Methods of optimising the content and nature of complex health and social interventions: exploring existing and potential new approaches

Many hospital and public health interventions are complex in nature. These may include therapies delivered by allied health professionals or nurses, forms of management, or behaviour change strategies delivered in the community. Unlike medicines these types of interventions are not always straightforward to define or evaluate. It is essential that complex interventions are developed in a thoughtful and rigorous manner in order to maximise the likelihood that they will be feasible to deliver, acceptable to patients and members of the public, and effective in achieving their desired outcomes.

The proposed PhD will examine current methods and guidelines in relation to the development and modelling of complex interventions (including those falling within the domain of nursing and the allied health professions) and move towards integrating or developing new techniques. It is likely to include an initial mixed methods systematic review of varying methods alongside a series of either observational or experimental studies testing different techniques.

This PhD studentship will be based within the Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professions Research Unit (NMAHP RU) at Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU). This Unit is funded by the Chief Scientist Office of the Scottish Government Health Directorates and allied to the Institute for Applied Health Research within GCU. NMAHP RU’s remit is to conduct high quality applied research that enables Nurses, Midwives and Allied Health Professionals to impact on the lives of the people of Scotland and beyond.

This studentship will suit an individual with quantitative skills and interest in a career in applied health services research. An undergraduate degree in a relevant health or social science discipline is essential. A master’s degree is desirable. Health professionals are welcome to apply.

Further Information:
Application forms are available from [Email Address Removed]. Applicants should complete the University PhD application form stating the title/reference of the studentship, and send this, together with their CV, copies of academic qualifications, references and any other required documentation and return to [Email Address Removed].