PhD Study : A multiple methods study to map the provision of obesity care in Northern Ireland and explore patient and healthcare professional attitudes towards obesity care.

Summary

Background:

Obesity is one of the greatest health care challenges impacting on both those living with this condition and health care services. Although the prevalence of overweight and obesity is rising there is a dearth of evidence regarding the provision of effective services and support in Northern Ireland. Purpose: to map the provision of obesity services and support in N. Ireland and explore patient, healthcare professionals and students’ attitudes regarding its management to inform future policy and service provision in our locality.

Design:

A multiple methods study drawing upon quantitative and qualitative data.

Methods:

We have proposed 8 research questions.

Q1: This study will involve analysis of routinely collected, anonymised health care data relating to overweight and obesity amongst the adult population of N. Ireland to provide baseline statistics that can be used to inform future service provision.

Q2: Literature will be scoped to identify current service provision across N. Ireland and will take account of any service evaluation of same.  To address

Qs 3-8 a series of research studies will then be agreed in collaboration with the doctoral researcher (DR). These might include a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify the effectiveness of current interventions in terms of weight loss, reduction in obesity related complications and patient/ health care professional reported outcome measures.

Further research questions relating to patient and health care professional attitudes and experiences can be addressed through quantitative and / or qualitative approaches and will be agreed with the DR according to their skill set and learning needs.

Impact:

This study will be designed to generate high quality publications and opportunities to involve stakeholders (professionals and experts by experience) to help us disseminate the results widely. The provision of necessary data/ evidence has the potential to inform policy change and lead to direct patient benefit.

AccessNI clearance required

Please note, the successful candidate will be required to obtain AccessNI clearance prior to registration due to the nature of the project.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• Masters at 65%
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living