PhD Opportunity: Assessing Acceptability of Health Interventions with the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability

In the realm of healthcare, producing interventions which are each efficient and acceptable to sufferers and suppliers is paramount. However, there are at present no dependable, evidence-based quantitative strategies for assessing the acceptability of these interventions. The Theoretical Framework of Acceptability (TFA) and its accompanying questionnaire (TFA-Q), developed by Dr. Mandeep Sekhon, have grow to be broadly used instruments on this space. Despite their recognition, the TFA-Q has not but been psychometrically examined, nor does it specify thresholds for acceptability.

Research Focus

Building on the TFA, this PhD mission goals to:

• Review the proof supporting the use of the TFA in assessing healthcare intervention acceptability
• Refine and psychometrically check the TFA-Q throughout varied long-term well being circumstances
• Develop suggestions for utilizing the validated TFA-Q in each apply and analysis settings

By validating the TFA-Q, researchers can higher assess intervention acceptability throughout a number of domains (e.g., burden, self-efficacy). This will assist determine areas the place interventions might be refined to boost acceptability, maximize affected person adherence, and finally enhance therapy outcomes.

Research Environment

The profitable PhD candidate will be a part of the Prevention, Healthcare, and Rehabilitation part, working alongside a distinguished and quickly rising crew of well being psychologists, implementation scientists, educational clinicians, and allied healthcare professionals. The crew’s analysis encompasses:

• Disease prevention (together with conduct change trials)
• Mental well being analysis
• Primary care analysis
• Evidence-based healthcare
• Rehabilitation and administration of long-term circumstances
• Personalized self-management help

Skills Development

The PhD candidate will purchase a complete talent set, together with:

• Systematic proof syntheses
• Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement
• Qualitative strategies (e.g., semi-structured interviews, focus teams, thematic evaluation, framework evaluation)
• Quantitative strategies (e.g., psychometric testing, COSMIN Guidelines)
• Co-design strategies (e.g., participatory workshops)
• Implementation science strategies (e.g., engagement with the Implementation Science theme inside the NIHR ARC South London)

Entry Requirements

Essential:

• An undergraduate diploma (or equal qualification gained exterior the UK) in a related space, anticipated by April 2025
• Preferably a 1st or 2.1 Honours undergraduate diploma in Psychology or well being/medical-related sciences
• Applicants with a 2.2 undergraduate diploma (or equal) ought to clearly exhibit their related expertise, expertise, and suitability for endeavor a PhD

Desirable:

• A postgraduate diploma (e.g., Masters, MPhil), significantly in a mixed-methods topic, is advantageous however not required

Funding

This home studentship offers funding for 3 years of full-time study, protecting home tuition charges and a tax-free stipend in line with UKRI charges.

How to apply

Key Dates:

• Application Deadline: Monday, March 3
• Interview Week: Beginning Monday, March 17, 2025

Successful candidates will obtain a verbal provide, adopted by a proper provide letter and a registration pack with becoming a member of info. Unsuccessful candidates will probably be notified of the final result and might request suggestions if desired.

 

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