An exploration of the burdens and worries associated with continuous glucose monitoring and identification of mechanisms and supports to overcome them.

Background.

There have been many advances in the ways to monitor glucose levels over the past three decades. Technology has now enabled glucose levels to be continuously monitored via a small sensor that sends results to a ‘reader’ such as on a watch or mobile phone. While this technology has led to many improvements in the management of diabetes, often with improved  outcomes, it also increases expectations and the speed at which individuals are to respond.In particular we are mindful of parents of children and adolescents wh

o often bare the responsibility for diabetes management, the childs safety and ongoing health. Parents who now live with their child’s glucose level in constant view may feel burdened by this level of information and responsibility. Glucose levels vary so rapidly this younger age group and parents have told us that this  creates a great sense of angst for them. Then when their child is at school and involved in other away from home activities, they can see the results from afar, yet when out of their control and this moves their angst to the next level.  Another problem occurs when the technology fails and they are left without a constant feed of information, often making them feel totally helpless.

The aim of this study: To clarify the burdens that parents

of children and adolescents with diabetes may experience when using CGM, the actions taken and resources available to mitigate them, leading to the development of a supportive toolkit.

Design & methods

This is a multiple-method study involving four phases; 1) a literature review, 2) an exploration of the Burden of Treatment Theory in this context,3)  interviews with parents and diabetes clinicians, 4) to then apply what is learned from these phases to identify supportive resources for parents in the future.

Please note that a copy of this project summary should be uploaded as ‘research proposal’ as part of your application.

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• Masters at 65%
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Relevant professional qualification and/or a Degree in a Health or Health related area

The University offers the following levels of support:

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living