Nudging; a theoretical concept for a very practical approach to pelvic floor muscle training

This PhD studentship provides a career changing opportunity for a physiotherapist to enhance their research, education and leadership skills while working with an outstanding clinical team. Over four years the successful candidate will work two days a week in clinical practice at Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and three days a week at Bournemouth University. The studentship aims to enable colleagues to work towards Band 7/8 and enhancing their CVs across the four pillars of the NHS career framework (research, education, leadership and clinical practice).

Pelvic floor dysfunction affects approximately a third of mothers who give birth each year (>660,000 births a year). In addition to urinary incontinence approximately 8-10% report pelvic floor organ prolapse and faecal incontinence respectively. These conditions occur as a result of injury, pain or dysfunction of the pelvic floor muscles during childbirth. Treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction is highlighted as an area of special focus in the NHS ten year plan. Physiotherapy is identified as the most cost-effective intervention for treating mild to moderate incontinence and prolapse. Pelvic floor exercises are considered as first line management and recommended by NICE 2019. However, for women establishing a habit of undertaking pelvic floor exercises takes commitment and in many cases behavioural change.

Applications are made via our website using the Apply Online button below. If you have an enquiry about this project please contact us via the Email NOW button below, however your application will only be processed once you have submitted an application form as opposed to emailing your CV to us.

Candidates for a PhD Studentship should demonstrate outstanding qualities and be motivated to complete a PhD in 4 years and must demonstrate:

• Outstanding academic potential as measured normally by either a 1st class honours degree (or equivalent Grade Point Average (GPA) or a Master’s degree with distinction or equivalent
• An IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 minimum (with a minimum 6.0 in each component, or equivalent) for candidates for whom English is not their first language and this must be evidenced at point of application.

Additional eligibility: This is a four year clinical PhD for physiotherapists with Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration or who can demonstrate eligibility and timely ability to apply for HCPC registration.