PhD Studentship (3 years): Developing a Core Outcome Set for Hand Fractures and Joint Injuries

Short info about job

Detail information about job PhD Studentship (3 years): Developing a Core Outcome Set for Hand Fractures and Joint Injuries. Terms and conditions vacancy

Supervisors: Dr Alexia Karantana, Clinical Associate Professor in Hand Surgery; Professor Alan Montgomery, Professor of Medical Statistics and Clinical Trials; 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 the optimal treatment of common hand fractures and associated joint injuries. The diversity of such injuries treated by different treatment modalities, as well as the lack of consistency in outcome reporting and research methodological standards make any existing evidence difficult to interpret and apply to clinical practice. There is a pressing need for appropriate and relevant outcome assessment in this setting.

A core outcome set is an agreed minimum set of outcomes that should be measured and reported in all clinical trials of a specific disease, condition, or study population. The primary research question this work aims to address is what key health domains should be measured when considering the outcome of treatment of hand fractures and joint injuries. This should be underpinned by an understanding of what is important to patients.

The project could involve systematic review of existing outcome measures used in hand fracture trials, qualitative work with patients, patient and public involvement in research and consensus work involving patients, clinicians, and researchers.

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

• Systematic review of the literature
• Qualitative research methods
• Consensus methods
• Patient and public involvement in research

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.

The studentship would start April 2018 or earlier. The studentship includes payment of tuition fees at the Home/EU rate and a tax free stipend of £14,553 per annum. International students are welcome, but they have to self-fund the difference between the Home/EU and international fee.

Applicants must have at a minimum of 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 (e: [email protected] or t: 0115 8231115).

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 protected].

Applications will be accepted until 8:00a.m., 6 November 2017.

Interviews will take place on the 22 Nov 2017.