Fully funded PhD: The impact of work on patient, staff and system outcomes within a newly implemented, integrated and digitally supported musculoskeletal health service

The Institute of Work Psychology at Sheffield University Management School is seeking applications for a fully funded PhD from exceptional UK/EU/International students with an outstanding academic record (distinction/high merit or equivalent), as well as a proven record in research training.

Project description

This PhD investigates the impact of good quality work for patients and staff members in Sheffield Musculoskeletal Care. The service aims to fulfil the strategic objective within the NHS to promote integrated care that aligns both medical and non-medical services. Being engaged in appropriate and good quality employment could help with patient recovery as work is an important influence in individual wellbeing. Being fit enough to work can also be a marker of successful treatment but is often neglected in healthcare outcome evaluation. Examining employment in the context of patient journeys, either as an enabler or an outcome, can help identify areas where integrated service provision might be enhanced.

It is important to examine how such changes impact on staff and the wider healthcare system. This integration was facilitated by technology and involved significant service delivery reform. Changes may affect staff and patients differently, and influence service components in distinct ways. In addition, changes may impact access to services with the resulting effects on capacity, demand and staff workload.

This research focuses on two questions:
1. What is the impact of employment in patient recovery and what implications does this have for future integrated service delivery?
2. What is the impact of health service integration and change on patients, staff, and service outcomes?

The research can be partially configured as an internship as the student will be working alongside members of the administration, management and clinical team when accessing data and preparing data. As well as the two academic supervisors, this project will involve a supervisor internal to the NHS.

How to apply

The deadline to apply is 1 July 2019 at 17:00 UK time. Please note that applications will not be processed if they are incomplete or received after the deadline. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview on Tuesday 13/Wednesday 14 August 2019.

Applicants should submit a 1000 word research proposal which directly addresses the theme and/or specific topic to which they are applying. The proposal should contain a brief background to the topic, which demonstrates knowledge of existing work in the field, and potential contributions to knowledge. It should also explain the proposed research methods and include a plan of the research, and a timeline.

For more information and to submit an application, visit: www.sheffield.ac.uk/management/study/researchdegrees/fundedprojects

Please clearly indicate the number of the project in your application: IWP 2/3

For an informal discussion about this opportunity, contact: [Email Address Removed]