PhD Study : Exploring the knowledge, perceptions and roles of Allied Health Professionals in pressure ulcer prevention: a multidisciplinary approach

Summary

Background: Pressure ulcers remain a major health concern for people who spend prolonged periods of time in sitting, especially for those with limited mobility, impaired sensation or both (Moore and Cowman 2015). They affect the quality of life of individuals, often leading to pain, anxiety and depression (Gorecki et al 2009). In addition, they are associated with significant financial healthcare costs globally. National figures for treating pressure ulcers are estimated at £1.4-2.1 billion per annum in the UK (Bennett et al 2004), €461million per annum in Spain (Agreda et al, 2007) and US $11 billion per annum in America (Reddy et al, 2006). Furthermore, pressure ulcer prevention is now considered a key clinical indicator in ensuring patient safety in the UK (NIHCE 2014a, NHS 2016). Pressure ulcer prevention has historically been the concern of nurses.

More recently, other healthcare professionals such as occupational therapists, physiotherapists and podiatrists have become involved, however, their roles are less clearly defined. For example, a recent study by Semple (2017) found that opinions among occupational therapists were divided with regard to their role in pressure ulcer prevention. Some viewed it as predominantly a nursing role and were content for nurses to take responsibility, while others wanted to be more involved in this aspect of patient care.

NICE (2014) have recognised the importance of multidisciplinary team (MDT) involvement in pressure ulcer prevention, and have advocated a MDT approach. While the role of nurses in pressure ulcer prevention is well established, the roles of the other MDT members, particularly those of allied health professionals (AHPs) needs to be explored in order to ensure effective team working in this important area.

Project aim: To explore the knowledge, perceptions and roles of Allied Health Professionals in relation to pressure ulcer prevention

Objectives and methods to be used:

• To review and critique the published literature on the knowledge, perceptions and roles of AHPs in pressure ulcer prevention using a systematic review methodology.
• To complete a UK national scoping study on the knowledge, roles and responsibilities of AHPs in pressure ulcer prevention using a mixed methods survey.
• To explore factors that hinder and facilitate AHPs’ engagement with pressure ulcer prevention using qualitative methodologies.
• To investigate the training needs of AHPs in the area of pressure ulcer prevention using qualitative methodologies.

The successful student will be embedded within an established research team who have been conducting research in pressure ulcer prevention for almost 20 years. This project will augment, and build further upon this ongoing body of work.

References

Agreda JJS, Ibou ET, Posnett J, Soriano JV, San Miguel L, Santos JMM (2007). An approach to the economic impact of the treatment of pressure ulcers in Spain.

Gerokomos, 18(4), 201-210. Bennett G, Dealey C and Posnett J (2004). The cost of pressure ulcers in the UK. Age and Ageing, 33(3), 230-235.

Gorecki C, Brown JM, Nelson EA, Briggs M, Schoonhoven L, Dealey C, Defloor T and Nixon J (2009). European Quality of Life Pressure Ulcer Project group. Impact of pressure ulcer on quality of life in older patients: a systematic review. Journal of the American Geriatric Society, 57(7), 1175-1183.

Moore ZEH and Cowman (2015). Repositioning for treating pressure ulcers. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Issue 1. Art. No.: CD006898. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006898.pub4.

National Health Service (2016). Stop the pressure: helping to prevent pressure ulcers. Available at: http://nhs.stopthepressure.co.uk [accessed 9/11/17]

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2014). Pressure ulcers: prevention and management. Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg179 [accessed 11/11/17].

Reddy M, Gill SS and Rochon PA (2006). Preventing pressure ulcers: a systematic review. Journal of the American Medical Association, 296(8), 974-984.

Semple LE (2017). Optimising pressure ulcer prevention: an exploration of the complexities of preventative care. Unpublished PhD Thesis, Ulster University.

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