Developing rigorous, accurate and acceptable methods of measuring patient adherence to allied health professional (AHP) interventions

The clinical effectiveness of NMAHP interventions often depends on patient adherence to a prescribed activity. When the nature of the intervention is such that its outcome in terms of health gain relies on the participation of the individual who is the intervention recipient, their ability and willingness to engage in the intervention can be crucial. If adherence is poor, then effectiveness of a clinical intervention may be concluded to be low. It is important therefore to consider, measure and maximise adherence in order to draw the appropriate conclusions from trials of effectiveness of NMAHP interventions.

Despite the clear importance of measuring adherence the most acceptable, valid and reliable methods of assessing it across different intervention types and contexts remain unclear. The aims of this doctorate project are:

1. To systematically review trials that evaluate nursing or Allied Health Professional interventions and to identify and synthesise
1.1. the range of different approaches and methods by which adherence to these various interventions have been measured and appraise the acceptability, validity and reliability of these methods
1.2. intervention components or characteristics that are likely to contribute to adherence to an intervention

2. Dependent on the findings of the systematic review the student will carry out a number of exemplar studies to develop and pilot the implementation of a suitable adherence capture method.

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, particularly those from the allied health professions, 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].