PhD Studentship in Applied Health Research: Haemodialysis and Fistuloplasty: Patient Experience and Clinical Outcomes

Supervisors:  

Dr Amelia Hollywood and Dr Nilesh Patel (University of Reading).

Dr Farhan Ahmad and Dr James Watchorn (Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust).

Project Overview:  Approximately 1.5 million people globally undergo lifesaving haemodialysis for end-stage renal disease. Haemodialysis requires reliable high flow vascular access enabling blood to circulate between patient and dialysis machine. The most common method for haemodialysis is arteriovenous fistula (AVF) formation which is created surgically by joining an artery to a nearby vein in the arm. The creation and maintenance of AVF is a major challenge. Approximately one third of all AVF never mature sufficiently to provide reliable dialysis access. Within 2 years of successful maturation, around one-half of AVF fail and/or require intervention to treat a progressive stenosis. Fistuloplasty is the treatment of choice for fistula stenoses and is undertaken within Interventional Radiology. While this is an effective treatment in improving flow it can require frequent re-intervention. Fistuloplasty is also often painful, carries a small risk of complication including fistula failure and has economic and resource implications.

The aim of this research is to examine the patient experience of undergoing fistuloplasty, explore predictors of fistula formation and apply these findings to support patients living with a fistula to promote successful outcomes.

This PhD will be based in the Reading School of Pharmacy. The department is a collaborative environment with an excellence for research, as well as opportunities for training, allowing you to flourish as part of a large and vibrant community. You'll receive support from our Department and the Graduate School, which is the University of Reading's hub for doctoral activity. The student will also be based within the University Departments of Radiology and Nephrology at the Royal Berkshire Hospital. This PhD offers an exciting opportunity to gain experience within a busy clinical and research active healthcare setting and positively affect the experience of patients.

Eligibility: 

• Applicants should hold or expect to gain a minimum of a 2:1 Bachelor Degree or equivalent in an applied health subject (e.g. pharmacy, psychology, nursing or physician associate studies).
• Due to restrictions on the funding this studentship is only open to UK applicants.

Funding Details:   

• Starts October 2024.
• 3-year award.
• Funding covers full tuition fees plus UKRI stipend.

How to apply:  

To apply click 'Apply' and create your account, and use the link sent by email to start the application process.

During the application process please select the PhD in Applied Health Research.

*Important notes*

1. Please quote the reference ‘DRC24-096’ in the ‘Scholarships applied for’ box which appears within the Funding Section of your on-line application.
2. If the application system prompts you to submit a research proposal, please paste in the project title and move on to the next step in the application.

Application Deadline: Monday 5th August 2024 by 5pm.

Interview date: Tuesday 27th August 2024.

Further Enquiries:  

Please note that, where a candidate is successful in being awarded funding, this will be confirmed via a formal studentship award letter; this will be provided separately from any Offer of Admission and will be subject to standard checks for eligibility and other criteria. 

For further details please contact Dr Amelia Hollywood (email: A.Hollywood@reading.ac.uk)

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