Investigating the barriers and facilitators to the prescribing and use of medicines in managing neuropathic pain

Neuropathic pain is estimated to affect 8% of the UK adult population (1). A variety of oral and topical medicines may be used alone or in combination including antidepressants, anticonvulsants, opioids and local anaesthetics. However, these agents may produce undesirable adverse outcomes for patients while a subset such as opioids, pregabalin and gabapentin may be associated with misuse (2-4). This range of undesirable outcomes may be more pronounced in certain vulnerable populations such as older patients or those with a history of substance misuse.

Epidemiological studies indicate that practices in the prescribing of neuropathic agents may be suboptimal and not in-line with clinical guidance resulting in inadequate or delayed pain control for patients (5, 6). A recent Public Health England advisory document highlighted significant disparities in the prescribing of such agents between the North and South of England, with a three times greater volume of prescriptions observed in the North of the country, the difference not entirely accounted for by social and demographic factors (7).

The aim of the PhD project is to identify those factors that inform and influence prescribing of medications used in the management of neuropathic pain. Exploration of these factors may aid in the identification of those factors that contribute to the disparity in prescribing practices observed at present in the UK. This PhD will use a mixed-methods approach; the candidate may be required to undertake quantitative data analysis, a systematic review, interviews or focus groups to answer the research question.

The School of Healthcare at the University of Leeds wants to support top-quality graduates to become leaders in shaping the health services of tomorrow. The excellence of our research has been recognised in the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF). 91% of our research activity is rated as ‘internationally excellent’ and the impact of our research in Healthcare is rated 4th in the UK. We have a vibrant postgraduate research culture, strong connections with health and social care organisations and excellent facilities for PhD students. Our PhD community is highly valued and supported by outstanding facilities, our specially designed PGR suite and our internationally renowned research academics.

Eligibility and How to Apply

This PhD enhanced scholarship is available for registered healthcare professionals (UK and EU citizens only). The start date for this scholarship is 1 October 2017.

We are looking for individuals, who are a registered healthcare professional, who want to work in partnership with us to grow our research community and research programmes. You should hold a first degree equivalent to at least a UK upper second class honours degree in a relevant subject.

Candidates whose first language is not English must provide evidence that their English language is sufficient to meet the specific demands of their study, the Faculty minimum requirements are:

• British Council IELTS - score of 6.5 overall, with no element less than 6.0
• TOEFL iBT - overall score of 92 with the listening and reading element no less than 21, writing element no less than 22 and the speaking element no less than 23.

To apply for this scholarship applicants should complete a Faculty Scholarship Application form using the link below http://medhealth.leeds.ac.uk/download/2376/fmh_scholarship_application_16_17_entry and send this alongside a full academic CV, broad research proposal (max 800 words) detailing how you might approach the topic and challenges that might need considering when conducting the research, degree transcripts (or marks so far if still studying) and degree certificates to the Faculty Graduate School [Email Address Removed]

We also require 2 academic references to support your application. Please ask your referees to send these references on your behalf, directly to [Email Address Removed] by no later than Monday 20 February 2017

If you have already applied for other scholarships using the Faculty Scholarship Application form you do not need to complete this form again. Instead you should email [Email Address Removed] to inform us you would like to be considered for this scholarship project and submit any additional supporting documentation.

Any enquiry regarding specific project information should be directed to [Email Address Removed] or contact Pat Saunders, School of Healthcare - Tel: 0113-343-1349.

Any queries regarding the application process should be directed to [Email Address Removed]

Closing date for this studentship is Monday 20 February 2017