Developing a questionnaire to assesses patients’ experiences of audiology services

There is growing interest in measuring patients’ experiences of clinical services. This can be used to measure quality, evaluate quality improvement initiatives and compare services. Recently, a Dutch questionnaire was developed and validated for adults with complex hearing and balance problems (Hendricks et al, 2017). No such questionnaire exists for the UK National Health Service (NHS) or for specific patient groups such as children with hearing loss or adult hearing aid users. The aim of this PhD is to develop, validate and apply one, or more, of these measures within the context of the UK NHS.

This will involve:
(1) a qualitative phase to identify relevant topics and questions
(2) investigation of the psychometric properties of the questionnaire
(3) evaluation of clinical services using a revised questionnaire.

The successful candidate will receive training in: (i) the research process, and (iI) specific training in the development of self-report questionnaires

Candidates are expected to hold, or about to obtain, an upper second class undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in audiology, hearing science, psychology, neuroscience, medical/clinical science or related discipline. A Masters degree and/or evidence of research output would be advantageous.

The project is suitable if you require excellent research training, in a stimulating and active environment, in order to become an independent, international researcher. It will also be suitable to you if you are a health professional whose career aspirations involve a combination of research with clinical activities.

Good writing skills will be essential.

Research group: www.psych-sci.manchester.ac.uk/audiologyanddeafness