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- Tasks: Conduct research to improve prescribing practices and enhance patient safety through feedback conversations.
- Company: University of Exeter’s Department of Health & Community Sciences, a leader in medical education.
- Benefits: Tax-free stipend of at least £21,805 per year and full coverage of tuition fees.
- Other info: Join an international team with access to extensive resources and training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in healthcare by reducing prescribing errors and improving patient outcomes.
- Qualifications: A passion for healthcare research and willingness to travel for data collection.
The predicted salary is between 21805 - 21805 £ per year.
The University of Exeter’s Department of Health & Community Sciences is inviting applications for a PhD studentship funded by the Association of the Study of Medical Education to commence on 21 September 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. For eligible students, the studentship will cover Home tuition fees plus an annual tax‑free stipend of at least £21,805 (26/27 rates) for 3 years full‑time, or pro rata for part‑time study. The supervisory team may be willing to consider an applicant that wishes to be based remote from Exeter, if they can travel within the UK and Australia for data collection.
Research Objectives
The prescribing of medicines by healthcare professionals often results in errors. If we could improve prescribing practices, we could reduce prescribing errors and improve patient safety. However, prescribing practices are hard to change because they involve complex processes in busy healthcare work environments and involve teams of healthcare professionals. Feedback conversations about prescribing can reduce errors but have proved hard to prioritise and sustain in practice. These feedback conversations often refer to ‘materials’ used in prescribing practice such as prescriptions, drug charts, electronic medical records and patient instructions. The aim of this project is to change prescribing processes by adjusting ‘materials’ to enhance opportunities for feedback conversations.
Research Phases
- Trace the materials used in prescribing processes through patient journeys during different types of hospital stay, comparing the UK and Australia.
- Work with stakeholders to design new materials that embed feedback conversations in everyday prescribing practices.
Supervision & Support
The PhD student will be supported by supervisors, based in the UK and Australia, who are experienced researchers, doctoral supervisors and clinicians. Data collection will be conducted in both the UK and Australia, so it will be important that the successful candidate is prepared to spend time in Australia and excited by the possibilities of this international collaboration and comparison of health systems. Ultimately the research will have been successful if the new materials are adopted and sustained, leading to better prescribing feedback conversations and fewer prescribing errors.
The student will have regular supervision meetings with supervisory team members, some in person and some online to accommodate the international supervisory team. The student will join the Department of Health & Community Sciences at the University of Exeter Medical School.
The student will have access to extensive university facilities including library resources, training opportunities via the Doctoral College, seminar series, and recreational facilities. Training and support are provided by the medical school and the Applied Research Collaboration South West, offering opportunities to attend postgraduate taught modules in clinical education and health research such as literature reviewing and qualitative research. There will be opportunities for the student to present and receive feedback on their work and to access formal and informal wellbeing services.
Compensation
UK tuition fees plus an annual tax‑free stipend of at least £21,805 per year, matched to UKRI stipend.
PhD Studentship: Feedback conversations that improve prescribing practices: a sociomaterial stu[...] in Exeter employer: University of Exeter
Contact Detail:
University of Exeter Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land PhD Studentship: Feedback conversations that improve prescribing practices: a sociomaterial stu[...] in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current PhD students or faculty members in the Department of Health & Community Sciences. They can give you insider info about the programme and might even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by diving deep into the research objectives. Show us that you understand the complexities of prescribing practices and how feedback conversations can make a difference. We want to see your passion for improving patient safety!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just focus on your academic achievements; highlight any relevant experience you have in healthcare settings. Whether it’s volunteering or previous research, we love to see how you’ve engaged with the field!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need to make your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace PhD Studentship: Feedback conversations that improve prescribing practices: a sociomaterial stu[...] in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the research objectives. We want to see your passion for improving prescribing practices and how you can contribute to this exciting project!
Showcase Relevant Experience: If you've got any experience in healthcare, research, or working with feedback systems, make it shine! We love seeing candidates who can bring practical insights into the mix, especially those that relate to the sociomaterial aspects of prescribing.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it's necessary, and make sure your enthusiasm for the role comes through!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can get back to you as soon as possible. We’re excited to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Exeter
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Make sure you thoroughly understand the research objectives and phases outlined in the job description. Be prepared to discuss how your background and interests align with improving prescribing practices and the role of feedback conversations.
✨Show Enthusiasm for International Collaboration
Since this PhD involves data collection in both the UK and Australia, express your excitement about working across different health systems. Share any relevant experiences or insights that demonstrate your adaptability and willingness to travel.
✨Prepare Questions for Your Supervisors
Think of insightful questions to ask your potential supervisors about their research and the support you'll receive. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the supervisory style fits your needs.
✨Highlight Your Communication Skills
Given the focus on feedback conversations, be ready to discuss your communication skills and any relevant experiences. Share examples of how you've effectively communicated complex ideas in past projects or studies.