Testing a nurse-led intervention protocol which is designed to reduce psychological distress in lung cancer patients

To view the full project description please visit: http://kess2.ac.uk/au30034/

Expanding on the title, above, in this proposed project the student will: (1) work with nurses and patients to investigate how lung cancer (LC) nurses would use a tool which screens for patients’ psychological distress and how closely this matches the patients’ needs; (2) qualitatively explore barriers to implementation and adherence to the use of the tool that are currently preventing routine screening from occurring in the health board; (3) develop and test a psychological distress screening implementation process that accounts for nurse and patient perceptions and preferences; and finally, (1-3) would inform the development and evaluation of a training intervention for LC nurses to use the tool effectively, helping reduce patient distress and the associated negative outcomes. Accordingly, this research targets a significant need identified through consultation with Hywel Dda University Health Board (HDUHB) LC Specialists and is representative of a significant challenge faced by NHS Wales.

The prospective applicant should have a minimum of a 1st or good 2:1 in a relevant degree, preferably a relevant Masters degree, and be available to take up the studentship by 1st October 2018. The project is part-funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) through the European Union’s Convergence programme administered by the Welsh Government. KESS II PhD scholarships are collaborative awards with external partners. (Applicants need to only apply, they do not need to search for partners.)

To apply, please submit the following to the Postgraduate Admissions Office (address below) by 4th September 2018:
1. A completed Research Programme Application Form, two references. Application and reference forms may be downloaded from http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/postgrad/howtoapply/
2. A completed KESS II Participant proposal form (put the reference number AU30034 in the top right hand box of the application form) and an up-to-date CV. KESS II application forms are available to download at the link below.
https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/rbi/business/services/initiatives/kess/currentscholarshipvacanciesandapplicationforms/
3. A PhD proposal of up to 1,000 words where you expand on your experience and interests and describe why you are a good candidate for this research studentship. Please refer to the Project Description.

Value of Award: A stipend of £14,340 (rising in accordance with inflation for the remaining two years). Each scholarship has an additional budget for travel, equipment/consumables and training to support your research. KESS II PhD Scholarship holders do not pay fees.
Length: Full-time for 3 years. (Theses must be submitted 6 months after the funded three year study period.)
Training: The achievement of a Postgraduate Skills Development Award (PSDA) is compulsory for each KESS II scholar (The PSDA is based on a 60 credit award, which is an additional award to the PhD).
Eligibility: To be eligible to apply for a KESS II award, you must be resident, upon starting the scholarship, in the Convergence Area of Wales and you must be able to take paid employment in the Convergence area on completion of the scholarship.

Informal enquiries should be made to project supervisor Dr Simon Payne, at [Email Address Removed] or 01970 628629

Address for applications:
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Recruitment & Admissions
Student Welcome Centre
Aberystwyth University
Aberystwyth
SY23 3FB

Quote Reference AU30034

Closing date for applications 4th September 2018