Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) is a complex intervention using a machine and face mask to support breathing, which can prolong survival and improve the quality of life of people living with motor neuron disease (MND) (plwMND). Despite NIV being recommended for plwMND, less than half of plwMND who start NIV manage to use it enough to gain benefits. Decision-making across the respiratory care pathway) is multifactorial and the way staff deliver NIV is key to the success of the intervention. It is important that healthcare professionals (HCPs) delivering respiratory care to plwMND have appropriate training in order to provide the best care possible. Previous NIHR-funded research conducted by our research team identified a distinct need for targeted, good quality, value for money online training to provide HCPs with the skills and knowledge required to deal with the complex needs of plwMND throughout the pathway.
The aim of the proposed PhD study is to promote the delivery of evidence-based best practice respiratory care in MND by improving the provision of training for HCPs involved. A mixed-methods staged approach, underpinned by mainstream educational theory, will be employed, utilising qualitative focus groups and interviews, user-centred co-design workshops, and think aloud studies. The outcome of this work will be a bespoke virtual learning environment (eLearning platform) for healthcare professionals who are involved in the respiratory care of plwMND and especially for those who do not self-identify as MND specialists.
The proposed PhD study will provide a strong foundation for developing a full training package in the future that includes individual modules covering all aspects of the respiratory care pathway or individual modules for professionals with different job roles. Moreover, exploring the training needs of HCPs will provide in-depth knowledge that will provide scope to expand the training package into other learning areas (e.g.,other complex interventions in MND care).
This PhD proposal provides an excellent opportunity to undertake high quality research within a stimulating multi-disciplinary context in a state of the art facility. The PhD candidate will be responsible for the set-up, and day-to-day running of the study, and benefit from collaborating with colleagues from the network we have developed as part of our recent respiratory studies in MND. The PhD candidate will be attending regular clinical research group meetings, seminar series and other research meetings within the department and the Faculty; and will be encouraged to attend national/international conferences and publish research findings in high-quality, international journals.
Funding:
This studentship will be 42 months in duration and include home fee and stipend at UKRI rate. EU/Overseas candidates are welcome to apply, however they would be required to fund the fee difference.
Entry Requirements:
Candidates must have a first or upper second class honors degree or significant research experience.
How to apply:
Please complete a University Postgraduate Research Application form available here: www.shef.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/apply
Please clearly state the prospective main supervisor in the respective box and select 'Neuroscience' as the department. Please also state your first and second choice project by entering the project tiles in the 'Research Topic' box on your application.
Enquiries:
Interested candidates should in the first instance contact Dr Haris Stavroulakis [Email Address Removed]
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