About the Project
Supervisors:
Dr Mamoon Aldeyab
Prof Paul McCarron
Prof John Callan
Funded Project
Project Description
Antibiotic resistance is a major threat to public health worldwide. Antibiotic use was demonstrated to be associated with an increased risk of MRSA colonisation and infection in several studies. Antibiotic stewardships were established to inform adequate antibiotic prescribing practices. The challenge for antibiotic stewardships, however, is to balance providing adequate antibiotic treatment with preventing the emergence of antibiotic resistance. The relationship between antibiotic use and MRSA was recently explored using robust statistical analysis, and thresholds for antibiotic use (point at which further antibiotic use has minimal impact on developing and spreading resistance) to control MRSA rates were determined. We believe that the introduction of an antibiotic policy, designed based on identifying thresholds for antibiotic use to control MRSA rates, can significantly decrease the incidence of MRSA in hospitals.
The primary aim of this study is to investigate the effect of an antibiotic policy, derived based on non-linear time-series analysis using local epidemiological data, on the incidence of MRSA in the Antrim Area Hospital. Secondary objective will be to determine the effect of this policy on the incidence of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) and extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) producing organisms. We are seeking a student who is enthusiastic, prepared to work hard with a background degree in pharmacy or related subjects.
Informal enquiries to Dr Aldeyab ([Email Address Removed]) are welcomed
References and additional links
For more information on this project, the supervisory team and graduate studies at Ulster, please visit
http://www.science.ulster.ac.uk/gradschool/biomedical/
How to apply for this project:
http://www.ulster.ac.uk/research-and-innovation/phdresearch-degrees/how-to-apply
Closing date for Applications is 24 February 2017.
Funding Notes
The Department for the Economy (DfE) (formerly called Department for Employment and Learning (DEL))
The University has DfE research studentships available for PhD projects. These pay tuition fees and an annual maintenance award of not less than £14,553 per annum. These awards are open to holders of, or those expected to obtain, first or upper second class honours degrees and cover fees at the home rate and, for applicants with UK residence only, a maintenance allowance. Non-UK residents who hold ordinary EU residence may also apply but, if successful, will receive fees only. Applicants should indicate in the appropriate box on their University application form that they wish to apply for a DfE award. The closing date for receipt of applications will be 24 February 2017. Information on terms and conditions for DfE awards, including eligibility, can be found here: DfE Terms and Conditions for 2016/2017
Vice-Chancellor's Research Scholarships (VCRS)
A number of University funded VCRS will be available for PhD projects at Ulster. These awards are open to applicants who hold or, expect to obtain, a first or upper second class honours degree. They will cover tuition fees and a maintenance award of not less than £14,553 per annum for three years. Applications are invited from UK, European Union and overseas students. Applicants with up to one year’s current or previous registration for PhD at any institution may be considered for an award subject to the applicant providing evidence of good academic progress, formal release from all IP restrictions and ethical approval (if required). Three-year awards may be allocated to such applicants where they are taking-up a new project at Ulster. Applicants should indicate in the appropriate area on their University application form that they wish to apply for a University Studentship/VCRS award. The closing date for receipt of applications will be 24 February 2017. Information on terms and conditions for VCRS awards, including eligibility, can be found here: VCRS Terms and Conditions for 2016/2017
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