PhD Study : A Proactive Approach to enable a needs-led conversation between patient and practitioner

Summary

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is one of the top three causes of death worldwide [1]. COPD results in symptoms including shortness of breath, sputum production, fatigue, deconditioning, and poorer quality of life compared to healthy people. Patients need to manage these symptoms on a daily basis and they have frequent respiratory infections, hospital admissions and re-admissions which “punctuate” and accelerate the trajectory of the disease ([2,3].

One of the greatest challenges for patients is recognising an exacerbation is occurring and knowing when to seek help [4]. Health and social care systems also need to identify and meet the needs of these patients, as they transition between acute hospital care and primary care. Enabling patients to express their underlying support needs, throughout their disease trajectory, will enable healthcare professionals to better understand the impact of living with COPD and assist patients to manage their condition [5]. A prompt response to an exacerbation can also significantly reduce the long-term impact and recovery [6].

Most assessment tools focus on symptom control, rather than a comprehensive assessment of needs (7).  The SNAP Tool (Support Needs Approach for Patients) is a short and simple 15-item tool that patients complete, prior to a health professional discussion [8].  It is validated to help patients with COPD identify and express their support needs, which are then discussed with their health professional to enable person-centred care [9].  The use of SNAP could promote a person-centred, supportive care approach at review appointments in primary care.

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