Research Students (K-Z)
Current Research Students:
- Joanne Mayoh
Programme - PhD
Title - Navigating the maze of online health information: the experience of people with chronic health conditions.
Brief - My research focuses on the politically relevant phenomena of the ‘Informed Patient’ and attempts to discuss how members of the public make use of the internet and electronic information sources when making choices about their health and treatment regimes. This research will be conducted under the supervision of Dr. Carol Bond and Prof. Les Todres. I started the PhD studentship in October 2007 after completing my undergraduate degree in Sport and Health Science at the University of Exeter in 2006. My undergraduate course provided me with a strong background in public health issues and general epidemiology, along with a deep interest in using creative and innovative research methods. I was attracted to this project not only for the relevance and importance of patient-led care, but also because it would allow me to push methodological boundaries by adopting a creative mixed-method approach and to develop techniques that are still in their infancy. My research is extremely pertinent because it relates directly to current UK health policy. The suggestion made at the moment by the Department of Health is that engaging chronically ill patients in their healthcare decisions by encouraging them to actively seek out information will result in joint decisions and a greater sense of agency and empowerment for patients. However, this belief is not without its problems. High volumes of unregulated electronic health information mean it is often difficult for patients to source and it can be of poor quality. In addition, the partnership model for patient–practitioner relationships as suggested by NHS policy disturbs the long standing hegemony created by the paternalistic model that has existed until now. With this in mind, my research will look at how patients are using the internet and electronic information sources, their perceived response of others (i.e. primary care givers), and in what way searching for health-related information becomes a meaningful activity for those involved.
First supervisor - Dr Carol Bond
Second supervisor - Prof Les Todres
- Debbie Neal
Programme - DProf
Title - 'ASPIRE' Acute stroke, Support, secondary Prevention, Information, Rehabilitation & Exercise - an evaluation of a practical way of enabling those with stroke to self care?
Brief - Stroke is one of the commonest neurological conditions and is the third most common cause of death and the most common cause of severe disability in the United Kingdom. Although risk of a further stroke is particularly high after a Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA) or first stroke, and medication aimed at secondary prevention is well used, current practice does little to support self care (Jones, 2006) or promote lifestyle changes that reduce risk factors for stroke. One of the key determinants for self care is knowledge about the condition. This research project evaluates a practical way of enabling those with stroke to self care.
Publications - Poster presentations on 'ASPIRE' at the European Stroke Conference May 2007 and UK Stroke Forum Dec 2007.
First supervisor - Dr Eloise Carr
Second supervisor - Prof Ahmed Khattab
- Andy Pulman
Programme - PhD
Area of Research - An investigation into the development and role of computer-based social networking to support people living with chronic illness and improve their quality of life.
Publications - BURO Publications
First supervisor - Professor Steven Ersser
Second supervisor - Dr Jacqui Taylor
- Elizabeth Roberts
Programme - MPhil/PhD
Title – Clinical/ Nutritional Management of Dysphagia in Adult Stroke Patients: A Clinical Outcomes and Cost-Comparison between the Traditional Model (Dietitian and Speech & Language Therapist) versus an Extended Scope Practitioner (ESP)
Brief - The use of extended scope practitioners, clinicians experienced in a particular field extending the scope of their role to provide clinical care usually provided by a clinician from a different professional background, is one possible way of providing clinically sound and cost-effective patient services in a national health service under financial pressure. The research project explores the feasibility of an extended scope role in one clinical area – management of swallowing difficulties (dysphagia). The ability to swallow effectively is intricately related to nutritional status and yet, the mechanical ability to swallow and dietary recommendations are typically assessed and managed by Speech & Language Therapists, whilst nutrition support in poor nutrition is managed by Dietitians. The research project asks whether dysphagia can be assessed and managed equally effectively by a Dietitian trained in dysphagia management and if so, does this confer any cost benefits to the health economy. The results will help inform the health service of the feasibility of introducing these new roles.
First supervisor - Dr Elenie Maunder
Second supervisor - Professor Steven Ersser / Dr Colin Green (Exeter)
