Pain is a common symptom of all musculoskeletal diseases, and prominent in many other conditions, such as cancer. It substantially affects people’s quality of life and imposes a significant burden on society due to treatment costs and absence from work. To optimally manage pain and understand treatment response, we need insight into how it changes over time. This requires validated instruments to capture key aspects of pain, which often vary per location, such as pain intensity.
Digital manikins are human-shaped drawings where people can shade areas to self-report the location of their pain on a computer. In contrast to their paper counterparts, digital manikins support automated calculations of e.g. the extent of the affected area. The digital manikin developed at the University of Manchester is unique research tool that enables people to self-report the location-specific intensity of their pain, rather than just location, using any mobile device.
This project will extend on the initial usability testing by:
a.) Investigating the usability and acceptability of the tool as a data collection tool for live clinical care
b.) Investigating the tool’s transferability to other (non-UK) cultural settings
c.) Creating initial insights from pilot data that may be used to extend the tool as part of a wider remote monitoring tool.
Candidates are expected to hold (or be about to obtain) a minimum upper second class honours degree (or equivalent) in a related area / subject. Candidates with experience in developing and evaluating digital health interventions are encouraged to apply.
For information on how to apply for this project, please visit the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health Doctoral Academy website (https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/apply/). Informal enquiries may be made directly to the primary supervisor. On the online application form select PhD Health Psychology
For international students we also offer a unique 4 year PhD programme that gives you the opportunity to undertake an accredited Teaching Certificate whilst carrying out an independent research project across a range of biological, medical and health sciences. For more information please visit www.internationalphd.manchester.ac.uk
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