PhD Study : A feasibility study to develop and test the impact of a bespoke reminiscence app on quality of life and wellbeing for people living with dementia in long-term care setting

Summary

Reminiscence, whereby photographs, music and film are used to prompt a discussion of past life events or experiences,  is becoming more widespread in dementia care.  Reminiscence works on the understanding that memories can be accessed in the early to moderate stages of dementia.  It, therefore, draws on a person's strengths and abilities, rather than emphasising their difficulties and losses (Woods et al, 2012).

People living with dementia who are no longer able to remain at home, reside  in supported accommodation or care homes. This transition has been widely recognised as distressing for individuals and families and has been associated with multiple losses such as identity, role and function in society (Ryan & McKenna, 2015). Reminiscence had the potential to ease this transition and to support people living with dementia and their carers to maintain their identity and personhood.

The proposed study builds on the InspireD study (Individual specific Reminiscence in Dementia) which designed and tested a reminiscence app for community dwelling people living with dementia and their carers. (https://research.hscni.net/sites/default/files/Executive%20summary%20RD%20Inspired%20final_0.pdf. Recognising the unique needs of people living with dementia in residential care, the proposed feasibility study aims to investigate the impact of a beyspoke reminiscence app on this population group with a specific focus on quality of life, identity and wellbeing.

The objectives are;

1)To develop and test the feasibility of the study in terms the impact of the reminiscence app on people living with mild to moderate dementia in long-term care settings.

2)To explore the views of relatives and care staff on the impact of technology facilitated reminiscence.

3)To maintain identity and promote quality of life and relationship in long-term care settings.

4) To analyse event logging  such as patterns of usage (e.g. dates, times, duration and frequency) and reminiscence preferences (e.g. photographs, music, film).

5)To collect Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) data, which will enable participants to report on the impact of the reminiscence  experience as they are using the app. This will limit the need to depend on memory or recall  while also providing the research team with access to additional ‘in the moment’ data.  EMA has a number of advantages over more traditional methods of data collection for people living with dementia.  It can both complement and, in part, replace existing methods while permitting a more sensitive and wide ranging assessment of the impact of the app on quality of life and wellbeing  (Potts et al, in prep).

6)To explore the extent, if any, to which the reminisce experience facilitates a more positive experience of life in long term residential care settings. This mixed methods study  will be conducted in supported accommodation and care home settings and will employ both quantitative and qualitative measures of data collection.

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
• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• Clearly defined research proposal detailing background, research questions, aims and methodology
• A demonstrable interest in the research area associated with the studentship

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.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Masters at 65%
• Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• 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:

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