Capturing the travel experiences of cancer patients accessing treatment

Project summary: The aim of this doctoral research is to better understand and improve the experiences of patients travelling from home to healthcare for cancer treatment. It will utilise a mixed methods approach (including interviews, travel diaries and secondary healthcare data) to explore these journeys in Yorkshire and examine how this travel impacts on the lives of cancer patients.
Knowledge and experience of conducting such research methods are desirable.
For informal inquiries, please contact
Supervisor: Dr. Charlotte Kelly, [Email Address Removed]
Co-supervisor: Prof. Una Macleod, [Email Address Removed]


Location and Research Culture
The student will join a dedicated team of clinicians and academics working in the Institute of Clinical and Applied Health Research (ICAHR). https://www.hull.ac.uk/work-with-us/research/institutes/institute-for-clinical-and-applied-health-research/institute-for-clinical-and-applied-health-research ICAHR is comprised of numerous groups with expertise from Hull York Medical School (HYMS) and the School of Health and Social Work to build on existing success in globally-significant applied healthcare research. ICAHR’s vision is to be a world leader in well-designed applied health research, and to conduct outstanding research of relevance to the local area. The student will be a part of the TRANSFORM project https://www.hyms.ac.uk/research/transform/projects funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research Foundation to research into tackling cancer inequalities in Yorkshire.

Dr. Kelly is housed within the Academy of Primary Care https://www.hyms.ac.uk/research/research-centres-and-groups/academy-of-primary-care Her research focuses on points along the cancer patient care pathway (from diagnosis through to end of life) where travel is particularly burdensome for patients and their support networks.

This PhD scholarship offers the opportunity for to make a distinct contribution to supportive cancer care knowledge and practice. The successful applicant will be supported to ensure that their research informs and impacts policy and practice. Hull York Medical School’s unique partnership brings together the expertise of both the Universities of Hull and York and offers a thriving environment in which to conduct world-leading research. Strong partnerships with NHS Trusts and community health organisations offer a wide clinical base within which to study those conditions, which most affect our communities – improving their health while developing research work that can be applied nationally and globally.
The School’s academic and clinical researchers at have a strong reputation for their work, 85% of which is classed as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ (REF 2014). Their research is advancing improvements in healthcare – treatment, diagnosis and care – improving the health of people locally and impacting national and international health agendas in areas such as cancer research, palliative medicine, mental health and global public health.
The student will be based in the new Allam Medical Building with excellent facilities, and at the heart of the University of Hull’s £28 million health campus https://www.hull.ac.uk/faculties/fhs/fhs/health-campus

Named Academic
Dr. Charlotte Kelly, Yorkshire Cancer Research Career Development Fellow [Email Address Removed]

Start Date
1st October 2020

Qualification Required
In order to qualify for this scholarship you will require an undergraduate degree with at least a 2.1, or equivalent, in a relevant subject. English Language IELTS 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.

How to Apply
All applications MUST BE submitted to Hull York Medical School via the online application method choosing option PhD in Medical Sciences 2020 October, full time:
https://www.york.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/courses/apply?course=DRPMEDSMED3&level=postgraduate
The deadline for applications is the 31st March 2020.

In order for the Panel to get a sense of your academic background, commitment and interest, you are required to complete the application form in full and provide a research proposal/outline of academic interest. Research proposals (max 1000 words) and personal statements may be used in selecting applicants for interview. If you have any queries on how to apply please email [Email Address Removed].
Please note that this is a student scholarship. If you will be employed by HYMS (e.g. on a fixed or short term contract) for the duration of your study, you will not be eligible to receive the student scholarship as a member of HYMS staff.

Interviews
Applicants who are shortlisted for interview will be contacted via email. If you are not invited for the interview, it means that your application has not been successful. Please note that we do not offer feedback to applicants who are not invited to the interview.