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This project is funded by:
As cancer survivorship rates continue to improve (Cancer Research UK), there is an increased recognition of the longer term impact cancer diagnosis and treatment can have on mental and physical health (Brufsky et al, 2016; Spronk et al, 2018; Fallowfield et al, 2023). In addition, healthcare communication in this context has been shown to have a significant and lasting influence on the lived experience of those people living with and beyond their cancer diagnosis and treatment (Brom et al, 2015 and Fallowfield et al, 2023). There is a need to better understand how the quality of healthcare communication can be enhanced to reduce the risk of long-term, negative consequences on patient well-being. In addition, there is a recognition of the lack of healthcare professional provision and training specifically focused on those women who have been diagnosed with a secondary breast cancer (Brufsky et al, 2016 and Fallowfield et al, 2023).
The aim of the study is to explore the lived experience of women who have a diagnosis of secondary breast cancer, and the perceived quality and impact of communication with healthcare professionals. This funded PhD research study would be conducted in three phases: (1) a scoping review on the healthcare communication in secondary breast cancer within the wider multidisciplinary teams. (2) This phase would include qualitative interviews with women living with secondary breast cancer to explore their lived experience and shared commonality. And (3) would involve multi-site focus groups with HCPs working in the field of breast cancer to explore current training provision on healthcare communication in secondary breast cancer. Following analysis of all three phases, findings would be used to inform the development of regional guidance and supportive policies to develop healthcare communication training to improve practice for HCP working primarily with secondary breast cancer.
Please note, the successful candidate will be required to obtain AccessNI clearance prior to registration due to the nature of the project.
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.
If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.
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.
This project is funded by:
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.
Brom, L., De Snoo-Trimp, J., Onwuteake-Philipsen, B., Widdershoven, G., Stiggelbou, A., and Pasman, H. (2015) Challenges in shared decision making in advanced cancer care: a qualitative longitudinal observational and interview study, Health Expectations, 20, 69 – 84.
Brufsky, A., Ormerod, C., Dickson, R., Citron, M. (2016) Understanding the needs of patients with metastatic breast cancer: results of the ‘Make your Dialogue Count’ survey, The Breast Journal, 23 (1), 17 – 25.
Cancer Research UK (nd) Cancer survival for female cancers. London: Cancer Research UK. Available at: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/survival [Accessed 06 November 2023].
Fallowfield, L., Boyle, F., Travado, L., Kiely, B., Jewell, P., Aubel, D., and Cardoso, F. (2021) Gaps in care and support for patients with advanced breast cancer: a report from the Advance Breast Cancer Global Alliance, JCO Global Oncology, 7, 976 – 984.
Fallowfield, L, Starkings, R., Palmleri, C. Tait, A., Stephen, L., May, S., Habibi, R., Shilling, V., and Jenkins, V. (2023) Living with metastatic breast cancer (LIMBER): experiences, quality of life, gaps in information, care and support of patients in the UK, Supportive Care in Cancer, 31, 459.
Herring, B., Paraskeva, N., Tollow, P. and Harcourt, D. (2019) Women’s initial experiences of their appearance after mastectomy and/or breast reconstruction: a qualitative study. Psycho-Oncology, 28, 2076 – 2082.
Northern Ireland Breast Cancer Registry. (2018) Breast cancer in northern ireland. Available at: https://www.qub.ac.uk/research-centres [Accessed 06 November 2023].
Palmieri, C., Owide, J. and Fryer, K. (2022) Estimated prevalence of metastatic breast cancer in england, 2016-2021. JAMA Network Open, 5(12).
Rocque, G., Rasool, A., Williams, B., Wallace, A., Niranian, S., Halilova, K., Turkman, Y., Ingram, S., Williams, C., Forero-Torres, A., Smith, T., Bhatia, S., and Knight, S. (2019) what is important when making treatment decisions in metastatic breast cancer? A qualitative analysis of decision-making in patients and oncologists, The Oncologist, 24, 1313 – 1321.
Shiridzinomwa, C., Harding, S. and Harcourt, D. (2020) The role of body image in treatment decision-making and post-treatment regret following prostatectomy. British Journal of Nursing, 29 (18), S8 – S16.
Slatman, J., Halsema, A. and Meershoek, A. (2016) Responding to scars after breast surgery. Qualitative Health Research, 26 (12), 1614 – 1626.
Spronk, I., Burgers, J., Schellevis, F., van Vliet, L., and Korevaar, J. (2018) The availability and effectiveness of tools supporting shared decision making in metastatic breast cancer care: a review. BMC Palliative Care, 17, 74.
Submission deadline
Monday 3 February 2025
04:00PM
Interview Date
Week beginning 31st March 2025
Preferred student start date
15th September 2025
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