PhD profiles

Speech and language therapy “usual care” for people with aphasia after stroke

Summary of PhD

My research focuses on investigating the usual speech and language therapy and the reasons for variation in practice for individuals with aphasia after stroke internationally. The PhD studentship is fully funded by the Tavistock Trust for Aphasia, as part of the Collaboration of Aphasia Trialists.

What led you to undertake this PhD?

When I was conducting research as a part of my undergraduate and master’s degree, I realized that I enjoy sharing my knowledge with others. I’m passionate about the current subject area and don’t feel much attention has been given to the research questions I’m looking to address. I am excited about extending my knowledge in this field and hope to make a valuable academic contribution. Additionally, I’ve enjoyed my academic work so far, but I really feel I’ve got much more to offer as a researcher.

Why did you choose GCU?

GCU has a very strong background in healthcare and I wanted to study under the best minds in the country. It also offered the specialization and funding I was seeking.

What do you plan on doing after your PhD?

I feel my current PhD project can open new channel of enquiry for this field and I would wish to use as the foundation for my research career. I want to be a clinical researcher, but I’m happy to keep other options open.

What advice would you give to future PhD researchers?

Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today. Also, make sure you read and do a research in a topic that interests you. It is this interest that will keep you motivated throughout the journey of your research.

Interventions to improve walking/mobility in stroke survivors: a Cochrane overview

Summary of PhD

The aims of this PhD are to conduct a Cochrane Overview of systematic reviews of interventions to improve walking/mobility after stroke and develop ways of presenting summaries of evidence aimed at supporting knowledge translation.

What led you to undertake this PhD?

I work as a clinical physiotherapist and I recognize the value and the impact of research in improve everyday practice. Now, after 20 years of practice, it is time for me to set new personal and professional goals that would give the possibility to expand knowledge of the rehabilitation science.

Why did you choose GCU?

Glasgow Caledonian University represents the ideal Institution to continue my studies and become the researcher I would like to be. The research team of this University is composed of worldwide-acknowledged leaders in the development of systematic reviews and the possibility to learn and work for them excites and inspires me.

What do you plan on doing after your PhD?

Earning a PhD would add critical and creative skills in planning and conducting research and skills in communicating its results. I made the decision to become a researcher, focusing on how to improve the quality and the efficacy of care; promoting a stricter relation between clinicians, researchers and the people who experienced a stroke.

What advice would you give to future PhD researchers?

Be constantly enthusiast of your research and be conscious that your (our) work must have an impact in improving other peoples’ life.

Exploring the role of dance in health promotion for people with multiple sclerosis in Scotland

Summary of PhD

In partnership with Scottish Ballet Health’s novel dance for multiple sclerosis programme, Elevate™, I will explore the potential of community-based and digital dance programmes to promote the health and well-being of people living with MS across Scotland.

What led you to undertake this PhD?

My background in professional ballet, neuromotor rehabilitation research, and participatory dance health programming has led me to undertake my Ph.D. here in Glasgow in partnership with Scottish Ballet Health.

Why did you choose GCU?

The co-tutelle arrangement established between GCU and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland uniquely provides the ideal resources and supervision for me to pursue my research at the intersection of dance and health.

What do you plan on doing after your PhD?

I would like to be based at an academic research institution and continue to partner with external arts organizations to facilitate arts and health research in clinical, care, and community settings.

What advice would you give to future PhD researchers?

Pursuing a Ph.D. is a big commitment, so ensure that whatever topic and university you choose are true to you and your interests.

The Implementation of the Goal Setting and Action Planning (G-AP) Framework in Community Rehabilitation Settings. A Process Evaluation

Summary of PhD

This PhD is 3-Phase mixed methods study.  The focus in Phase 1 is the pre-implementation context of 3 specialist NHS Lanarkshire community rehabilitation teams working with patients who have a diagnosis of stroke, other neurological conditions or brain injury.  It explores the perspectives of staff, managers and patients focusing on the nature and set up of each team; their usual goal setting practice and factors that are likely to help or hinder the process of implementing the G-AP framework.

The focus of Phase 2 is to evaluate the (i) G-AP online training and supporting Webinars from the perspective of rehabilitation staff and managers (ii) the extent to which G-AP training has prepared staff for early implementation efforts and (iii) to identify any factors likely to help or hinder sustained implementation.

Phase 3 will explore the extent to which teams are routinely implementing G-AP in the longer term (6 months post training) and the contextual factors that have influenced this from the perspective of staff, managers and patients .

The study is theoretically underpinned by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Science (Damschroder 2009) and Normalisation Process Theory (May 2009).

The PhD aims to add an original contribution to G-AP research because it will explore G-AP’s acceptability and feasibility to use with stroke patients and other patient groups with a neurological condition e.g. brain injury, MS and MND. It also aims to add to the wider implementation science knowledge base regarding the implementation of new complex interventions into health care settings.

What led you to undertake this PhD?

I worked as an Occupational Therapist in the Forth Valley area since graduating from Brighton University in 2000.  The majority of this experience was in the area of Stroke Rehabilitation. It has always been very important for me to keep my practice based in current research evidence. I became interested in how new evidence-based interventions were or were not successfully implemented into the healthcare setting that I was working in. In 2018 I completed an NES AHP fellowship studying person centred goal setting practice in the stroke unit.  This helped me to develop further research, development and leadership skills.  The combination of these factors led me to undertake this PhD.

Why did you choose GCU?

I have long been aware that GCU has a record of excellence in research and student support because I graduated from GCU in 1994 with an Honours degree in Social Sciences (Psychology and Sociology).  The Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professions Research Unit (NMAHP-RU) is extremely highly regarded and I could see that this was an excellent opportunity.

What do you plan on doing after your PhD?

Although I am currently unsure about the direction of my career following this PhD, I am interested in a role that spans both clinical practice skills and research skills.

What advice would you give to future PhD researchers?

1. Perspective: separate yourself from the research; zoom out to look at it from a new perspective; laugh at yourself, remember to have a sense of humour
2. Clarity and focus: triple check your work for ambiguity; expand your thoughts as required to allow them make sense to others; return frequently to the research question.
3. Dissemination requires being bold and confident.
4. Scheduling: set a schedule and pace yourself.
5. Communicate: beexplicit about your style of communication.  Be honest with supervisors ‘It’s helpful for me to know what I’ve done well as well as what I’ve not.’

Upper Limb Rehabilitation using Virtual Reality in Acute Spinal Cord Injury

Summary of PhD

Improving arm and hand function is a high priority for people with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). Even small improvements in arm and hand function can reduce reliance on others for self-care. Virtual Reality (VR) has been used to deliver arm and hand rehabilitation in different clinical conditions, but has limited evidence in SCI, particularly in the acute stage.

This PhD aims to develop a framework for classifying upper limb impairment in people with cervical SCI and map these impairments to specific rehabilitation tasks. This framework will then be used to develop a suite of exercise-based games in VR using the Oculus Quest VR system. People with SCI and their therapists will advise on the development of a VR-based intervention in a series of co-design stages. Finally, a randomised controlled feasibility study of the intervention as a form of upper limb rehabilitation in people with SCI will be conducted.

This PhD is funded by Stoke Mandeville Spinal Research’s (SMSR) Life After Paralysis grant. SMSR support research in 4 priority areas:

• Urinary Tract Infection,
• Pressure Ulcers,
• Neuropathic Pain,
• Assistive Technology for Upper Limb Function

What led you to undertake this PhD?

I completed my undergraduate degree in biological sciences at the University of Birmingham in 2015. Before graduating, I undertook an intercalated year in computer science, and found an interest in medical visualisation. In particular, I enjoyed using 3D production software to produce medical animations. Medical visualisation became a hobby of mine, and I found the intersection of technology and health sciences fascinating.

I went on to work in in clinical research at a contract research organisation, after which I enrolled on the Medical Visualisation and Human Anatomy MSc course provided jointly by the Glasgow School of Art and the University of Glasgow. For my master’s thesis I designed and developed a virtual interactive anatomy learning suite using the HTC Vive VR system. The rapid growth of VR has been hard to ignore, and during my masters I was reading and hearing about many of the emerging applications of this technology.

From 2018 to the end of 2021 I worked as an NHS research and development technician for Oxford Cognitive Approaches to Psychosis, a research group based at the Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford. I provided technical support for clinical trials using VR interventions to treat mental health patients, as well as assisting in the design and development of VR-based research within the department. After my work concluded, I was eager to look for similar roles in research, and applied for this PhD studentship in November 2020.

Why did you choose GCU?

GCU provided the opportunity to undertake applied research in a field that I find interesting which, if successful. could have tangible benefits to patients. Funding for this PhD was also made available through Stoke Mandeville Spinal Research.

What do you plan on doing after your PhD?

I don’t have a plan! After my PhD I might consider any opportunity – careers in either academia or the private sector would both interest me. Having the chance to continue this research beyond the feasibility study would be great. I would be very happy to see any products of this work used effectively in NHS services, both in in-patient and community settings. A lot would have to happen before that point, and maybe I could help work towards that.

What advice would you give to future PhD researchers?

I don’t have anything to say here! Talk to someone who has finished their PhD, not to someone who has just started.  https://www.findaphd.com/ - this website is where I found this studentship advertised. Take a look and search for any opportunities that interest you.

Identifying and responding to family needs for supporting cognitive-communication difficulties following traumatic brain injury

Summary of PhD

The aim of part one of my PhD was to explore family experience of communication changes following traumatic brain injury (TBI) and identify how services can best support family communication needs. I used an international, communication needs, e-survey supplemented by four focus groups. One hundred and two family members completed the survey; United Kingdom (n=89, 87%) and Australia (n=13, 13%).  Quantitative analysis revealed high levels of unmet need for managing communication difficulties following TBI; 64% of respondents reported that no communication needs were met. Focus group participants (n=15) identified timing of communication support as a key theme; communication needs developed gradually as families gained insight and adjusted to the “new norm”. Survey and focus group data highlighted the need for families to have access to communication information and training via online, interactive, written and peer lead formats at several time points post injury. Part two of my PhD aims to test the feasibility of delivering a co-designed, family, Project-Based Intervention (family-PBI) to improve collaborative communication during the chronic phase of recovery. People with cognitive-communication difficulties, at least 12 months post severe TBI, and their family members, will be recruited through two NHS health boards and one independent brain injury service provider in Scotland.

What led you to undertake this PhD?

I am a Speech and Language Therapist with 25 years of experience of working with people following acquired brain injury and their families. My PhD study arose from a clinical question as the community brain injury team where I work was experiencing high levels of re-referral and a breakdown in family support networks for service users with cognitive-communication difficulties following traumatic brain injury.

Why did you choose GCU?

I chose the Nursing Midwifery and Allied Health Profession Rehabilitation Unit within Glasgow Caledonian University to complete my PhD as they have an excellent reputation for carrying out rigorous, clinically relevant health research.

What do you plan on doing after your PhD?

A clinical academic position would enable me to continue working as a Speech and Language Therapist in addition to carrying out clinically relevant research in the field of acquired brain injury.

What advice would you give to future PhD researchers?

To spend time developing a supportive, online research community who share your area of interest; Twitter, ResearchGate and online special interest groups.

Life after stroke: lessons from narratives of survival, managing change and overcoming adversity

Summary of PhD

My research set out to explore insights into what enables stroke survivors to rebuild their lives and identities positively. In order to achieve this a two-phased research project was devised. The phase one study is a qualitative study that aims to synthesize stroke survivors’ experiences to further understand the process of reconfiguring post-stroke identity and how individual and social factors can help, or hinder, this process. The purpose of the phase two study was to co-create digital stories, with stroke survivors from the phase one study, that aim to increase empathy and encourage behaviour change amongst healthcare professionals working with people after stroke.

What led you to undertake this PhD?

I have always been interested in illness experiences and the impact this can have on individuals as they navigate a social environment that is often not accommodating or understanding of their needs. As I have a background in Social Sciences and Media, this PhD interested me as it offered to not only increase understanding of stroke survivors’ experiences of life after stroke, but to co-create a dissemination strategy with the participants to raise awareness about issues that matter to them most.

Why did you choose GCU?

I studied at GCU during my undergraduate studies and I always found the staff that I worked with to be very engaging and supportive. As a result, having the opportunity to continue my education at GCU was an easy choice for me.

What do you plan on doing after your PhD?

Stroke deserves greater attention across society and I would like to contribute to raising awareness about the importance of stroke and shine a light on the experiences of survivors.

What advice would you give to future PhD researchers?

Don’t be too hard on yourself. Conducting PhD research can feel like quite a scary and lonely experience at times, it’s easy to feel like you’re out of your depth. However, many PhD researchers feel the same! I found it important to speak to people about this, whether that’s family, friends, colleagues or supervisors. It’s important to keep things in perspective and acknowledge when you’ve done something good! You’re always learning and it’s okay not to know something.

Upper limb activity limitation after stroke: standardising severity levels for clinical practice and research

Summary of PhD

The aim of my PhD is to develop a model showcasing the different levels of upper limb impairment and activity limitations following a stroke. This will be achieved through critical evaluation and synthesis of the literature relating to descriptors of levels of upper limb impairment and activity limitation after stroke. I aim to appraise the literature from the perspectives of different stakeholders, including: stroke survivors, carers and health professionals. From there, I would make recommendations for designing a standardised model that is not only clinically meaningful, but valid and feasible for both routine clinical practice and research. The model itself could enable clinicians to describe levels of loss in arm function and carefully select appropriate interventions for different levels of function and ability. The model could also be used to compare findings across studies, which could facilitate data pooling to strengthen the evidence base supporting guidelines.

What led you to undertake this PhD?

Since completing my undergraduate BSc, I maintained a strong interest in research, therefore I grabbed the opportunity to refine my research skills by completing a post-graduate MSc in Physiotherapy at GCU in 2014/15. Following completion of my MSc I was keen to develop my skills further, and become more of an independent researcher.  This PhD opportunity represented an interesting continuation of my previous MSc Thesis (‘The effectiveness of robot-assisted upper limb therapy in adults with acute stroke’) and therefore I applied for the PhD scholarship.

Why did you choose GCU?

I was enthusiastic of the international and welcoming environment at GCU and the high quality of research I found at SHLS during my MSc studies. Further, having to take on family responsibilities, I was given the opportunity to work remotely even before the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. Finally, the availability of a fully-funded PhD project and the possibility to develop a research topic of my interest were crucial in my choice.

What do you plan on doing after your PhD?

I look forward to submitting my PhD Thesis and to further pursue my research topic by taking up a post-doc position. By becoming an experienced and independent researcher, I also aim at securing an academic position in the future.

What advice would you give to future PhD researchers?

A PhD journey requires a lot of patience and dedication. Therefore, it is important to choose a research area for which you are strongly motivated. Use networking to find the research groups which better connect with your professional interests. Never be shy to ask and do not be scared to apply for PhD opportunities. Never stop dreaming!

System based approach for ageing well

Summary of PhD

System based thinking is fast becoming the dominant paradigm for the coproduction of policies and interventions in public health. System based approach combines personal, behavioural, environmental, economic, social, policy data to describe and quantify the web of determinants of ageing well. I aim to take a data science approach to (1) develop a system map of the determinants of ageing well, (2) use big data to quantify relationship between determinants of ageing well in the system and (3) develop simulations to inform policy and action planning to promote ageing well within public health.

What led you to undertake this PhD?

What got me interested in this PhD was basically the interdisciplinary nature of the project aiming to use big data approaches in healthcare where it is highly underutilized.

Why did you choose GCU?

The initiative of this unique project just reflected how much GCU is actually looking to make a difference. In addition, the vibrant city of Glasgow was another reason.

What do you plan on doing after your PhD?

I plan on increasing the use of big data science approaches in the medical field especially in public health in order to inform policy decisions to achieve  UN SDG Goals and better health for all.

What advice would you give to future PhD researchers?

Follow your passions no matter what and enjoy what you do.

Enabling Technology for evidence-based co-creation

Summary of PhD

This PhD project consists in developing technologies that will improve, enrich and/or enable the co-creation process. For this, it is necessary to know the needs, the problems encountered and the tools that already exist. Then, it is necessary to develop the most promising technologies that will allow the process to be carried out in an optimal way, ensuring its values and integrity. This work is situated between cognitive sciences, public health and computer sciences.

This PhD is part of the Health CASCADE project (Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020) which is a multidisciplinary expert network with young researchers from around the world, funded to deliver together the rigorous scientific methodology to secure Co-creation as an effective tool to fight public health problems.

What led you to undertake this PhD?

I am passionate about Science (with a capital "S"). I like to approach it in a multidisciplinary way to have different angles on a same problem and to develop an innovative vision. Finally, I wish to have a concrete and positive impact by doing applied research.

Why did you choose GCU?

GCU proposed the position that interests me the most. Moreover, it is a small university with a human dimension. This is already a characteristic that I liked in my last university. Finally, I find myself very much in its philosophy "For the common good".

What do you plan on doing after your PhD?

I have several ideas in mind: academic path (post-doc, etc.), private company, public structure or founding my own company. The idea is to see what opportunities will arise, but to do this we must actively create an environment to provoke them. This is what these years are for.

What advice would you give to future PhD researchers?

The PhD is a great adventure, where you will learn a lot. To ensure the best conditions for your success, I would advise you to meet three conditions: (1) an exciting topic; (2) a scholarship or grant; (3) a professional supervisor. With this, you will have the material resources to put your motivation optimally to good use, all under the guidance of a mentor. You will be able to give your best.