PhD Studentship: Implementation of standing frame provision across the NHS; A mixed methods, co-design project

DoS: Dr Rachel Dennett rachel.dennett@plymouth.ac.uk, tel.: +44 1752 588833

2^nd Supervisor: Prof Jenny Freeman jenny.freeman@plymouth.ac.uk, tel.: +44 1752 588835)

3^rd Supervisor: Dr Tom Thompson tom.thompson@plymouth.ac.uk, tel.: +44 7917 832537)

Applications are invited for a three-year PhD studentship. The studentship will start on 01/10/2025.

Project Description

Increasing physical activity can improve a range of symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) and reduce secondary health problems and socio-economic costs. However, being physically active can be challenging for some people with MS, especially when mobility and balance are poor. Regular standing in specially designed frames has the potential to address this. Standing frames enable people with weakness and/or poor balance to stand upright by supporting them safely and allowing them to exercise in a way that is not possible when seated. Our randomised controlled trial with an embedded qualitative component evaluated the clinical and cost-effectiveness of self-managed, home-based standing frames. It found that regular standing in the frame significantly increased motor function in people with moderate/severe MS and was cost effective. Standing gave people a sense of normality; they “felt more like their old selves”. However, subsequent discussions with stakeholders highlighted barriers to providing standing frames within the NHS and many people with MS were not aware of the equipment or how it could help. This studentship will aim to develop and evaluate a toolkit of resources to support NHS organisations to initiate/develop their standing frame provision in collaboration with stakeholders, PPIE, and the supervisory team.

Project objectives:

1. Plan and conduct stakeholder events to co-produce a toolkit to support the implementation of standing frame provision.
2. Implement and evaluate the impact of using the toolkit on standing frame provision at the pilot site.
3. Implement the toolkit at 2-3 further NHS sites.
4. Disseminate findings.

Eligibility

Applicants should have a relevant Master’s qualification.

If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum English requirements for the programme, IELTS Academic score of 6.5 (with no less than 5.5 in each component test area) or equivalent.

The studentship is supported for 3 years and includes full Home tuition fees plus a stipend of £18,655 per annum 2024/25 rate (2025/26 rates TBC). The studentship will only fully fund those applicants who are eligible for Home fees with relevant qualifications.  Applicants normally required to cover International fees will have to cover the difference between the Home and the International tuition fee rates.

There is no additional funding available to cover NHS Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) costs, visa costs, flights etc.

NB: The studentship is supported for three years of the four-year registration period. The fourth year is a self-funded ‘writing-up’ year.

If you wish to discuss this project further informally, please contact:

Dr Rachel Dennett rachel.dennett@plymouth.ac.uk.

To apply for this position please visit click on the Apply button above.

Please see here for a list of supporting documents to upload with your application.

This vacancy will involve working with children and/or vulnerable adults and any appointment will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

The closing date for applications is Thursday 10^th April 2025.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview shortly after the closing date.

Interviews will be held on Thursday 1^st May 2025.

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