Context
Ireland like many other countries has seen a steady increase in life expectancy and has an ageing population. Internationally, health and social care systems are recognising that sustainable healthcare strategies for older adults need to move from acute, episodic care to longitudinal, coordinated and integrated care models. International evidence demonstrates that older adults account for up to 25% of all emergency department (ED) attendances and experience high rates of adverse outcomes following emergency care such as unscheduled ED return, unplanned hospital admission and functional decline. Given the significant incidence of adverse events in this population, there is very little research conducted to explore how integrated care may improve outcomes among those who are discharged from the ED.
Overall aim
The overall aim of this programme of research is to develop and examine an evidence-based model of integrated care for older people following ED index visit that is planned around their needs and choices, to support them to live well in their own homes and communities.
Objectives
The objectives of the PhD are as follows:
- Identify and appraise the types of integrated care approaches reported in the literature and their discrete elements, in older adults in any setting or level of the health and long-term care system
- Synthesise the impact of integrated care approaches on patient and process outcomes.
- To conduct a population mapping exercise using local and national data to identify population trends for older people and identify target populations who are frequent health service users
- To evaluate a stakeholder-informed and evidence-based model of integrated care on patient, process, clinical and economic outcomes for older people following discharge to the community from the emergency department (this objective will be conducted with a second PhD student)
Funding
This PhD is funded through the Health Research Board of Ireland (HRB) Research Leader AWARD (RL-2020-010). Funding will support an annual stipend of €18,000 per year for four years, annual PhD fees, provision of a laptop and an opportunity to avail of a related national and international placement.
Registration
The successful PhD candidate will register full-time at the University of Limerick in September 2021.
Application Process
Please email a CV and covering letter with the contact details (including email addresses) of two referees to Prof Rose Galvin [Email Address Removed] Your covering letter should clearly set out your suitability and motivation for this PhD with reference to your past experience and achievements.
The deadline for applications is 11th June 2021.
Candidates who are successfully shortlisted will be required to attend an online interview (by Zoom /Teams).
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