Co-production of a pharmacy-delivered very brief intervention to address physical activity, sedentary behaviour and other lifestyle behaviours

Summary

Being physically active offers various health benefits. Healthcare providers’, such as pharmacists, have an important role in promoting healthy lifestyle behaviours. However, with time and resource issues, there is a need to develop effective very brief interventions (VBIs; <5 minutes) to help combat these issues.

Current research gaps include a lack of healthy lifestyle interventions with transferability to real-world practice. VBI interventions delivered by community and GP pharmacists are also currently lacking. With growing recognition of physical activity’s role with regards to communicable disease and vaccination, pharmacy could offer a fruitful setting to confer this message. With growing evidence on the effects of sedentary behaviour on health, there is a need to understand the potential utility of promoting the “sit less” message within pharmacy. Finally, understanding optimal methods of co-producing, ensuring stakeholder buy-in and implementation of VBIs is required.

The project aims to develop and co-produce a pharmacy-delivered VBI related to physical activity, sedentary behaviour and other lifestyle behaviours. Objectives are to:

1. To  explore the use and implementation of VBIs to promote healthy lifestyle  behaviours in healthcare settings by conducting a comprehensive literature review.
2. To  co-produce a VBI intervention, along with a theory of change, in relation to  promoting physical activity, sedentary behaviour and other lifestyle  behaviours with community / GP pharmacists and managers.
3. To  pilot the co-produced VBI intervention in relation to promoting physical  activity, sedentary behaviour and other lifestyle behaviours in community / GP  pharmacy, to evaluate the effectiveness and implementation factors at  individual, interpersonal, organisational and systems levels.

This PhD project would suit a graduate from Sport and Exercise Sciences, Public Health, Psychology, Pharmacy or a related area. Applicants should have some experience of conducting qualitative research. The ability to communicate clearly and effectively through oral and written means is also desirable.

AccessNI clearance required

Please note, the successful candidate will be required to obtain AccessNI clearance prior to registration due to the nature of the project.

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
• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement

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
• Masters at 65%
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications - peer-reviewed

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

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)
• Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)

Our fully funded PhD scholarships will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £19,237 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £900 per annum is also available.

These scholarships, funded via the Department for the Economy (DfE) and the Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships (VCRS), are open to applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.