MRes Scholarship: The application of Systems Thinking Approaches to the development of integrated care services for adults with complex care needs: a systematic review

Project ID: BUK2151
Annual Stipend: £11,472 tax free over 12 months
Application Deadline: 18th September 2018

Project Description:

This project presents an exciting opportunity to complete a fully funded, full-time one year Masters by Research (MRes). The starting date is 1st October 2018.

Integrated care is a policy priority and critical to the delivery of timely, effective support to individuals with complex needs. The 2014 Social Services and Wellbeing Act requires health and social care organisations to work more closely together to deliver support that is effectively co-ordinated across care settings. However, there are disparities between policy intentions and practice.

To provide integrated care, professionals need to think in different ways that prioritise peoples’ individual needs. This requires thinking beyond organisational roles and responsibilities and outside organisational boundaries. System Thinking Approaches are useful in this context. Although health and social care organisations have begun to engage with these approaches there is a lack of knowledge about the different theories, methods and tools and how they could be applied within and across organisations.

The project explores the complexities and dynamics of integrated care provision, with a particular focus on the application of Systems Thinking Approaches to underpin future service organisation and delivery models. Conducted in partnership with Gwynedd Local Authority the project will explore innovative, integrated approaches to supporting vulnerable adults. It involves:

o A systematic review of the existing evidence on Systems Thinking Approaches and their potential utility in informing service provision.
o A knowledge exchange workshop, which brings together key stakeholders to share and discuss the research findings and identify how the findings could be implemented into future practice.

The full time one year studentship (theses must be submitted a maximum of 3 months after the funded one year study period) includes a tax-free maintenance stipend of £11,472 for 12 months, with full-time fees paid and additional allowances. A requirement of the studentship is a 30-day placement with the partner company (Gwynedd Local Authority), during the period of the project. The achievement of a Postgraduate Skills Development Award (PSDA) is compulsory for each KESS 2 scholar. More information on the studentship and application process can be found at www.kess2.ac.uk

Qualifications and experience requirements for successful applicant:

The prospective applicant should have a minimum of a 1st or good 2:1 in a relevant degree, and be available to take up the studentship on 1st October 2018. He/she must be able to communicate effectively though the mediums of both Welsh and English.

The student will be based in the School of Healthcare Sciences at Bangor University, which offers a dynamic and exciting research environment. He or she will work closely with Mari Wynne Jones, Senior Manager (Adults) and other members of the company partner, Gwynedd Local Authority.

Informal inquiries about the project should be made to the project supervisors:

Diane Seddon, Reader in Social Care, School of Healthcare Sciences, Bangor University ([Email Address Removed]; telephone 01248 388 220)

Gill Toms, Research Development Officer, Wales School for Social Care Research, School of Healthcare Sciences, Bangor University ([Email Address Removed]; telephone 01248 388 463)

How to apply:

Applications should include a covering letter and CV with two named referees and a covering letter via email to Diane Seddon ([Email Address Removed]) and cc to Dr Penny Dowdney ([Email Address Removed]) by 17:00 on 18/09/18. We welcome applications in either English or Welsh.

Knowledge Economy Skills Scholarships (KESS 2) is a pan-Wales higher level skills initiative led by Bangor University on behalf of the HE sector in Wales. It is part funded by the Welsh Government’s European Social Fund (ESF) convergence programme for West Wales and the Valleys.

Due to ESF funding, eligibility restrictions apply to this scholarship. To be eligible, the successful candidate will need to be resident in the Convergence Area of Wales on University registration, and must have the right to work in the region on qualification.