Exploration of the use of smartphone technology in personalised approaches to care in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Summary

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is one of the commonest Interstitial Lung Diseases (ILD), characterised by epithelial injury, fibroblast activation, aberrant repair and collagen deposition in the lung leading to progressive fibrosis and ultimately respiratory failure and death. IPF has an average life expectancy of 3-5 years, worst that most cancers, despite the advent of antifibrotic therapy that have been shown to reduce lung function decline.

Patients with pulmonary fibrosis (PF) have significant symptom burden as disease progresses, coupled with the potential side effects of antifibrotic this can negatively impact on quality of life. Due to the rarity of the disease patients often comment that healthcare professionals know little about the disease and thus rely heavily on their ILD specialists for advice and guidance.

Personalised medicine is a goal of PF management in response to symptoms and treatment outcomes. Smartphone technologies allow people to monitor their health more closely and may lend itself to a personalised approach in the management of PF. We hypothesise that smartphone technology can be successfully utilised by patients to develop self-management strategies and may alleviate symptom burden and side effects from medication to support adherence and compliance.

Objectives of the research

Aims:

The project will have a number of aims and provide the MRes with varied research skills.

Aim 1: To perform a PRISMA compliant systematic review of the role of smart Apps in monitoring respiratory diseases and PF. This will inform the student on the methodology and analysis for this project.

Aim 2: To explore the feasibility and uptake of whether smartphone technology can be used to monitor and track IPF patients' symptoms and outcomes of therapy, through focus groups of healthcare professionals and patients.

Methods to be used

• PRISMA compliant systematic review
• Setting up, organising and analysing focus groups

Skills required of applicant

• Good IT skills
• Ability to work as part of a team to conduct PRISMA compliant review
• Good communication skills Communication skills

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• A demonstrable interest in the research area associated with the studentship

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Use of personal initiative as evidenced by record of work above that normally expected at career stage.
• Applicants will be shortlisted if they have an average of 75% or greater in a first (honours) degree (or a GPA of 8.75/10). For applicants with a first degree average in the range of 70% to 74% (GPA 3.3): If they are undertaking an Masters, then the average of their first degree marks and their Masters marks will be used for shortlisting.
• Relevant professional qualification and/or a Degree in a Health or Health related area

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility