Understanding and identifying the risk of pain in people undergoing hysteroscopy procedures

Hysteroscopy procedures have traditionally been considered low-pain or 'pain free' procedures, but recent research evidence suggests that they may actually be associated with significant pain during the procedure for a large proportion of patients. As yet, no research has developed any methods for identifying which patients may be at greatest risk of hysteroscopy pain, or any interventions for managing this pain. We hope to develop the assessment measures and also optimise the patient protocol to reduce the pain experience of patients scheduled for hysteroscopy. We would be interested in applications from candidates with MSc or equivalent qualifications in Health Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Psychology, Medicine or Health Sciences. Candidates would be expected to have strong quantitative and qualitative research skills and an interest in working with patient populations in clinical settings. There would be opportunities to develop pain management interventions as part of this PhD and it would be possible to use the project towards a Stage 2 qualification in Health Psychology (independent route).