PhD Study : To develop and gain consensus on the core components of clinical recommendations for physical activity in the management and prevention of Breast Cancer Related Lymphoedema.

Summary

Aim:

To inform the development of evidence-based practice guidelines regarding the management of lymphoedema through physical activity.

Objectives

1. To identify, appraise and synthesise the evidence to assess the policies/guidelines, practices and experiences of people living with breast cancer related lymphedema (BCRL).

2. To explore the knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of people living with BCRL in relation to physical activity to manage their symptoms.

3. To identify the knowledge, attitudes and practices of a wide range of interdisciplinary professionals in relation to the management of BCRL.

5. To engage in a series of deliberative expert committees to review evidence and expert testimonies, to inform the development of guideline recommendations.

Methodology

This study will use a sequential exploratory mixed methods design where each phase will inform the next providing a fuller understanding and to inform future practice (Guest and Fleming 2016; Fetters et al. 2013). It will involve 4 phases.

Phase 1: Objective 1

To undertake a scoping review of the current evidence regarding initiation, type and duration of physical activity interventions for people with breast cancer related lymphedema (BCRL).

Phase 2: Objective 2

An online survey, utilising convenience sampling, will be conducted with Individuals living with BCRL throughout the UK, regarding their experience of advice given related to physical activity post breast surgery.

Phase 3:

Qualitative interviews and focus groups will be undertaken with a range of professionals from the disciplines of nursing, medicine, physiotherapy and sport, regarding their current practices and knowledge related to the benefits of physical activity post breast surgery in the management of secondary lymphoedema.

Phase 4:

Co-production design will be used to develop evidence-based practice guidelines regarding physical activity for the management of secondary lymphoedema post breast surgery. This will involve deliberative workshops with a range of key stakeholders.

Please note that a copy of this project summary should be uploaded as ‘research proposal’ as part of your application.

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.

• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain

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
• Relevant professional qualification and/or a Degree in a Health or Health related area

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

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 £19,237 (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