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Use of an online consultation platform in general practice and potential role in the detection and diagnosis of cancer

Warwick Industrial Fellowship

University of Warwick with eConsult


This 3.5 year PhD studentship starting in October 2021 provides a unique opportunity for a promising health services researcher to work in a highly topical area and undertake research aimed at influencing the future design of primary care services.

You will join the Digital Primary Care team in the Unit of Academic Primary Care, Warwick Medical School, led by Dr Helen Atherton. The team conduct research that critically evaluates the development, implementation and use of digital tools and routes of access in primary care settings. The PhD is supported by eConsult. eConsult is a health tech business founded by NHS clinicians. They provide online consultation services to >3,300 practices in the UK and have delivered in excess of 16m eConsults to date.

The successful candidate will be conducting research to investigate how an online consultation platform used in general practice as a first point of contact for patients can be applied as a tool for detection and diagnosis of cancer. It will examine patient pathways through the online consultation platform and the associated outcomes for these patients. The research will involve working closely with NHS general practices and eConsult in exploring these approaches.
The PhD offers an opportunity to apply a wide range of health service research methodologies, including systematic review and both quantitative and qualitative analysis. You will have the opportunity to benefit from a varied programme training and development whilst conducting your PhD and will be actively involved in the research community at the Unit of Academic Primary Care and within the wider Medical School. You will have the opportunity to spend time at eConsult learning about the commercial IT sector and how this relates to NHS digital policy and developments.

The PhD will be supervised by Dr Helen Atherton, Associate Professor in Primary Care Research, who is an expert in research relating to alternatives to the face-to-face consultation in general practice, Prof Jeremy Dale, Head of the Unit of Academic Primary Care and a practicing GP and Dr Gary Abel, Associate Professor in Medical Statistics and Health Services research who has research interests in alternatives to face-to-face consultations and the early diagnosis of cancer.

Applicants should have a Masters degree in a subject relevant to health services research, with experience and/or understanding of both quantitative and qualitative methodology in a healthcare setting. Previous research experience, particularly in a primary care research setting, would be an advantage.
For any enquiries relating to this PhD studentship please contact Dr Helen Atherton: h.atherton@warwick.ac.uk 

PLEASE NOTE: This opportunity is available to home students only.

Application Process

To be considered for this PhD, please submit a CV and covering letter. The covering letter should include a brief statement (up to two pages) describing your interest in this PhD topic and your suitability for this role with regard to your education and experience to date. It should include the names of two referees. Please submit your application via email to Helen Atherton at h.atherton@warwick.ac.uk 

Application deadline: 6th September 2021

Interviews will take place on the 13th September, 2021