Evaluating and understanding societal initiatives at the end of life. A study to determine, develop and test appropriate methodological approaches to evaluation

Rationale:

Traditional palliative care research focuses on bio-medical and physical aspects of clinical care provision. However this ignores the social context within which dying takes place and the wider function of society in supporting and enabling care. There is increasing interest in public health approaches to palliative care provision nationally and internationally. Understanding the impact of societal initiatives at and around the end of life is challenging both because of the complex contexts of the initiatives and the sensitive nature and particular problems of working with those who are dying and bereaved. Key unanswered methodological questions include those of understanding and measuring appropriate outcomes for societal initiatives with those who are deteriorating and dying.

Methods:

a) First stage: Realist review to examine the Context Mechanism Outcome dimensions of evaluation for societal initiatives at the end of life.
b) Second stage: Delphi consensus approach with stakeholders (e.g. clinicians, care providers, policymakers, lay public, patients & carers, researchers) to synthesise key methodological recommendations for approaches to evaluation of societal innovations in end of life care drawing from theory based, outcomes focused and participatory evaluation methods.
c) Third stage: testing methodological recommendations with key sites pioneering public and societal approaches to end of life care.

Relevance and impact:

We have key expertise in this area through our studies, and through involvement in the Lancaster ‘Pathfinder’ site, one of the national ‘Pathfinder’ initiatives to test public health approaches to palliative care: This project maps onto priority areas including ageing, end of life care and public health, and draws from our distinctive mix of clinical and social science expertise. We expect methodological guidance to impact on a wide range of future international work in this developing area, and reflects the growing importance of wider approaches to care.

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.