An exploration of knowledge, attitudes and experience of palliative care among refugees living in the United Kingdom

Summary

Refugees often face discrimination, poor access to healthcare and increased risks of health inequalities when living in a new country. This research study will explore the knowledge and attitudes of refugees towards palliative care and healthcare professionals perceptions of their needs. Data will be collected through interviews with refugees and a national survey with healthcare professionals. Where available and necessary, interpreters will provide translation to support communication. This study will examine and make recommendations in relation to palliative care needs of refugees living in the UK.

Aim: To explore knowledge, attitudes and experiences towards palliative care among refugees in the UK

Objectives:

1. To complete a scoping review to identify refugees’ perspectives of facilitators and barriers to engaging with adult palliative care services in the UK

2.  To explore refugees’ knowledge,  attitude experiences towards palliative care

3. To examine healthcare professionals’ perceptions of the palliative care needs of adult refugees in the UK

4. To co-produce recommendations to improve refugees’ knowledge, attitudes and experiences towards palliative care and to address their palliative care needs.

Research Methodology:

Implementing the Levesque model of access to healthcare (Cu et al. 2021) within the context of the UK refugee population, this study will employ a multi-phase exploratory mixed methods design. This study will be conducted with refugees residing in the UK and healthcare professionals working with this population. Phase 1 will include a scoping review of facilitators and barriers to engagement with palliative care services (Objective 1). Phase 2 will comprise one-to-one interviews with refugees to explore their knowledge and attitudes to palliative care. This will include their ability to perceive, seek and reach palliative care services (Objective 2). Phase 3 will use a quantitative survey to examine healthcare providers’ perceptions of the palliative care needs of refugees in the UK This will include access, approachability and acceptability of palliative care services (Objective 3). Data will be analysed and integrated to give a better understanding of health inequalities with a focus on making recommendations to promote equitable access to palliative care services among refugees in the UK (Objective 4).

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.