MATCH PhD School of Information Systems, Computing and Mathematics
SCHOLARSHIP COVERS ONLY :£14,600 p.a. stipend + fees under the current rules which are modified for each academic term
We are seeking applications from excellent candidates to contribute to our PhD programme, as MATCH has recently gained a further EPSRC funded PhD scholarship. The scholarship is designed to begin in January 2008, for three years, alternative start dates may be possible.

Overview of thesis
Title: Evaluation of Community Based Medical Diagnostics
With a growing percentage of elderly population, the level of disease to be diagnosed and managed is increasing at a rate such that the costs using the existing models of healthcare based on hospital services will be unsustainable. In response, there is interest in developing community based medical diagnostic services that would be based in primary care. Such a model not only has the benefits of reducing referral to hospital but can increase the level of resolution within primary care and expedite referral of the serious case, making the referral process more efficient.
This project will investigate the benefits of using ambulatory (Holter) ECG monitoring in primary care. General practices will be equipped with systems for ambulatory ECG monitoring. Patients requiring diagnosis will be provided the ECG recorder by their GP. The recording will be analysed within the practice and the report forwarded to the cardiologist for advice.

The project aims to assess the benefits and problems of this approach and will determine:
(a) Differences in clinical outcome
(b) Changes in working practice
(c) The difference in experience for the patient
(d) Perceptions of the health care workers
(e) Cost benefit
(f) Other benefits

The project will be conducted within MATCH, and will involve collaboration with primary care, a major London Hospital, and ambulatory ECG device manufacturer.

MATCH, is a collaboration of four leading UK universities in the field of healthcare technology assessment and a cohort of industrial partners from the sector. It provides a critical research mass stretching across the UK healthcare technology sector. It supports companies and user communities by creating methods to assess value, from concept through to mature products and by engaging with regulatory bodies at home and abroad. http://www.match.ac.uk

Who can apply?
We are seeking candidates with at least a 2:1 honours degree in computer science, engineering or equivalent. A demonstrable ability in IS and computing, database and programming is essential and experience in clinical methods skills desirable.
The research will be based in the School of Information Systems, Computing and Mathematics (SCISM) at Brunel University but will involve collaborative work with relevant colleagues elsewhere in Brunel and in the other Universities involved in MATCH.

Funding is available for a three year Home/EU PhD studentship based on £14,600 stipend per annum and £3,235 fees per annum. In addition, £1,000 (total over the three year studentship) is available for the PhD student's project and travel costs. The studentship should commence by 1 January 2008 at the latest and all funds must be spent by January 2011. The student must be Home/EU and not have been previously registered for a research degree.

For further details contact Dr Malcolm Clarke at malcolm.clarke@brunel.ac.uk before 30th November 2007.

Click here for Employer Profile http://www.brunel.ac.uk

Supervisors:
Dr Malcolm Clarke (Telemedicine)
Professor Terry Young

Contact:
Applications should be addressed to the MATCH Project Manager Elizabeth Deadman, School of Information Systems, Computing and Mathematics, Brunel University, Uxbridge, UB8 3PH, email elizabeth.deadman@brunel.ac.uk
Applications should include a CV, a covering letter, the name and addresses of two referees, the transcripts of your degrees and the University application form. A form can be downloaded from /3551/GS-Docs/AR3.pdf. Applicants must arrange for their referees to send references directly to the MATCH Project Manager (email is sufficient) by the closing date. Reference forms can be downloaded from /3551/GS-Docs//referenceform.pdf.