PhD Study : The effectiveness of a diabetic foot sock system with embedded non-invasive sensors in measuring physiological parameters.

Apply and key information  

Summary

The number of adults with diabetes is now estimated at 415 million people worldwide, (IDF Diabetes Atlas), The global cost of diabetes is $825 billion/year (WHO). In Europe, 33% of the expenditure on diabetes is linked to diabetic foot (DF) complications, with a lifetime incidence of foot ulceration occurring in 15-34% of all people living with the condition. 85% of diabetic amputations are preceded by foot ulceration. At any time, 2.5% of people with diabetes have foot ulcers, with currently 86,000 affected individuals in the UK. DF skin complications arise due to weight-bearing pressure, local friction, moisture build-up and locally-increased temperature. It has been recognized that local skin temperature monitoring reduces the risk for diabetic foot ulceration in high-risk patients (Armstrong et al., 2007) and self-monitoring has been advocated. Effective skin management needs to go beyond intermittent monitoring of the three physiological parameters (temperature, humidity and pressure).

A ‘smart sock’ system has been developed: a comfortable, conventional sock using phase-change material with thermal and moisture-regulating properties, with woven sensors to measure temperature, humidity and pressure. A mobile app will issue alerts to the patient when risk parameters are exceeded. Software tools will then allow transmission of physiological information to a cloud database, enabling dashboard access by the clinical team involved in the patient care and may be stored for subsequent macro-analysis. Clinician access to long term skin performance information will enable evidence-based evaluation. Aggregated information on long term skin parameters in diabetes will also be made accessible to NH. It is thought that early recognition of physiological changes will enhance mobility, social functioning, general health and quality of life. The evidence-based alerting function will encourage personal participation in foot care and enables early intervention to avoid major skin complications. The system will enhance shared decision-making between patient and clinical team and have a positive financial impact by reducing healthcare costs. This ‘smart sock’ is now ready for testing within clinical trials.

The proposed project will be the first clinical testing of this novel system. A Patient Group will be established under the auspices of Diabetes UK (N. Ireland).

Aim: To assess the use of a diabetic foot sock system with embedded non-invasive sensors measuring physiological parameters.

Methods to be used:

1. A systematic review of the skin factors contributing to the development of diabetic foot ulceration.

2. Experimental study investigating the use of ‘smart’ diabetic foot socks in in measuring real-time temperature, moisture and pressure compared to thermography and laboratory standards.

3. Clinical study to assess the effect of the smart sock system on the development of skin complications in a diabetic population.

Objectives of the research: To contribute to the knowledge base within the field of diabetic care. To expand the research base within podiatry.

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

The Doctoral College at Ulster University

Key dates

Submission deadline
Monday 19 February 2018
12:00AM

Interview Date
20th or 21st March 2018

Preferred student start date
Mid September 2018

Applying

Apply Online  

Contact supervisor

Professor Ciara Hughes

Other supervisors

  • Mr Bernard Lee & Dr Trevor Schofield