Promoting and supporting safety in the context of childhood long-term conditions

The rising prevalence of childhood long-term health conditions, the emphasis on self-management and the need to contain costs has led to the transfer of roles and responsibilities from health care professionals to families. This includes responsibilities for monitoring health; managing medications, treatment regimens and life sustaining technology; and, in the case of personal health budgets, organising and managing services. To date this shift in roles, responsibilities and relationships has been inadequately examined in relation to patient safety. This is a significant omission given the increasing complexity of healthcare needs, a fragmented care system and rapid e-health developments (e.g. personal health apps) which may create additional risks for this vulnerable group and compromise health outcomes.

This study will examine how children/young people, parents and care professionals perceive, monitor and manage safety with the aim of co-designing tools to support the promotion and improvement of safety. In the first year of the project the student will conduct a literature review to refine the study and will commence the project set-up. In the second year the student will conduct interviews with families and health/social care professionals and co-design patient safety tools with key stakeholders. The third year will focus on thesis preparation, writing journal papers and other dissemination activities. The successful student will have the opportunity to develop the project in relation to their own interests with supervisory guidance.

Training will be provided consonant with the student’s previous research training and skills. The student will be provided with a mix of generic training around research design, as well as bespoke research methods training specific to the project as it develops. In addition, all PhD students in the Faculty can take part in formal training and development provided by the Faculty and University’s Doctoral College.

Candidates are expected to hold, or be about to obtain, a minimum upper-second (or equivalent) undergraduate degree in the social sciences, health sciences or related areas. A related Masters qualification with a significant element of health/social research training methods and/or substantial (>2 years) research experience would be desirable.

The successful candidate will be expected to have a passion for working in research and a keen interest in family/child health and safety issues in healthcare. A good understanding of the UK NHS and of childhood long-term conditions is welcome but not essential.

Applications are welcome from UK/EU nationals only. For information on how to apply for this project, please visit the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health Doctoral Academy website (https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/apply/).

Informal enquiries may be made directly to the primary supervisor ([Email Address Removed]).