Assessing the cost-effectiveness of interventions for dementia using a care pathway approach

Cases of dementia are increasing in number as a result of an ageing population. There are no cures for dementia, but treatments and therapies do exist which aim to slow down its progression and to improve the quality of life of those with it. These include pharmacological treatments for Alzheimer’s disease (the most common type of dementia), memory clinics, talking therapies, and early detection strategies. Evidence is growing regarding the effectiveness of such options. However, they all require the use of scarce health and social care resources and so it is important to assess their cost-effectiveness. The aims of this PhD project are to: (i) review the cost-effectiveness of interventions to improve health for people with dementia and (ii) model the cost-effectiveness of alternative interventions introduced to routine practice in the UK. There are three main components to this PhD project. The first component of the project will be to conduct a systematic review of the UK and international literature on the cost-effectiveness (broadly defined) of interventions for dementia designed either to delay progression of the disease or to improve/maintain the health-related quality of life of those with it and conduct a review of reviews of clinical evidence for these interventions. The second component will be to construct a simulation model to map out routine care pathways for people with dementia. The model will then be used to assess the cost-effectiveness of the introduction or expansion of specific therapies and interventions.

This doctoral project will enable the student to work closely with economists and clinicians who have a track record of dementia-related work. It is expected that the research will result in high-impact publications and other outputs and will provide the student with a valuable opportunity to continue in this field.

For further information please contact the supervisor: Professor Paul McCrone, [Email Address Removed]
Bursary available (subject to satisfactory performance):
Year 1: £15,285
Year 2: In line with UKRI rate
Year 3: In line with UKRI rate

The successful candidate will receive a contribution to tuition fees equivalent to the university’s Home rate, currently £4,407, for the duration of their scholarship. International applicants will need to pay the remainder tuition fee for the duration of their scholarship. This fee is subject to an annual increase. Scholarships are available for three years, full-time study from the date scholars first register as an MPhil/PhD student with the university. Applicants must meet the programme entry requirements.

For additional information about the scholarship please go to: https://www.gre.ac.uk/research/study/research-studentships-and-scholarships
How to apply
Please read this information before making an application. Applications need to be made online via https://www.gre.ac.uk/research/study/apply/application-process. No other form of application will be considered.

All applications must include the following information. Applications not containing these documents will not be considered.

• Scholarship Reference Number (Ref: VCS-EHHS-01-20) – included in the personal statement section together with your personal statement as to why you are applying
• a research proposal based on the project description*
• a CV including 2 referees *
• academic qualification certificates/transcripts and IELTs/English Language certificate if you are an international applicant or if English is not your first language or you are from a country where English is not the majority spoken language as defined by the UK Border Agency *

*upload to the qualification section of the application form. Attachments need to be in PDF format.

The closing date for applications is midnight (UTC) on 14th December 2020
The scholarship must commence before 1 July 2021.