Co-design and evaluation of an assessment and communication framework to support health and social care professionals in managing suicide ideation for patients with head and neck cancer

Summary

Background

Individuals diagnosed with head and neck cancer (HNC) face a significantly elevated risk of suicide; up to three times higher than the general population (Osazuwa‐Peter et al., 2018; Kam et al., 2015; Choi & Park, 2021).

Despite improving survival rates for people with HNC (Jung et al., 2022), suicidal ideation, defined as thoughts of self-harm or suicide (Hafford‐Letchfield et al., 2022) remains under-assessed and poorly managed in routine cancer care.

The World Health Organization (WHO, 2024) has prioritised suicide prevention, aiming to reduce global suicide rates by one-third by 2030. However, most HNC studies focus on prevalence, with limited attention to practical assessment and management strategies.

Health and social care professionals (HSCPs) require training and tools to support safe and effective patient management (Mann et al., 2021; Thavarajah et al., 2018).

Aim

To co-design and evaluate an intervention that supports HSCPs in assessing and communicating with HNC patients experiencing suicidal ideation.

Objectives

*Identify and evaluate existing interventions for suicide ideation assessment in cancer care.
*Explore the needs of HNC patients and caregivers.
*Co-design a tailored assessment and communication framework.
*Test feasibility and acceptability through user engagement.
*Evaluate effectiveness via a pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT).

Methods

Following the Medical Research Council framework, the project will use an iterative, multi-phase approach involving evidence synthesis, patient and public involvement (PPIE), and collaboration with clinicians.

Key steps include forming a co-design team; conducting a systematic review; qualitative interviews with patients and caregivers; developing a theoretical framework and logic model; creating and refining a prototype tool; and evaluating the intervention through an RCT.

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