The Evidence for Effective Care in the Treatment of Hand Fractures: Understanding Current Uncertainties in the Treatment of Common Hand Fractures

Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences – Academic Orthopaedics, Trauma and Sports Medicine
PhD Studentship (3 years)

The Evidence for Effective Care in the Treatment of Hand Fractures

Supervisors: Dr Alexia Karantana, Clinical Associate Professor in Hand Surgery; Prof Lelia Duley, Professor of Clinical Trials Research; Dr Paul Leighton, Senior Research Fellow in Qualitative Methods
Funded by: University of Nottingham

Project will be based in: The Centre for Evidence Based Hand Surgery (CEBHS), Academic Orthopaedics, Trauma and Sports Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham.

Project details: Hand fractures are the most common fractures in the body; they affect all ages and have a significant impact on patients and healthcare resources. Despite this, there is no consensus on optimal treatment of common hand fractures. The diversity of hand injuries treated by different treatment modalities, as well the lack of consistency in outcome reporting and research methodological standards make existing evidence difficult to interpret and apply to clinical practice.

The objectives will be to highlight and understand current uncertainties in the treatment of common hand fractures; to bring together and evaluate existing evidence for treatments; to explore stakeholder views and help plan future research.

The project involves the development and validation of a database of randomised controlled trials of the treatment of hand fractures, trial epidemiology work, conducting systematic reviews and qualitative work.

This project gives the successful applicant the opportunity to learn skills in:

* Systematic searching of a range of bibliographic databases and other sources

* Developing and validating an evidence database for open use

* Designing and conducting systematic reviews of randomised trials

* Randomised controlled trial methodology

* Patient and public involvement in research

* Qualitative research methods

This project will involve mixed methods; the successful candidate could come from a variety of backgrounds. They should be enthusiastic about the topic, resilient, self-motivated and a team player willing to work hard.

Applicants must have at a minimum a UK 2.1 degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline. A relevant Master’s degree and/or relevant clinical or other work experience would be an advantage (not essential).

Informal enquiries can be addressed to Alexia Karantana: ([Email Address Removed])

To apply, students should send a covering letter explaining why they would like the opportunity to study for this PhD and include a CV, an academic transcript and the names and addresses of two academic referees to [Email Address Removed]


Interviews will take place on the 22 May 2017