Climate change is a defining crisis that is gaining the attention it needs. Healthcare forms 5% of the entire carbon footprint of the UK. The urgent need to reduce this has been recognised by the NHS by aiming to be net zero by 2040. This means all aspects of healthcare need to be interrogated to find how best to reduce its carbon footprint. As the number of cancer cases a year is over 350,000 and interventions and treatment potentially have a high carbon footprint, oncology requires attention.
This project aims to build on the use of decision-analytic model based analysis of healthcare interventions used to estimate their relative cost-effectiveness, to estimate the carbon footprint of different treatment workflows. The framework offered by decision-analytic models will be used to determine and compare the environmental impact of these interventions with real world data. It would also model the effect of early diagnosis, as there is the potential that early interventions could significantly reduce the overall carbon footprint of the patient workflow.
This PhD offers the opportunity to develop skills in evaluating the impact of climate change of healthcare interventions; a novel emerging research area. You will develop skills in systematic review, decision-analytic modelling, analysis of observational data. The supervisory team combines expertise in quantifying the impact of climate change, health economics and evaluation of cancer screening programmes and treatments. The project sits between the University of Manchester and The Christie NHS Foundation trust (the largest cancer centre in the UK). The student will receive training in environmental sustainability in cancer treatments (Dr Robert Chuter and Dr Sarah Briggs) and the design and use of decision-analytic modelling to inform national clinical guidelines (Prof Katherine Payne). Dr Alan McWilliam has used both local and national databases extensively so will guide the student in understanding and navigating theses data sources.
The NHS has a vision to become a global leader in sustainable healthcare, the skills that this PhD student will develop during the project will be highly desirable and ensure future academic success in environmental healthcare.
https://twitter.com/RobChuter
https://research.manchester.ac.uk/en/persons/katherine.payne
https://research.manchester.ac.uk/en/persons/alan.mcwilliam
https://twitter.com/DrSarahEWB
Entry Requirements
Applicants must have obtained, or be about to obtain, at least an upper second class honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject.
How to Apply
To be considered for this project you MUST submit a single formal online application form. Please select EPSRC PhD Programme on the online application form. For information on how to apply for this project, full entry requirements please visit the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health Doctoral Academy website (https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/apply/). You can apply for up to two EPSRC projects on one application form.
Applicants interested in this project should make direct contact with the Primary Supervisor to arrange to discuss the project further before making an online application. Formal panel interviews will be held in late June.
Your application form must be accompanied by a number of supporting documents by the advertised deadline. Without all the required documents submitted at the time of application, your application will not be processed and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you have any queries regarding making an application please contact our admissions team [Email Address Removed]
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. The full Equality, diversity and inclusion statement can be found on the website https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/apply/equality-diversity-inclusion/
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