Understanding perspectives of prehabilitation in underserved cancer populations: A qualitative study to inform service design and delivery.

Summary

The School of Biomedical Sciences invites applications from prospective postgraduate researchers who wish to commence study for a PhD in the academic year 2024/25.

We especially welcome applications that connect to the School's core research areas related to the field of sport and exercise sciences including but not limited to areas including exercise and cancer, psychosocial health and well-being, and physical activity and public health.

This study aims to address the underutilisation of prehabiliation (physical activity, psychological support, nutrition advice) as a supplementary therapy for cancer management among underserved populations. Despite the well-known benefits of prehabilitation during cancer treatment, the lack of engagement with and access to services and resources among underserved, ethnically diverse cancer populations remains a barrier. The aims of this study are twofold. First, to identify barriers and facilitators to prehabilitation among underserved, ethnically diverse cancer patients. Second, to develop, implement, and evaluate a resource to support cancer patients with engagement in prehabiliation. The study will follow the Medical Research Council guidelines for developing and evaluating complex interventions. It includes in-depth interviews with patients, an evidence synthesis of the literature, engagement with expert stakeholders, and the development of a paper-based and/or digital prehabilitation resource. A feasibility study will also be conducted to evaluate the acceptability and impact of the developed resource on patients’ engagement with physical activity, psychological support, and nutrition/dietetic services. The proposed study has the potential to enhance the provision of cancer care in Yorkshire and bring about significant improvements in improving access to prehabilitation support services during treatment for cancer.

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.