Co-production in research: using the exemplar of self-management for urinary incontinence in older women

User involvement in research is high on the NHS agenda, however, the level of involvement is variable ranging from users contributing to all stages of a research project to a more tokenistic role. ‘Co-production’ seeks to address these issues by promoting the active input by the people who use services and resources, as well as – or instead of – those who have traditionally provided them. This innovative project will actively use a co-production model of research using the exemplar of self-management of incontinence in older women. There is a currently a dearth of evidence-based, targeted interventions to promote and support effective development of self-management, communication and decision making skills and knowledge in older women who suffer with urinary incontinence. The proposed project aims to address this gap.

This project may involve a number of phases including a synthesis of the literature to identify current management, treatment and self-management options available for women. In addition, the current state of evidence relating to co-production and the various models used in research will be addressed. In-depth interviews with women and key stakeholders, using qualitative methods, will explore what women want and what they would be prepared to accept in terms of self-management strategies and the resources needed to support this. The PhD studentship is part of a larger study which will seek to develop and test a self-management package tailored for older women who suffer with incontinence.

This studentship is available for UK and EU citizens only. You should hold a first degree equivalent to at least a UK upper second class honours degree in a relevant subject.

Candidate 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.

Please note the closing date for receipt of fully completed applications submitted to the faculty is midday on Monday 29th February 2016.

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, 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 29 February 2016.

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.

As a first point of enquiry for students who wish to consider postgraduate research study in the School, please email Pat Saunders (Student Education Services, School of Healthcare) [Email Address Removed]