Eurizon.eu

Organization: The University of Manchester - Faculty of Medical & Human Sciences, Mental Health & Neurodegeneration Research Group

Location: Manchester, UK

Field: Medical & Human Sciences

Requirements:

Applicants should hold (or expect to obtain) a minimum upper-second honours degree (or equivalent) in nursing, psychology or a related area. A Masters degree in research methods, psychology, nursing or an equivalent level of research or clinical experience would be an advantage.

Abstract:

The objective of this fully-funded 4-year PhD project is to investigate the mental health needs of imprisoned ex-service personnel and pilot an intervention to support their care.

Description:

The studentship provides full support for tuition fees, all associated research costs and an annual tax-free stipend at Research Council rates (£13, 590 in 2010). The project is due to commence October 2011 and is open to UK/EU nationals only due to the nature of the funding.
Mental health problems are a leading global contributor to years lived with disability. A study of non-imprisoned serving and ex-military personnel reported prevalence rates for common mental disorder of 20%. Concern has been mounting about ex-service personnel being imprisoned in the UK, with estimates of between 3 and 8% of prisoners having a military background. It is hypothesised that mental health problems and substance misuse will be higher in imprisoned veterans, compared to both non-veteran prisoners and non-imprisoned veterans.
There is currently no widespread NHS provision to specifically meet the mental health needs of veterans, but the Department of Health offender health strategy has set key deliverables specifically around improving care and outcomes for veterans in contact with the criminal justice system. Studies have shown that veterans seek help in ways different to the wider population, often with very long delays in contacting services due to perceived stigma.
This study will firstly examine the level and type of mental health clinical needs in the male, imprisoned, ex-services population and, secondly, design and pilot a service model for this group.
The successful candidate will benefit from an extensive support network based within the Offender Health Research Network, a Department of Health funded organisation undertaking high quality research into the health and social care needs of those in contact with the criminal justice system. Training in qualitative interviewing, data analysis, scientific writing and service user engagement will be provided.
The PhD will provide an ideal platform for clinicians wishing to widen their skill base to encompass service-relevant research within the NHS, early career nursing, allied health or social science researchers or psychology graduates seeking to secure ClinPsyD training positions.
 
Please direct applications in the following format to Dr Jane Senior (jane.senior@manchester.ac.uk):
Academic CV
Official academic transcripts
Contact details for two suitable referees
A personal statement (750 words maximum) outlining your suitability for the study, what you hope to achieve from the PhD and your research experience to date.
Any enquiries relating to the project and/or suitability should be directed to Dr Senior at the address above. Applications are invited up to and including Monday 4 April 2011.
http://www.medicine.manchester.ac.uk/staff/14980
http://www.ohrn.nhs.uk/

Deadline: 04-04-2011

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