ESRC CASE (collaborating partner NHS 24) PhD Studentship
University of Edinburgh, Health Sciences, Centre for Research on Families and Relationships/Centre for Population

Calling NHS 24: an exploration of illness behaviour amongst patients using the service

Applications are invited for this fully funded, full-time Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) CASE studentship commencing 1st October.  The project will explore illness behaviour amongst people with self-limiting conditions who telephone NHS 24. NHS 24 provides comprehensive health information and self care advice for people in Scotland (www.nhs24.com).

Using qualitative and quantitative methods the project will examine:
. How patients make decisions regarding symptoms in themselves or for
those they are caring for?
. What their expectations are regarding health professional advice
obtained by telephone?
. What factors led to their most recent NHS 24 call?
. What differences are there in terms of gender, age, and region?
. How do patients experience NHS 24 input and their own self-care?
. Whether the relationship between the popular and professional
sectors of health care is being realigned?

The project will be supervised by Professor Sarah Cunningham-Burley (CRFR and CHPS), Dr Brian McKinstry (CPHS) and Michelle Jamieson (NHS 24).   The Centre for Research on Families and Relationships (www.crfr.ac.uk) has a thriving postgraduate research community and close links with the Centre for Population Health Sciences and the Division of Community Health Sciences (www.chs.med.ed.ac.uk).

Applicants must have achieved a 2:1 or higher in their first degree, preferably in a social science subject, and have some experience or interest in health research.  Although an MSc in Social Research is offered as the +1 of this studentship, applications from those who already have ESRC recognised advanced training or its equivalent are particularly encouraged.


The award provides an enhanced maintenance grant (£15590) and full fees. Students must meet the ESRC's academic and UK residential eligibility requirements.  See www.esrc.ac.uk.

To apply please submit the following:
. A cover letter outlining your interest in and suitability for this
project
. An up to date CV
. Two academic referees
. Degree certificate/transcript (notarised copies are acceptable).

Please send your application to Vivien M Smith, CRFR Business Manager, 23 Buccleuch Place, Edinburgh, EH8 9LN (Vivien.Smith@ed.ac.uk) by the closing date of Friday 6th August 2010.  Interviews for shortlisted applicants will be held on Wednesday 25th August 2010.  Informal inquiries can be made to Sarah Cunningham-Burley (sarah.c.burley@ed.ac.uk) before 30th July 2010.

http://www.esrcsocietytoday.ac.uk/esrcinfocentre/opportunities/postgraduate/pgtrainingpolicy/index4.aspx