UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER – FUNDED PHD STUDENTSHIPS 2009/10 – MEDICAL/NURSING/HUMAN SCIENCES
Strategic PhD Studentship 2009/10
School of Nursing, Midwifery & Social Work – Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences
The School of Nursing, Midwifery & Social Work invites applications for a prestigious PhD studentship commencing in October 2009. Funding will provide full support for the UK/EU tuition fee and a tax-free annual stipend of £13,290.
As life expectancy for people with cystic fibrosis (CF) increases, so does their risk of CF related diabetes (CFRD), with an estimated 25% developing CFRD after age 20. Both CF and CFRD require individuals to monitor and manage their conditions for optimal well-being and to prevent complications. Outside of specialist centres there is little information available on CFRD. In addition, patients can find it difficult to garner support from peers with the condition due to the risk of cross-infection, which means people with CF are prohibited from interaction with others who have this multi-system disease.
This project would explore information and support needs from the perspectives of patients with CFRD and their relatives, and healthcare providers’ views of information and support requirements for this population. As well as looking at needs, it would examine the feasibility and acceptability of using web-based technology for this group to overcome the isolation and lack of knowledge they have expressed in previous research. It is anticipated that the project would form the basis of a post-doctoral application for the successful candidate (once they had completed the PhD) to develop, and test for its effectiveness, a web-based, interactive resource for individuals with CFRD and their relatives.
The successful candidate would develop and use qualitative research techniques. They would learn how to obtain, analyse and use qualitative data for changing practice, and how to develop healthcare material for the web. On completion, it is anticipated that the candidate would apply for a postdoctoral fellowship (e.g. from the MRC or NIHR) to develop the online resource and to evaluate its effectiveness.
Eligibility: Applications are welcomed from candidates holding, or expecting to obtain, a first or upper second-class honours degree in a relevant subject such as nursing, psychology, sociology, computer studies or informatics. A Masters in an associated area and knowledge of developing materials for the web are desirable characteristics but not essential.
This project is one of a number of fully-funded PhD studentships available under the Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences Strategic Studentship scheme.
Details on Project: www.mhs.manchester.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/funding/facultystudentships/
Application Deadline: Friday 28 November 2008
More Details: Email your queries to mcdeaton(AT)manchester.ac.uk
Source: www.nursing.manchester.ac.uk
