About the Project
A 3-year PhD Studentship funded by the 2017 UCL Rosetrees / Stoneygate award, is available within the Infection, Immunity and Inflammation programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health under the supervision of Professor Eleanor Main, and Dr Harriet Shannon. The post is available from 1st May 2018 to 30th April 2021.
The purpose of the proposed investigation:
We have developed innovative technology including 1) passive remote capture and transmission of daily longitudinal data on airway clearance techniques (ACTs) and activity monitoring for children with CF (using chipped devices and wearable activity trackers) and 2) computer games to enhance ACTs engagement, driven by electronic signals generated during breathing. This PhD studentship will undertake a clinical, analytic longitudinal observational cohort study (using remote monitoring) to quantify relationships between clinical outcomes and adherence to ACTs and exercise in children with CF.
The successful candidate may expect to 1) recruit children with CF to this study from the greater London area, with daily data capture over 18 months 2) reconcile daily longitudinal data (ACTs and physical activity/exercise captured remotely) with patients’ demographics and longitudinal clinical records, 3) use big data analysis including regression modelling, data visualisation and machine learning techniques to identify positive and negative clinical outcome predictors. Computer gaming will be introduced and removed (interrupted time series design) to evaluate the effect of gaming on ACT adherence and clinical outcomes.
The primary research questions addressed within this PhD may include:
1. The proportionate impact of adherence with prescribed ACTs and exercise on clinical outcomes
2. The specific impact of gaming during ACTs on adherence and the impact on clinical outcomes
3. Which particular ACT technique is associated with the best clinical outcomes
4. The minimum effective dose of ACT treatments and exercise
5. The proportionate benefit of ACTs versus exercise on clinical outcomes for individual children
Project Description (see https://www.ucl.ac.uk/ich/education/fellowships-studentships/phd-studentships/phd-studentships-2017-18/projdesc-emain)
The Applicant:
The project would be suitable for a qualified physiotherapist or recognised professional in a relevant field allied to health and medicine, with an MSc or BSc. Applicants with a BSc should have a first class honours or an upper second class degree, and should be ordinarily resident in the UK or EU. Applicants must have experience in physiotherapy or exercise management of people with cystic fibrosis and possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to manage and coordinate the research programmes and methodologies. It is particularly important, due to the highly collaborative nature of the project, that applicants have the ability to communicate data and ideas effectively in both verbal and written forms, manage research and administrative activities, be able to liaise with the partnership groups, participate in internal and external networks for the exchange of information and collaboration, actively participate as a member of a research team and engage in continuous professional development.
Prior experience in physiotherapy, exercise physiology, behaviour change and experimental design and methodology will be an advantage. The student will receive a starting stipend of £24,000 per annum as well as the cost of tuition fees at the UK/EU rate.
To apply, please send a current CV including the contact details of two professional referees as well as a cover letter to Elena Paci (email [Email Address Removed]). Enquires can be made to Eleanor Main (email [Email Address Removed]).
Deadline for receipt of applications: Friday 22nd January 2018
Interview Date: 31st January 2018 (Date to be confirmed)
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