PhD Study : Developing and evaluating a sexual wellbeing resource for people living with head and neck cancer

Summary

The treatment of most head and neck cancer leaves the patient with decreased function and physical deformity in the head and neck, especially the mouth. These side effects can result in dripping of saliva, odour, reduced physical mobility (speech and movement) which impacts on the ability to be both sexual and intimate. This has resulted in sexual dysfunction issues causing such outcomes as the relationship breakdown and loss in confidence. This is concerning as oral cancer rates have increased by 68% in the past 20 years. Oropharyngeal cancer is now being diagnosed in patients aged 20 upwards, in the main due to oncogenic HPV virus. Problems with intimacy and sexual dysfunction in patients with cancer of the head and neck are often not recognised and generally go untreated. There are some services to support intimacy issues for people with gynaecological, breast or prostate cancer but limited support available for head and neck cancer patients.

METHODS: The aim of this study is to develop and evaluate a resource for patients with head and neck cancer to promote their sexual wellbeing. Through a ‘person based approach’ a systematic literature review, qualitative interviews and the input of an expert group, a tailored based intervention will be developed. Following iterative testing (through think aloud interviews with users), formal evaluation of the will take place. This evaluation will include both qualitative and quantitative methods.

INHR FIT:  This study is bridging two ongoing programmes of research currently being led at Ulster University, INHR, 1) maximising sexual wellbeing post prostate cancer for men and partners and 2) providing psychosocial support for head and neck cancer patients post treatment.

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.

• 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

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