University PhD Research Studentship
School of Health & Life Sciences/Institute for Applied Health Research
Reference Number: SHLS-103S
Studentship Project Title: Exploring the patient experience of being screened and placed in isolation
for CPE colonisation or infection
Applications are invited for a full-time PhD research studentship at Glasgow Caledonian University within
the School of Health & Life Sciences. The studentship is for a period of three years, subject to satisfactory
progress and provides payment of tuition fees at the UK/EU rate plus an annual stipend of £14,800
[please note that students from outside the EU are required to pay the difference between International
and EU fees, currently this would amount to £7,100 per annum]. The successful candidate will carry out
up to 6 hours of academic-related work per week as part of their research training.
Research Theme
Public Health
Research Project Summary
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is identified by the World Health Organization as a major threat to global
health; Carbapenemase Producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) are one such type of antibiotic resistant
bacteria. They will represent a major challenge to health and health care across the next decade.
Currently, the prevalence of CPE is low in the UK but rising globally. Current infection prevention
guidelines indicate clinical risk assessment of all hospital admissions, identifying those at high risk of
being colonized or infected by CPE, placing those patients in an isolation room and screening them for
the bacteria via rectal swab.
As there is no effective treatment for CPE, these screening and isolation measures are for the protection
of other hospital patients rather than the benefit of the affected individual. The acceptability of this model
of care for both patients and health care professionals demands further inquiry. Current evidence related
to the use of isolation in other conditions highlights many difficulties. This PhD opportunity represents
the first of its kind within the UK/Europe and represents the start of a portfolio of work which will have
major impact on the patient experience, service delivery and future policy. As the number of affected
individuals is likely to increase, it is important to understand patient perspectives of this intervention in
order to develop patient centred, evidenced based guidelines.
The aim of this study is to undertake an in-depth qualitative investigation into the experience of NHS
patients, and perhaps their carers, who have been screened and placed in isolation for CPE colonization
or infection. The supervisory team can provide a range of expert support across disciplines (nursing,
psychology, sociology) and across methods (e.g., grounded theory, IPA, thematic analysis). It would also
be possible for the student to use the facilities of GCU London to enable data collection in areas with a
high prevalence of CPE across the UK.
Supervisory Team
Dr Kay Currie, (Director of studies), Professor Paul Flowers, Professor Jacqui Reilly
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Staff Contact
Dr Kay Currie, K.Currie@gcu.ac.uk
How to Apply
Applicants should complete the University Research Application Form, available from:
http://www.gcu.ac.uk/research/phdresearchopportunities/
Please send the form, stating the studentship project title and reference number, with a CV, copies of
academic qualifications, references, and any other required documentation to:
researchapplications@gcu.ac.uk
The closing date for applications is Monday 13 April 2015
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