PhD Research Studentship
School of Health and Life Sciences/Institute for Applied Health Research
Reference Number:
SHLS-146s
Studentship Project Title: Patient experience of isolation for infection prevention and control
in today's NHS
Applications are invited for a full-time or part- time PhD research studentship at Glasgow Caledonian
University within the School of Health & Life Sciences. If full-time 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]. If parttime the stipend will be pro-rata. Full-time students 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
Healthcare associated infection (HAI) is a public health threat with a prevalence of 4.9% of patients at
any one time in acute care having an HAI. One of the main infection prevention and control measures to
reduce risk of transmission of infection to others is to isolate the patient in a single room. The unintended
consequences of isolation on the patient’s wellbeing, sensory deprivation and experience of healthcare
have been reported. Changes to healthcare delivery models means that the reasons for isolation and
average length of isolation will have changed in the intervening period; since this work was carried out
more than two decades ago.
The aim of this research study is to describe the patient experience of being placed in isolation in today’s
NHS. This will include taking account of current care pathways and lengths of stay and the consequences
of this on the experience of isolation.
The research will result in establishing best care practices for patients in isolation as a result of HAI in
order to minimise any unintended consequences and improve the patient experience. It will also directly
inform national policy and infection and prevention and control practice with the NHS.
This studentship would suit a graduate from either the social sciences, nursing or professions allied to
healthcare.
Supervisory Team
Dr Kay Currie, (Director of studies), Professor Paul Flowers, Dr Lesley Price
Staff Contact
Dr Kay Currie, K.Currie@gcu.ac.uk
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How to Apply
Please see eligibility and how to apply at http://www.gcu.ac.uk/research/phdresearchopportunities/
Applicants should please complete the University Research Application Form and 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 Sunday 31st May 2015
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