PhD - Defining the “good” consultation: what does it look like and how do we measure this?

Principal supervisor: Dr Liz Mossop, SVMS

Secondary Supervisors: Dr Rachel Dean SVMS, Dr Kate Cobb, SVMS

Background:
The School of Veterinary Medicine and Science at the University of Nottingham was established in 2006. The School undertakes research on many key aspects of companion animals and livestock health and production. Research at the School is integrated into the University structure with established world class research in biomedical sciences within the other University Schools. Research undertaken at the School is relevant to both Veterinary Medicine and Science and Comparative and Human Medicine. The diversity of research interests among academic members of staff, together with the collaborative nature of our research, extensive state-of-the-art research facilities and excellent technical expertise provided by skilled laboratory technicians and up to date information technology places us at the leading edge of veterinary research and development

Project description:
Defining the “good” consultation: what does it look like and how do we measure this?

This exciting PhD project will aim to identify important components of consultations that can be measured and may be used to assess and improve small animal consultations. It will be run in partnership with Onswitch, the veterinary marketing company. The study will involve data collection from clients, employers and veterinary surgeons to identify the important domains of consultations and what ‘novel’ measures could be used to assess success in these domains. This will be followed up by observation of a series of video recorded consultations to establish the feasibility of assessing a consult using the measures identified. A further validation process will then be undertaken via direct observation of consultations. The final stage of the project will develop a set of domains to provide learning outcomes for “core consultation” day one skills for veterinary graduates.

Eligibility


Further information and Application
Applicants should have a veterinary degree and be a Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and have experience of working in small animal practice. Previous research experience is useful but not essential.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to the supervisors: [Email Address Removed] or [Email Address Removed]

Candidates should apply online at http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/pgstudy/how-to-apply/apply-online.aspx and include a cv and covering letter. Any queries regarding the application process should be addressed to Postgraduate Admissions Officer, (email: [Email Address Removed])

Start Date:
Jan 1st 2016 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Closing date:
The position will be filled when suitable candidates have been identified. Early application is strongly encouraged.