We wish to appoint an experienced researcher to work on a pioneering new project funded by the Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes (BLMK) Integrated Care System Research and Innovation Hub.
COVID-19 has resulted in the rapid and widespread adoption of remote consultations, particularly in primary care. Before the pandemic, only a minority of general practices used doctor-led remote triage as the access point for services; within weeks, nearly all were doing so. Timely access to locally available clinical support when peoples’ health needs have exceeded the scope of self-care and community pharmacy is essential to maintaining individual well-being. This is a critical factor in levelling up to address the health disparities within our society. Access to GP-led services also impacts the capacity and need for hospital-based care (such as A&E).
The pandemic has put a considerable strain on the NHS and impacted how the public access health services. Like many organisations, general practices have needed to adapt quickly and respond to new ways of working, e.g., offering video and telephone consultations. Some people have embraced these new ways of accessing GP services, allowing them to save time and get the help they need quickly. But for others, it’s been more difficult, time-consuming and frustrating to access support when needed. There has been some concern that changing to remote consultations may exacerbate existing health inequalities, particularly among the most vulnerable in society. This research will seek to understand patients’ experiences of accessing and engaging with multi-modal primary care among older, minority ethnic, and socio-economic communities across Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes (BLMK).
The successful candidate will have a PhD or Master’s in a health-related topic and an interest in health services research. They should possess strong qualitative skills and an understanding of healthcare research and evaluation methods with underserved populations.
The post holder will manage the day-to-day running of the project according to agreed protocols and undertake administrative duties as needed. The successful candidate will also lead the qualitative fieldwork of this project, including designing research instruments to generate data to meet the research objectives. Therefore, experience in qualitative data collection and analysis is essential.
The post holder will also need to build and maintain effective working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, including colleagues, relevant public sector organisations, and professional membership bodies, and share information at formal public events and through informal and formal networks. Excellent communication, interpersonal and organisational skills will be essential.
The successful candidate will be joining the Institute for Health Research, which is an international centre for research excellence; 100% of our research is “internationally excellent” in impact, and 73% of our research outputs are 3* or 4* - “internationally excellent or world-leading” - Research Excellence Framework 2014.
For the full Job Description click here
Informal enquiries can be made to:
Dr Erica Cook, Associate Professor, University of Bedfordshire, erica.cook@beds.ac.uk
Interviews will be held on 20th January 2025
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including those who may feel underrepresented due to socioeconomic circumstances, such as individuals from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (B.A.M.E.) backgrounds. At our university, we strive to create an environment where everyone can be themselves and are supported to achieve their full potential.
In line with our commitment to inclusion and diversity, we are proud to be working towards the Race Equality Charter (REC), which helps us address and reduce barriers that disproportionately affect B.A.M.E. staff. We are also a Stonewall Diversity Champion, ensuring that all LGBTQ+ people are valued and respected at work. Additionally, we participate in the Disability Confident Scheme to support our efforts to improve the workplace experience for disabled individuals.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
We offer a range of employee benefits including a generous pension and annual leave entitlement, free fitness classes and gym membership, flexible working arrangements, personal and professional development and family-friendly policies For Further details, please click here
To Apply
Please visit our website www.beds.ac.uk/jobs.
For any enquires contact People & Culture email jobs@beds.ac.uk
Please note a Curriculum Vitae will only be accepted if accompanied by a fully completed University application form.