Dr S Brearley, Prof C Hatton
No more applications being accepted
Competition Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)
About the Project
Background
Life expectancy for people with an intellectual disability (ID) has increased from 18 (1930) to 66 years (1993) and the increase is projected to continue (1, 2). As a result more people with ID are experiencing a prolonged period of dying, not only of cancer but of other illnesses (3) such as Alzheimer’s disease; other dementias (4); and cardio-vascular disease. This population have 2.5 times the health problems of their peers without ID (5) but do not access health screening services to the same extent (6). Little attention has been paid to this group and there is evidence of assumptions that people with ID are not able or ready to make decisions about their end of life care (7). A recent White Paper identified this as a largely invisible population with invisible needs, and highlighted the need for research into end of life decision making for people with ID (8). There are indications that obstacles to this include service provider-issues such as staff training, staff anxiety and concerns about liability, but little is known about these experiences (3).
Aim
To explore the issues experienced by professionals working within ID services when caring for an older person with palliative care needs.
Methods
An ethnographic approach is congruent with the aim as it will enable insights into the social processes of ID service providers in their natural setting (9). Data collection will consist of ethnographic fieldwork (participant observations and interviews), with scope for these methods to be informed by the PhD student. There are existing links with professionals in N.England with scope to expand
Application process: Applications should be made via Lancaster University’s online application system https://www.postgraduate-applications.lancaster.ac.uk/. If you have any questions about this process, please contact our Postgraduate Office, on 01524 593439 or [Email Address Removed]
Due to the limited time between the closing date and the interview date, it is essential that you ensure references are submitted by the closing date.
Funding Notes
Academic Requirements: You should have, or expect to have, a first-class degree or a good Masters degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate subject.
The scholarship provides full tuition fees (UK/EU), stipend (£14,296 for 2016/17) and access to our research training programme. Funding is available for 3 years; subject to satisfactory progress.
References
1. Braddock D. Aging and developmental disabilities: Demographic and policy issues affecting American families. Mental Retardation. 1999;37(2):155-61.
2. P. Janicki M, Dalton AJ, Michael Henderson C, Davidson PW. Mortality and morbidity among older adults with intellectual disability: health services considerations. Disability and rehabilitation. 1999;21(5-6):284-94.
3. Tuffrey‐Wijne I, Hogg J, Curfs L. End‐of‐Life and Palliative Care for People with Intellectual Disabilities Who have Cancer or Other Life‐Limiting Illness: A Review of the Literature and Available Resources. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities. 2007;20(4):331-44.
4. Janicki MP, Dalton AJ, McCallion P, Baxley DD, Zendell A. Group home care for adults with intellectual disabilities and Alzheimer’s disease. Dementia. 2005;4(3):361-85.
5. van Schrojenstein Lantman-De HM, Metsemakers JF, Haveman MJ, Crebolder HF. Health problems in people with intellectual disability in general practice: a comparative study. Family practice. 2000;17(5):405-7.
6. Iacono T. Ethical challenges and complexities of including people with intellectual disability as participants in research. Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability. 2006;31(3):173-9.
7. McCarron M, McCallion P. End-of-life care challenges for persons with intellectual disability and dementia: making decisions about tube feeding. Intellectual and developmental disabilities. 2007;45(2):128-31.
8. Tuffrey-Wijne I, McLaughlin D. Consensus norms for palliative care of people with intellectual disabilities in Europe: EAPC White Paper. 2015.
9. Punch KF. Introduction to social research: Quantitative and qualitative approaches: Sage; 2013.
Continue with Facebook
