Reconditioning the System: Designing A Holistic Framework for Preventing Deconditioning in the Western Health and Social Care Trust

Summary

Deconditioning refers to the decline in physical and psychological function of the body due to inactivity or bed rest, particularly affecting older adults and those with chronic conditions.

It is characterized by a loss of muscle strength, mental clarity, and ability to perform daily activities.

The condition can lead to a cycle of decline, where inactivity exacerbates physical and psychological health issues, making recovery more challenging (British Geriatric Society, 2025).

Given the global ageing population, it is anticipated that unless there is an active shift towards prevention of deconditioning, the number of people requiring longer stays in hospital and therefore a heightened risk of mortality, health services will become increasingly overwhelmed (Westlake et al 2025).

While there have been a number of recent hospital based programmes across the UK that have focussed on hospital care, it can be argued that a wider approach is needed to prevent deconditioning (Garbin et al. 2024).

In Northern Ireland, hospitals operating at maximum capacity, waiting times on the rise and the exponential rise of ‘corridor beds’ has been well documented across the media, yet there have been few initiatives that have focussed on preventing deconditioning and its associated risks to the healthcare infrastructure here.

This collaborative PhD with the Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT), will work with patients and healthcare staff across multi-disciplines to look at how deconditioning effects individual patients, their length of stay in hospital and their outcomes.

The project will aim to co-produce and pilot an initiative to prevent deconditioning both in and out of hospital and look at ways that healthcare staff can directly influence these factors.

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

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)

This scholarship will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £21,000* (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of approximately £900 per annum is also available.

To be eligible for these scholarships, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a UK National, or

• Have settled status, or

• Have pre-settled status, or

• Have indefinite leave to remain or enter, or

• be an Irish National

Applicants should also meet the residency criteria which requires that they have lived in the EEA, Switzerland, the UK or Gibraltar for at least the three years preceding the start date of the research degree programme.

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.

*Part time PhD scholarships may be available, based on 0.5 of the full time rate, and will require a six year registration period