Positions vacant
PhD Studentship in the Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology
Patient Centred Outcomes Research (PCOR)
Faculty of Medicine and Health
University of Leeds
Living Better with Advanced Breast Cancer (LIBERATE): Symptom-reporting, self-management and signposting support for metastatic breast cancer
Supervisors: Dr Fiona Kennedy, Dr Kate Absolom, Dr Clare Harley, Professor Galina Velikova
Funding: Breast Cancer Now Studentship
Available to start October/November 2017
Interviews are likely to be mid/end September 2017
A PhD studentship is available (October/November 2017 start) for UK and EU citizens only. The studentship will attract an annual tax-free stipend of £14,296 for up to 3 years, subject to satisfactory progress and will cover the UK/EU tuition fees.
You should hold a first degree equivalent to at least a UK upper second class honours degree. A masters degree is desirable but not essential. This project would suit a student with a strong background in health psychology, health sciences or a related area, and additional experience of conducting research in a health-related discipline, for example previous research assistant experience, is highly desirable.
If you have already applied for this project previously and been shortlisted we will be unable to consider a new application from you.
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.
Research Project:
The Breast Cancer Research Gap Analysis highlighted the importance of focusing on living with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) and translating research into practice. Quality of life (QoL) is a major concern in MBC. Patients endure significant treatment side-effects for survival benefit, but often struggle with the management of chronic symptoms and issues, therefore a supportive resource would be valuable. This research will determine specific QoL issues and routes to support, and explore the feasibility of an online symptom-monitoring supportive intervention for MBC patients. We have an existing online platform that can be adapted for the proposed research project.
The PhD research will follow the MRC framework for developing complex interventions, using qualitative and quantitative approaches. A number of strands of work are anticipated:
- A systematic review will focus on QoL issues and online supportive resources for patients.
- Focused qualitative interviews with patients and clinicians will explore experiences of living with MBC.
- The content of the intervention will be determined via expert group consultation (oncologists, nurses, patient advocates, charities).
- Usability testing, followed by a feasibility study will explore the intervention amongst MBC patients in two different settings:
1) clinically-integrated group, whose data will be available for their clinicians via their electronic patient record (EPR);
2) an independent charity-recruited group whose data is not linked to their EPR.
The research will address key gaps in our knowledge of living with MBC, leading to the development and feasibility testing of an online intervention to support patients. This also supports the Gap Analysis and wider NHS recommendation to explore alternative, online self-management support services in cancer care.
Some travel within the UK may be required to conduct interviews.
References:
1. Velikova, G., et al., Measuring quality of life in routine oncology practice improves communication and patient well-being: a randomized controlled trial. J Clin Oncol, 2004. 22(4): p. 714-24.
2. Warrington, L., K. Absolom, and G. Velikova, Integrated care pathways for cancer survivors - a role for patient-reported outcome measures and health informatics. Acta Oncol, 2015. 54(5): p. 600-8.
Environment:
The student will be based in the Patient Reported Outcomes Group (POG), within the section of Patient Centred Outcomes Research (PCOR) at the University of Leeds. The research group, led by Professor Galina Velikova, is an international leader in the implementation of electronic patient reported outcome measures (ePROMs) assessment in routine oncology practice to support clinicians and inform patient care. The group has strong links with EORTC Quality of Life Group, NCRI Clinical Studies Groups, British Psychosocial Oncology Society and other international groups undertaking similar work.
The student will receive relevant research methods training within the group and through external courses. The student will work collaboratively with a number of key stakeholders on the project, including the support charity Breast Cancer Care, patient representatives and clinicians.
How to apply:
To apply for this scholarship applicants should complete a Faculty Scholarship Application form 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 fmhgrad@leeds.ac.uk
We also require 2 academic references to support your application. Please ask your referees to send these references on your behalf, directly to fmhgrad@leeds.ac.uk by no later than 16th September 2017
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 fmhgrad@leeds.ac.uk to inform us you would like to be considered for this scholarship project.
Any queries regarding the application process should be directed to fmhgrad@leeds.ac.uk
Closing date for this studentship is 11th September 2017
|
|
|
PhD Studentship in the Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology
Patient Centred Outcomes Research (PCOR)
Faculty of Medicine and Health
University of Leeds
Living Better with Advanced Breast Cancer (LIBERATE): Symptom-reporting, self-management and signposting support for metastatic breast cancer
Supervisors: Dr Fiona Kennedy, Dr Kate Absolom, Dr Clare Harley, Professor Galina Velikova
Funding: Breast Cancer Now Studentship
Available to start October/November 2017
Interviews are likely to be mid/end September 2017
A PhD studentship is available (October/November 2017 start) for UK and EU citizens only. The studentship will attract an annual tax-free stipend of £14,296 for up to 3 years, subject to satisfactory progress and will cover the UK/EU tuition fees.
You should hold a first degree equivalent to at least a UK upper second class honours degree. A masters degree is desirable but not essential. This project would suit a student with a strong background in health psychology, health sciences or a related area, and additional experience of conducting research in a health-related discipline, for example previous research assistant experience, is highly desirable.
If you have already applied for this project previously and been shortlisted we will be unable to consider a new application from you.
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.
Research Project:
The Breast Cancer Research Gap Analysis highlighted the importance of focusing on living with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) and translating research into practice. Quality of life (QoL) is a major concern in MBC. Patients endure significant treatment side-effects for survival benefit, but often struggle with the management of chronic symptoms and issues, therefore a supportive resource would be valuable. This research will determine specific QoL issues and routes to support, and explore the feasibility of an online symptom-monitoring supportive intervention for MBC patients. We have an existing online platform that can be adapted for the proposed research project.
The PhD research will follow the MRC framework for developing complex interventions, using qualitative and quantitative approaches. A number of strands of work are anticipated:
- A systematic review will focus on QoL issues and online supportive resources for patients.
- Focused qualitative interviews with patients and clinicians will explore experiences of living with MBC.
- The content of the intervention will be determined via expert group consultation (oncologists, nurses, patient advocates, charities).
- Usability testing, followed by a feasibility study will explore the intervention amongst MBC patients in two different settings:
1) clinically-integrated group, whose data will be available for their clinicians via their electronic patient record (EPR);
2) an independent charity-recruited group whose data is not linked to their EPR.
The research will address key gaps in our knowledge of living with MBC, leading to the development and feasibility testing of an online intervention to support patients. This also supports the Gap Analysis and wider NHS recommendation to explore alternative, online self-management support services in cancer care.
Some travel within the UK may be required to conduct interviews.
References:
1. Velikova, G., et al., Measuring quality of life in routine oncology practice improves communication and patient well-being: a randomized controlled trial. J Clin Oncol, 2004. 22(4): p. 714-24.
2. Warrington, L., K. Absolom, and G. Velikova, Integrated care pathways for cancer survivors - a role for patient-reported outcome measures and health informatics. Acta Oncol, 2015. 54(5): p. 600-8.
Environment:
The student will be based in the Patient Reported Outcomes Group (POG), within the section of Patient Centred Outcomes Research (PCOR) at the University of Leeds. The research group, led by Professor Galina Velikova, is an international leader in the implementation of electronic patient reported outcome measures (ePROMs) assessment in routine oncology practice to support clinicians and inform patient care. The group has strong links with EORTC Quality of Life Group, NCRI Clinical Studies Groups, British Psychosocial Oncology Society and other international groups undertaking similar work.
The student will receive relevant research methods training within the group and through external courses. The student will work collaboratively with a number of key stakeholders on the project, including the support charity Breast Cancer Care, patient representatives and clinicians.
How to apply:
To apply for this scholarship applicants should complete a Faculty Scholarship Application form 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 fmhgrad@leeds.ac.uk
We also require 2 academic references to support your application. Please ask your referees to send these references on your behalf, directly to fmhgrad@leeds.ac.uk by no later than 16th September 2017
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 fmhgrad@leeds.ac.uk to inform us you would like to be considered for this scholarship project.
Any queries regarding the application process should be directed to fmhgrad@leeds.ac.uk
Closing date for this studentship is 11th September 2017
