The identification of predictors for inappropriate service users repeat referrals for cardiac investigations; and the development of an intervention to reduce misreferrals

Apply and key information

This project is funded by:

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

Summary

People who feel their heart beating faster and stronger than normal (palpitations) often are sent for tests on their heart. These tests try to find the cause of these fast heart beats so that these people can be treated with medication or procedures to correct the problem. The cause can be due to a problem with their heart itself, but often their heart is normal and no more tests are needed. Some of these people will still experience these fast heartbeats and will be incorrectly sent for repeat tests. We know that people with mental health problems like being anxiety can be the cause of this feeling of a faster and stronger heart beat. The European Heart Rhythm Association advises that for people with palpitations and signs of anxiety and depression, a particular therapy is needed. Evidence suggests that more than half of patients sent to heart clinics are incorrectly sent. We want to try and reduce the number of incorrect patients being sent for repeat tests by finding out what is causing them to be sent for these tests again and again. We also want to understand the way that these patients move through GP and hospital care, by understanding the features of these patients.

There are three parts to this study:

Looking at current evidence on this topic

Analysing data from these clinics over the last three years to understand the features of patients who are inappropriately sent to cardiology clinics

Interviewing key people involved in the process of these inappropriate referrals

We hope to use the evidence we find in this study to create an cost effective online support programme for these patients, in a future study.

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

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.

Masters at 65%
Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
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

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.

*Part time PhD scholarships may be available, based on 0.5 of the full time rate, and will require a six year registration period (individual project advertisements will note where part time options apply).

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.