Making Every Contact Count: Investigating the Engagement of Pharmacists in Health Promotion Initiatives

Summary

This research project aims to explore the role of community pharmacists (CPs) and General Practice (GP) pharmacists in promoting healthy lifestyles through the Making Every Contact Count (MECC) initiative. MECC is a public health approach that encourages healthcare professionals to use routine interactions with patients as opportunities to discuss and support healthy choices, like quitting smoking, managing weight, or increasing physical activity. Pharmacists, who often see patients more frequently than doctors, are in an ideal position to help deliver this initiative.  However, little is known about how much CPs and GP pharmacists are currently involved in MECC, the depth of their engagement, or what factors make it easier or harder for them to participate.

This study will use a combination of surveys and interviews to understand the levels at which these pharmacists engage with patients in health promotion. We’ll look at whether they focus on quick advice and signposting or offer more in-depth support, and we’ll identify the main enablers and barriers they experience, like time, training, and organisational support.

The findings from this study will provide insights into how pharmacists can better support public health goals. By highlighting the challenges and opportunities in implementing MECC within pharmacy settings, we can inform future policies, training programs, and support structures that help pharmacists play a bigger role in preventive healthcare. Ultimately, this research could help reduce pressure on GPs, lower hospital admissions, and improve health outcomes across communities, supporting a healthier population and a more sustainable healthcare system.

Important Information: Applications for more than one PhD studentship are welcome, however if you apply for more than one PhD project within Biomedical Sciences, your first application on the system will be deemed your first-choice preference and further applications will be ordered based on the sequential time of submission. If you are successfully shortlisted, you will be interviewed only on your first-choice application and ranked accordingly. Those ranked highest will be offered a PhD studentship. In the situation where you are ranked highly and your first-choice project is already allocated to someone who was ranked higher than you, you may be offered your 2nd or 3rd choice project depending on the availability of this 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.

• 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
• Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
• Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications record appropriate to career stage
• Experience of presentation of research findings

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.