​​Implementing and evaluating person-centred key performance indicators in nursing homes​

Apply and key information  

This project is funded by:

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

Summary

​​As the population ages, more older adults will receive care through long-term care settings. We are currently moving from a medical view of care towards a more person-centred approach to care, valuing the personhood of the individual and not just treating or managing a disease. However, the way in which we collect data to assess quality of care is still focused on the counting of negative events. Eight key performance indicators (KPIs) have been developed, underpinned by the Person-centred Practice Framework of McCormack and McCance (2017), which measure quality of nursing care, however, these have not yet been tested within nursing homes.

​The aim of the proposed research is to test eight KPIS, underpinned by the Person-centred practice framework, in nursing homes, to see if they can help drive improvements in practice.

​A case study design will be used to undertake this research. Organisational case studies will be undertaken in three nursing homes within the UK. As part of the case study, we will complete surveys, interviews, and focus groups with nursing home residents, relatives, and staff, to explore how the KPIs can be used in nursing homes to support the development of person-centred practice. We will collect data on how person-centred practice is currently being delivered, barriers and supports to person-centred practice, mechanisms for improving person-centred practice, and the role of the KPIs in achieving person-centred practice.

​By the end of this study we will have information from the perspectives of nursing home residents, relatives, and staff on how to use the KPIs as a way to improve person-centred practice, whilst recognising and addressing the barriers and supports available within the nursing home organisation. ​

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.

Recommended reading

​Belmonte, M., Grubanov-Boskovic, S., Natale, F., Conte, A., Belanger, A. and Sabourin, P. 2023 Demographic microsimulation of long-term care needs in the European Union, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg, doi:10.2760/373981, JRC135303.

​McCormack B. and McCance T. 2017 Person-Centred Nursing and Health Care: Theory and Practice. Wiley, Oxford

​WHO 2013 People-Centred Healthcare – A Policy Framework. Available at: https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/206971/9789290613176_eng.pdf?sequence=1 (Accessed: 10 October 2024)

​Yin, R. K. (2009). Case study research: Design and methods (Vol. 5). sage.​

The Doctoral College at Ulster University

Key dates

Submission deadline
Monday 3 February 2025
04:00PM

Interview Date
Week beginning 31st March 2025

Preferred student start date
15th September 2025

Applying

Apply Online  

Contact supervisor

Dr Deborah Muldrew

Other supervisors