Developing an arts intervention with patients who have end stage kidney disease and are receiving haemodialysis

Proposed Supervisors: Dr H Noble and Dr J Reid (Nurs)

Background: Arts in healthcare brings to bear a significant evidence base to demonstrate the benefits of the arts for individuals living with chronic and life-limiting conditions, such as those with end-stage renal disease (ESKD). Cultural activities and creative engagement, such as engagement in music, art, dance, or creative writing promote a sense of well-being and improvement in perceived quality of life such as reduction of use of pain medication and reduction of physical and psychological symptoms. Academics at QUB have been working closely with renal clinicians and people with renal disease to develop a programme of research aimed at improving the physical and psychological quality of life of those with renal disease. A more recent collaboration has been between academics, service users, clinicians, and artists. This ‘Renal Arts Group’ was awarded ESRC Northern Ireland Festival of Social Science funding and a small grant from the British Kidney Patient Association.

Aim: To develop, test and explore the acceptability of an evidence based arts intervention for people with end stage kidney disease receiving haemodialysis.

Methods: This mixed methods study will follow the six essential Steps for Quality Intervention Development (6SQuID), defining the problem, clarifying causal and contextual factors, identifying and delivering change mechanisms and testing and refining the intervention. The student will become a member of the Renal Arts Group which will act as an interdisciplinary team of practitioners, researchers, service users and policymakers.

Conclusion: Through this innovative study sufficient evidence of effectiveness will be sought to justify rigorous evaluation and implementation of the intervention to people with end-stage kidney disease on dialysis globally.

If you wish to be considered for a studentship, please complete the following two steps:

1. Email an up to date CV and a covering letter explaining why you want to undertake a PhD in the School of Nursing and Midwifery to Sean Morrison at [Email Address Removed].
2. Complete the online application by clicking here: http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/MRCI/admissions/PostgraduateAdmissions/ApplyingtoQueens/ApplyingforPostgraduateStudy/ for the QUB Postgraduate Applications Portal.

The closing date for applications is Friday 05 May 2017. Interviews for shortlisted candidates are expected to take place the week commencing 15 May.