Addressing inequalities in childhood febrile illness associated with paediatric emergency department attendance in Liverpool

Paediatric Emergency Department (ED) attendances have been increasing dramatically in disadvantaged cities such as Liverpool. Febrile illness accounts for around 10% of these attendances.

There is evidence from the literature that socio-economic factors influence increasing attendance rates include childhood socioeconomic circumstances (SECs), younger population and ethnicity. Multiple studies, including a study from Liverpool (Stanton 2011) have shown an association between infectious diseases and disadvantaged SECs including meningococcal disease, pneumonia and bronchiolitis. However, it is not clear what is driving the current increase in ED use for febrile illness. This may plausibly reflect increased incidence of disease, greater unmet healthcare need, or a lack of access and use of appropriate primary care services. A better understanding of these pathways is urgently needed to inform policy and practice, to reduce the increasing burden of ED admissions.
Little data currently exists to explore the relationship between SECs and presentations due to febrile illness to paediatric ED in children and young people (CYP) in the UK. This project will build on our previous collaboration funded by CLAHRC (Carter 2019, Carter 2018, Smith 2018), and make use of a rich newly created clinical study dataset to assess pathways to inequalities in the care pathway for febrile illness in children.

Application is by CV and covering letter. The covering letter must detail your interest in the studentship, related experience and training and suitability for the position. Applications are to be sent to Professor Enitan Carrol, [Email Address Removed].