PhD studentship (full-time or part-time)
Evidence-based Practice Research Centre (EPRC), Faculty of Health and Social Care, Edge Hill University and the Children’s Nursing Research Unit (CNRU), Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust
This PhD studentship (part or full time) is advertised to start in September 2013. The EPRC is an established research centre which collaboratively links with the Children’s Nursing Research Unit based at Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust. This studentship further develops the research work of members of the supervisory team and their expertise in researching children, young people and families and their engagement with health professionals and services. The student would be supervised by Dr Lucy Bray, Professor Barbara Jack and Professor Bernie Carter and would be based at Edge Hill University. This is an exciting opportunity for a student to undertake a PhD which links academic and professional issues, having a direct impact in the clinical context. The student would be part of an active PhD and postgraduate student community within both the University and the CNRU giving opportunities to share ideas, undergo training and gain support.
The Studentship Project
Health professionals are regularly required to carry out procedures and interventions with children and young people in hospital. These may be invasive and unpleasant and there are occasions when children and young people may be reluctant to co-operate and the intervention is clinically important to undertake. In these instances it may be necessary for them to be held in order for the procedure to be carried out safely and quickly. Very little, if any, reliable evidence exists which examines the decisions that health professionals make when faced with an intervention which needs to be carried out on a reluctant child or young person. Previous work has demonstrated practice based on local cultures and personal boundaries and beliefs; practice was not underpinned by evidence, policies, procedures or training. This qualitative study aims to better understand what influences the decisions, actions and inactions that health professionals choose when children and young people need to be held for procedures and interventions within a health care setting. The study will give the successful student the opportunity to develop skills in a range of qualitative research methods including observation within clinical settings and conducting qualitative interviews with health professionals. The project would develop evidence to inform the care of children and young people in a little researched area but one which underpins much of everyday clinical practice.
Specific Skills and Aptitudes
We are seeking an exceptional and self-motivated individual who wishes to develop their qualitative research skills and build a career in child health research. The studentship will be relevant to applicants from disciplines such as children’s nursing, health care, psychology and social sciences. Applicants should ideally have a good first degree and evidence of working at Master’s level. Experience of working within children’s services is highly desirable, as is previous experience or involvement with qualitative research. The successful candidate will require excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to engage and interact with children, young people and families. An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be required.
Financial Support
This studentship includes an academic fee waiver and support for training and conferences.
For further information or to discuss your application please contact Dr Lucy Bray (brayl@Edgehill.ac.uk) 01695 657231 or Professor Barbara Jack (jackb@edgehill.ac.uk).
How to Apply
Applicants must submit:
An academic curriculum vitae (including qualifications).
Two independent academic references using the form provided.
A completed application form.
A 500 word supporting statement. This should include information relating to your academic skills, interest in the research area and a clear rationale for applying for this PhD programme.
Please contact the Graduate School for an application form: graduateschool@edgehill.ac.uk
The deadline for applications is Wednesday 8th May 2013 at 5pm. Interviews are planned to take place on the 5th of June 2013.