellence in care delivery:

• Safety – Ensuring interventions do not cause harm and actively reduce risks in healthcare settings.
• Effectiveness – Evaluating whether services and interventions achieve their intended clinical and social outcomes.
• Patient-Centeredness – Embedding patient voices and lived experiences at the heart of decision-making.
• Timeliness – Addressing delays and inefficiencies in care pathways to improve accessibility.
• Efficiency – Ensuring resources are used effectively without compromising care quality.
• Equity – Promoting fair access to mental health services, particularly for underserved and marginalised groups.

Interests and Research Contributions

David’s research employs applied methodologies, working collaboratively with academics, healthcare professionals, and service users to improve patient and staff experiences. His work spans a variety of healthcare settings, including community and primary care, and has involved projects such as:

• Integrating nature-based methods into mental health care (CAMHS and forensic settings).
• Reducing eating disorder behaviours in specialist inpatient settings.
• Minimising the unnecessary use of restrictive practices in various mental health settings.
• Improving sexual safety in inpatient services.
• Enhancing patient involvement in care planning.
• Promoting compassion-focused approaches in mental health care.

Cross-Sectoral Experience and Notable Contributions

David has a diverse professional background spanning mental health, research funding, social welfare law, and education. His recent contributions extend beyond traditional academia and include:

• Leading national research with the National Mental Health and Learning Disabilities Nursing Directors’ Forum and the Care Quality Commission to develop guidance on reducing ligature risks and building the foundations for improving therapeutic observation practices.
• Developing an evidence-based framework for improving sexual safety in mental health settings, presented to healthcare trusts across the South of England.
• Collaborating with Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust on multiple projects, including evaluating peer support initiatives, refining care        planning methodologies, and enhancing psychological service models.
• Contributing to national guidelines on mealtime assistance for individuals with eating disorders.
• Drafting the benefits realisation plan for a five-year Health Data Research UK evaluation programme.
• Designing and evaluating interventions to support underserved groups in accessing social welfare law and children’s services.

Summary

David’s research profile is distinctive due to its combination of academic expertise and real-world application across multiple sectors. His commitment to improving mental health services, advancing AI integration in healthcare, and promoting high-quality, equitable care is reflected in his collaborative and impact-driven approach

Qualifications

PhD Psychology - University of Bristol

BSc (Hons) Experimental Psychology - University of Bristol

Agile Project Management - Foundation and Practitioner Level