Senior Research Fellow
- 51cg
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- Email Address
- sinead.duggan@abdn.ac.uk
- School/Department
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition

Biography
Sinéad Duggan joined the Aberdeen Centre for Evaluation (ACE) as a Senior Research Fellow in Evidence Synthesis in August 2026. Prior to this, she worked as a Research Fellow with the Aberdeen-Belfast Evidence Collaboration (ABEC) from January 2024.
Her research focuses on evidence synthesis to support healthcare decision-making and policy. She has contributed to systematic reviews across a range of clinical and public health areas, including biomarkers for sepsis, supplemental imaging for breast cancer detection, risk stratification for breast cancer screening, and artificial intelligence-assisted histopathology for prostate cancer. Her methodological experience includes diagnostic test accuracy reviews, prognostic factor and prognostic model reviews, prevalence reviews, and intervention reviews.
Prior to her work in evidence synthesis, Sinéad was a Senior Research Fellow in the Department of Surgery at Trinity College Dublin, where she managed a research team and conducted research in areas including acute and chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, osteoporosis, bone metabolism, malnutrition, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, and type 3c diabetes.
Before moving into academic research, she worked for eight years as a clinical dietitian in a university teaching hospital in Dublin across a range of medical and surgical specialties.
Qualifications
- PhD Nutrition in Chronic Pancreatitis2014 - Trinity College Dublin
- Dipl. Medical Statistics2012 - Trinity College Dublin
- BSc. Human Nutrition & Dietetics2002 - Trinity College Dublin
External Memberships
Registered with HCPC
Registered with Coru (Ireland)
Member of Irish Nutrition & Dietetics Institute
Member of Pancreatic Society of Great Britain & Ireland
Member of the European Pancreas Club
Fellow of the Higher Education Authority (FHEA)
Prizes and Awards
Cuthbertson Medal 2016 from the Nutrition Society
Irish Nutrition & Dietetics Institute (INDI) Researcher of the Year (2016)
Honorary Lifetime Member of the Nutrition Interest Group of the Pancreatic Society of Great Britain & Ireland (PSGBI)
- Research
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Research Overview
Evidence synthesis
Research Methodology
Review methodology
Studies Within a Review
Breast cancer supplemental screening
AI in prostate cancer diagnosis
Biomarkers for sepsis
Risk stratification for breast cancer screening
Nutrition
Pancreatic disease
Chronic pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis
Pancreatic cancer
Pancreatogenic (type 3c) diabetes
Bone metabolism
Malnutriton and deficiency
Research Areas
Research Specialisms
- Healthcare Science
- Medical Sciences
- Nutrition
- Dietetics
- Health Sciences
Our research specialisms are based on the Higher Education Classification of Subjects (HECoS) which is , published under the licence.
Knowledge Exchange
Sinéad has a particular interest in evidence synthesis methodology. She was a founding member of the Ireland GRADE Network and served as its Northern Ireland representative during her time at Queen's University Belfast. She is also a member of the GRADE Working Group. Her methodological interests include Studies Within a Review (SWARs), and she was awarded funding from Evidence Synthesis Ireland to conduct a SWAR examining approaches for communicating systematic review findings to the public. She also established a communications network across the NIHR-funded Evidence Synthesis Groups.
- Publications
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Concordance between automated/semi-automated measurement and manual assessment of mammographic breast density in individuals undergoing breast cancer screening: A systematic review
Journal of Medical ScreeningContributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI:
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Clinical utility of biomarkers for outcomes prediction in adults with suspected sepsis presenting to the emergency department: a synthesis of current evidence
Health Technology Assessment, pp. 1-90Contributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI:
- [OPEN ACCESS]
Supplemental imaging modalities for breast cancer screening in women with dense breasts: A systematic review with economic considerations
Breast, vol. 85, 104668Contributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI:
- [OPEN ACCESS]
Time-restricted eating to improve metabolic abnormalities in polycystic ovarian syndrome (TimeMAP)
Clinical EndocrinologyContributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI:
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European guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency: UEG, EPC, EDS, ESPEN, ESPGHAN, ESDO, and ESPCG evidence-based recommendations
United European Gastroenterology JournalContributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI:
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Interventions for pancreatitis-new approaches, knowledge gaps, and research opportunities. Summary of a National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases workshop
PancreasContributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI:
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Surgery versus endoscopy for the management of painful chronic pancreatitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials
Digestive SurgeryContributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI:
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Bone disease in chronic pancreatitis
The pancreas: an integrated textbook of basic science, medicine, and surgeryChapters in Books, Reports and Conference Proceedings: Chapters- [ONLINE] DOI:
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Nutritional evaluation and support: an overview
The pancreas: an integrated textbook of basic science, medicine, and surgeryChapters in Books, Reports and Conference Proceedings: Chapters- [ONLINE] DOI:
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Prevalence of osteopathy in chronic pancreatitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Clinical and Translational GastroenterologyContributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI:
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Development of a clinical score to estimate pancreatitis-related hospital admissions in patients with a new diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis: the trinity score
HPBContributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI:
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Recent Advances in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Strategies to Optimise the Perioperative Nutritional Status in Pancreatoduodenectomy Patients
CancersContributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI:
AGA-PancreasFest Joint Symposium on Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
Gastro Hep Advances, vol. 2, no. 3, pp. 395-411Contributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI:
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Significantly Lower Physical Activity Participation in Individuals with Chronic Pancreatitis Compared to Controls: An Exploratory Study of Objectively Assessed Physical Activity Levels
Digestive SurgeryContributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI:
Revisiting Dietary Approaches in the Management of Chronic Pancreatitis
Current Treatment Options in GastroenterologyContributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI:
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The Effect of Time-Restricted Eating on Insulin Levels and Insulin Sensitivity in Patients with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Systematic Review
International Journal of EndocrinologyContributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI:
Training 1,200 dietitians: An evaluation of a training course for non-specialist dietitians on the management of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency
Clinical Nutrition Open ScienceContributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI:
Physical activity for chronic pancreatitis: a systematic review
HPBContributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI:
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Measurement of Body Composition in Pancreatic Cancer: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Recommendations for Future Study Design
Digestive SurgeryContributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI:
Dietary intake in patients with chronic pancreatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis
World Journal of GastroenterologyContributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI:
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Consensus for the management of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency: UK practical guidelines
BMJ Open GastroenterologyContributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI:
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A high prevalence of genetic polymorphisms in idiopathic and alcohol-associated chronic pancreatitis patients in Ireland
HPB, vol. 23, no. 2, pp. 231-237Contributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI:
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Metabolic dysfunction and diabetes mellitus during long-term follow-up of severe acute pancreatitis: A case-matched study
PancreatologyContributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI:
Clinical Classification and Severity Scoring Systems in Chronic Pancreatitis: A Systematic Review
Digestive SurgeryContributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI:
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Corrigendum to “Recommendations from the United European Gastroenterology evidence-based guidelines for the diagnosis and therapy of chronic pancreatitis” (Pancreatology (2018) 18(8) (847–854), (S1424390318306938), (10.1016/j.pan.2018.09.016))
PancreatologyContributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI:
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Characterising the impact of body composition change during neoadjuvant chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer
PancreatologyContributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI:
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Dysbiosis in benign and malignant diseases of the exocrine pancreas
Microbiome and Metabolome in Diagnosis, Therapy, and other Strategic ApplicationsChapters in Books, Reports and Conference Proceedings: Chapters- [ONLINE] DOI:
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Systematic review and meta-analysis on the effect of obesity on recurrence after laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery
SurgeonContributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI:
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Nutrition support in pancreatitis
Advanced Nutrition and Dietetics in Nutrition SupportChapters in Books, Reports and Conference Proceedings: Chapters- [ONLINE] DOI:
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The practical management of chronic pancreatitis: A multidisciplinary symposium held at the annual meeting of the pancreatic society of Great Britain and Ireland, manchester 2016
Digestive SurgeryContributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI:
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The prevalence of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in non-surgical patients with chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI)
PancreatologyContributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI:
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Hospital discharges and patient activity associated with chronic pancreatitis in Ireland 2009–2013
PancreatologyContributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI:
Negotiating the complexities of exocrine and endocrine dysfunction in chronic pancreatitis
Proceedings of the Nutrition SocietyContributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI:
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Pancreatogenic type 3c diabetes: Underestimated, underappreciated and poorly managed
Practical GastroenterologyContributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE]
The nutritional management of type 3c (pancreatogenic) diabetes in chronic pancreatitis
European Journal of Clinical NutritionContributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI:
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The potential role of gut microbiota in pancreatic disease: A systematic review
PancreatologyContributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI:
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United European Gastroenterology evidence-based guidelines for the diagnosis and therapy of chronic pancreatitis (HaPanEU)
United European Gastroenterology JournalContributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI:
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Chronic pancreatitis: A diagnostic dilemma
World Journal of GastroenterologyContributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI:
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An association between abnormal bone turnover, systemic inflammation, and osteoporosis in patients with chronic pancreatitis: a case-matched study.
The American journal of gastroenterology, vol. 110, no. 2, pp. 336-345Contributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI:
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The prevalence of malnutrition and fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies in chronic pancreatitis.
Nutrition in clinical practice : official publication of the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral NutritionContributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI:
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High prevalence of osteoporosis in patients with chronic pancreatitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Clinical Gastroenterology and HepatologyContributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI:
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Suspected coexistent osteoporosis and osteomalacia with atraumatic bilateral neck of femur fractures in a 53-year-old man without apparent risk factors.
BMJ Case ReportsContributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI:
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Bone health guidelines for patients with chronic pancreatitis.
GastroenterologyContributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI:
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Assessing appropriateness of parenteral nutrition usage in an acute hospital.
Nutrition in clinical practice : official publication of the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, vol. 28, no. 2, pp. 232-236Contributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI:
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A practical guide to the nutritional management of chronic pancreatitis
Practical Gastroenterology, vol. 2013Contributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE]
Patients with chronic pancreatitis are at increased risk for osteoporosis.
PancreasContributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI:
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A transatlantic survey of nutrition practice in acute pancreatitis.
Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, vol. 25, no. 4, pp. 388-397Contributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI:
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Nutrition treatment of deficiency and malnutrition in chronic pancreatitis: a review.
Nutrition in clinical practice : official publication of the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral NutritionContributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI:
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The nasal bridle: A useful approach to prevent the dislodgement of feeding tubes
e-SPENContributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI:
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Blind bedside insertion of small bowel feeding tubes.
Irish Journal of Medical Science (1971 -)Contributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI:
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