Measuring the Cost-Effectiveness of Meeting Centres

A Meeting Centre (MC) is a local resource, operating out of ordinary community buildings, that offers on-going warm and friendly expert support to people with mild to moderate dementia and their families. At the heart of the Meeting Centre is a social club where people meet to have fun, talk to others and get help that focuses on what they need. MCs are based on sound research evidence of what helps people to cope well in adjusting to living with the symptoms and changes that dementia brings.

The Meeting Centres UK network, managed by the Association for Dementia Studies at the University of Worcester supports local MCs to collect data. This is to help them self-evaluate as well as inform funding bids and to contribute to a central repository of data. This studentship will build on previous and existing research and data collection, evaluations by external bodies and a PhD Studentship on social return on investment this studentship. This will enable an investigation into what cost-effectiveness information commissioners of community services require and how this can best be met by individual MCs and the MC network as a whole.

Application Process

To begin the application process please go to https://www.worcester.ac.uk/courses/dementia-studies-mphilphd and click on ‘How to Apply’ in the top menu. This PhD could be carried out on a part time or full time basis so please select the relevant application link. On the application form, please make it clear that you are applying for one of our advertised projects so we can direct it straight to the relevant people.

The Interview

All successful applicants will be offered an interview with the proposed Supervisory Team. You will be contacted by a member of the Doctoral School Team to find a suitable date. Interviews can be conducted in person or over Microsoft Teams.

Funding your PhD

For more information about Doctoral Loans please visit: https://www.worc.ac.uk/study/fees-and-finance/doctoral-loans.aspx

During your PhD you can access the Research Student Support Scheme to support dissemination costs associated with your research, up to £500 a year.

Association for Dementia Studies

The Association for Dementia Studies (ADS) was established in 2009. Our multi-professional team are experts in the field of person-centred dementia care and support. Through research, education, consultancy and scholarship, we make a cutting-edge contribution to building evidence-based practical ways of working with people living with dementia and their families that enables them to live well. We have an outstanding track record over a wide portfolio of dementia-related research. We draw on the international evidence-base to deliver education programmes, resources and publications that empower staff to provide skilled, competent and compassionate care. People with dementia, their families and their carers inform our work at all stages.

Widening Participation:

As part of its mission statement the University is committed to widening participation for its higher degrees. Although most candidates will have an undergraduate and / or a Masters degree, the University is happy to accept applications from candidates with relevant professional qualifications and work related experience.

Supervisory team

Dr Shirley Evans, Dr Mary O’Malley, Prof Rik Cheston

Director of Studies:

Dr Shirley Evans, Association for Dementia Studies, School of Allied Health and Community, University of Worcester

Supervisors:

Dr Mary O’Malley, Association for Dementia Studies, School of Allied Health and Community, University of Worcester

Prof Rik Cheston, University of West England

Research Group: Association for Dementia Studies

For further information or an informal discussion on this project, please contact Dr Shirley Evans (Director of Studies) via email at shirley.evans@worc.ac.uk