PhD Studentship - Integrated Care Systems: Can they Reduce Health Inequalities for Patients with Advanced Disease?

About this project

Integrated care systems (ICSs) are a new partnership of organisations that come together to plan and deliver joined-up health and care services. They have been tasked with reducing health inequalities. In England, 42 ICSs have now been constituted into statutory arrangements since 1^st July 2022; and in this region, the ICS is Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership. This PhD will deliver England-wide national research into the methods required to effectively deliver integrated care to reduce inequalities. The exciting PhD comprises several inter-related components; (i) a systematic review of evidence on approaches taken by systems to reduce inequalities; (ii) mapping concepts of integration through documentary analysis of publicly available ICS strategies and plans and (iii) a modified ethnography to study the developing culture and impact on inequalities, within at least two ICSs (including Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership) through participant and non-participant observation, documentary reviews and discussions (observing, reflecting, building, testing theory).

For informal inquiries, please contact:

Dr Joanne Cairns, Email Joanne.Cairns@hyms.ac.uk

About the research cluster / about the research environment

This PhD cluster comprises four cross-Faculty inter-linked PhD scholarships, to address health inequalities in advanced illness at regional, national, and international levels. In the United Kingdom, demographic changes mean the proportion of older people is growing fast, with a rapid increase in the number of people living with advanced illnesses, including long-term conditions, complex multi-morbidities, and frailty. 

Funding

• The successful applicant will receive a fee waiver and a maintenance grant / stipend for three years (full-time) or five years (part-time), which covers the research period of the PhD. The fee waiver for 22/23 is £4,596 (Home fee) and the maintenance grant is £17,668 per annum. This rises each year in line with the UKRI’s recommended stipend allowance.

• If you need to move into a fourth year (full-time) or sixth year (part-time) to complete your thesis, please note that you will not receive a tuition fee waiver or maintenance grant during this period and you will be required to pay a continuation fee.

Submission of thesis

Submission of your final thesis is expected within three years and three months from the start of your PhD scholarship for full-time and within five years and six months if studying part-time.

Eligibility and entry requirements

Applicants should have a minimum 2:1 degree in a health, social care or social science-related subject. A taught MSc or Masters by Research (MRes) in a relevant subject would be an advantage.

International applicants

This opportunity comes with a Home fee waiver only, which will not cover the full International fee. You will therefore need to pay the difference between the Home fee and the International fee and will need to provide evidence that you have sufficient funds to cover this.

How to apply

Applications are via the University of Hull webpage

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