PhD Study : Can I care for patients and also be an academic? A multiple methods examination of working across the service/academic divide to enhance patient care

Summary

Aims

The aim of this investigation is to understand the drivers that encourage and inhibit joint appointments and honorary academic contracts in Northern Ireland.

Objectives

1.Review the potential benefits for patients, service users, and clinical/academic staff

2.Capture the views and experiences of relevant stakeholders

3.Understand facilitators and barriers using both qualitative and quantitative approaches

4.Develop new models of working across the service/academic divide that can enhance patient care and service user experience

Methods

*Reviewing the literature and global approaches to enhancing work across the service academic divide

*Qualitative interviews with existing and prospective staff working across the academic/service divide

*Survey of nurses/AHPs working in clinical areas/academic settings in relation to perceived barriers and facilitators to joint appointments

*Qualitative interviews with senior stakeholders who might advertise such posts

*Utilise relevant management and behavioural models to develop a theoretical understanding of the landscape (e.g., Vroom’s Expectancy Theory)

*Make recommendations that would increase joint objectives across the service/academic divide

Originality

There is virtually no historic research in this field, and so it is clearly covering new ground. Historic models cannot simply be resurrected, and the development of a new approach will add novelty in terms of solutions. The proposal has a strong educational element, considering the impact that their early academic journey at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels can have on nurses and other health professionals and of the longer lasting effects on their career pathway, for example, building relationships with and being educated/guided/mentored by academic staff. The project also includes experiencing ‘first hand’ the role of an academic while studying at university. Such influences may motivate individuals to work towards a joint (or honorary) role. Such an approach is based on robust academic theory (Vroom, 2005).

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