Full-time PhD studentship available hosted by Lancaster University, via the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Applied Research Collaboration North West Coast (ARC NWC). NIHR ARC NWC is one of 15 regional ARCS funded by the NIHR to bring together those needed to support research to improve health and care. Our vision is to address the considerable health inequalities across our region through the collaborative production and implementation of high-quality applied health research in our five themes. Research supported by the ARC NWC must be relevant to the needs of the diverse communities served by the NIHR ARC NWC and its local health and care system, and be generalisable across health and care nationally, as well as within the local health and care system where it is conducted. Our Doctoral Fellows are distributed across the themes and universities and are a crucial part of our Academic Career Development Strategy.
The studentships will be hosted within the Faculty of Health and Medicine at Lancaster University. The Faculty's strategic aim is to produce excellent research that is both interdisciplinary and translational, having practical applications for human and societal benefit. We work within and across a number of research groups, with our PhD students as important members of those groups.
Project Outline
When people with psychotic disorders are dying, there is emerging evidence that the health inequalities that affect their health and wellbeing also affect end-of-life care experiences. People with psychosis are, for example, less likely to access specialist palliative care. There is a lack of joint working between psychiatric and palliative care services. Research evidence in the area of palliative care in psychotic disorders is sparse and generally of low quality. In this studentship, the PhD candidate will conduct research to understand and explore differences in and experiences of the end-of-life care of people with psychotic disorders, compared to those without psychotic disorders. This understanding will enable us to describe any inequalities and explain experiences to advocate for targeted change to commissioners and provider organisations. This is novel and important work that will also enable the student to develop a range of research and transferrable skills.
The questions and design of the research for this studentship will be further developed in partnership with the successful student, but are likely to address the following:
1. To understand the patterns of care received by those who have died who also had a psychotic disorder to explore if there are inequalities in access to, or use of, health and social care services.
2. To explore the experiences of end-of-life care received by those who have died who also had a psychotic disorder, from the perspective of formal and informal care providers.
Three interlinked studies are proposed:
Study 1. Systematically constructed review
The purpose of this is to further understand and synthesise existing knowledge about the experiences and patterns of care for those with psychotic disorders who have died, and analyse current policies addressing this issue. The outcomes of this review will shape the focus and conduct of studies 2 and 3.
Study 2. Epidemiological data analysis
The purpose of this is to map and describe end-of-life care patterns in those with psychotic disorders and compare this to others who have died in the same time period to generate a clearer understanding of the nature and size of inequalities.
Study 3. Qualitative exploration of end-of-life care experiences
The purpose of this is to explore perceptions of formal and informal carers of the end-of-life care experienced by people who have a psychotic disorder.
Potential applicants must:
· consult the HIAT www.hiat.org.uk and demonstrate consideration of the toolkit in their research proposal
· discuss their research proposal with the appropriate Primary Supervisor prior to application
Applicants should have (or expect to have been formally awarded by 31st August 2021) at least a UK Bachelor honours degree at second class (upper division) level (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant discipline.
Applicants must have completed and been awarded any current course of study by the proposed start date (1st September 2021) otherwise they will not be shortlisted.
Applicants require an English Language level of UKVI IELTS 6.5 (no sub-score less than 6.0) or acceptable equivalent qualification.
Further information
Applications should be made by email to Prof Catherine Walshe quoting the studentship reference number ARC/0921/09. You must include:
CV (maximum 2 sides including details of two academic referees),
cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the studentship (maximum 2 sides) and
a document outlining your ideas for developing an aspect of the project you are interested in (up to 500 words (excluding references) explaining how you would develop the outline project plan contained within the studentship information. We do not expect a full project proposal, but would like to see you expanding on an element of the project to outline your ideas on how this could be achieved. We want to see an emerging understanding of relevant underpinning theory and empirical literature in this writing (referenced using APA style), and will be assessing this with reference to your understanding of the topic area and your ability to write succinctly, accurately yet persuasively).
Applicants MUST ALSO state the title of the project they are applying. Applications received without this information will not be considered.
Closing Date: 27 06 2021
Fixed Interview Date: 20 07 2021
CURRENT UNIVERSITY OF LANCASTER RESEARCH STUDENTS WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR THE RESEARCH STUDENTSHIPS
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