PhD Study : Investigation into the use of an exercise app for patients with sub-acromial impingement syndrome

Summary

Shoulder pain is the third most common reason for musculoskeletal GP consultations in the UK; 50% of shoulder pain sufferers are diagnosed with sub-acromial impingement syndrome (SAIS), the prevalence of which increases with age.  An evidence based exercise programme was developed by this research group at Ulster University using a robust mixed methodology approach including a meta-review and meta-analysis, a qualitative focus group study and a single blind pragmatic pilot RCT.

This work illustrated that for those with SAIS there was strong evidence that exercise decreased pain and improved function at short-term follow-up. Furthermore patients in the RCT exit interviews described a process of self-management via the exercise.  This development of this research is timely, in-line with health initiatives such as “Transforming Your Care” (2011)

The aim of the research is to increase accessibility and subsequent uptake of our evidence based exercise program by developing and evaluating a responsive mobile app.

Objectives:

1.Translate the exercise programme into a digital app

2.Conduct a series of user-centred design workshops (patients, therapists)

3.Pilot the app in clinical practice gaining feedback from patients and clinicians

4.Explore the perceptions of the physiotherapists and patients in the use of app technology in physiotherapy

Design

3-stage mixed methods qualitative (focus groups) and quantitative (questionnaire survey) research

Stage 1 The exercise programme will be translated into a functional mobile app to be deployed on android, Apple and Windows mobile platforms using phased release for personalised exercise programmes for patients with SAIS.  Three distinct versions of the app will be released in an effort to follow a user centric design process.  At each release of the software a workshop will be held to receive feedback from users which will subsequently be incorporated into following versions. Population RESEARCHERS To ensure technical stability and logical workflow, a cohort of n=5 software developers (experienced in the development of mobile apps for healthcare applications) will be recruited from SERG to test and evaluate the app over 28 days. CLINICAL Senior physiotherapists (n=8) and patients with SAIS (n=8) will be recruited for 2 focus groups.  Discussion will take place regarding aesthetics of the app and the manipulation of digital material. Analysis – Thematic analysis of group discussions.

Stage 2 The app will be rolled out through the Northern Health and Social Care Trust.  An online survey will be distributed to: (i) physiotherapists and (ii) patients; to gauge opinions of user-friendliness of, and adherence to, the online resource. Population – (i) Musculoskeletal physiotherapists, (ii) Patients with SAIS. Analysis – Descriptive statistics.  Direct feedback from monitoring patients’ interaction with the app.

Stage 3 A series of focus groups will be convened (n=48 in total) with the aim to gauge the experiences of using the app, engaging with the technology, the delivery of this type of healthcare in this manner in terms of a quality service and the role of app technology in remote healthcare in physiotherapy. Population - Patients and Physiotherapists who have used the app Analysis – thematic analysis of focus groups

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.

• 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