Doctoral (PhD) student position in organisation of health and social care for older adults Full-time

Doctoral (PhD) Student Position In Organisation Of Health And Social Care For Older Adults

To be a doctoral student means to devote oneself to a research project under supervision of experienced researchers and following an individual study plan. For a doctoral degree, the equivalent of four years of full-time doctoral education is required.

The Research Group

The Department of Global Public Health is an interdisciplinary institution that aims to advance knowledge on how to improve population health at local, national and global level. Research at the department aims to identify the determinants of health, develop and evaluate individual and structural interventions, and provide evidence for guidelines and policy documents. Many of the department's researchers are scientific advisors to authorities and other decision-makers at regional, national and international level. The department has 12 research groups, about 120 research students and about 140 employees.

The doctoral position is placed in research group Equity and Health Policy. The group's research field focuses on social inequalities and inequity in health, wellbeing, disease, mortality, healthcare utilisation over time. The group also undertakes research on social and financial consequences of ill-health. By using quantitative and qualitative methods we study the influence of health-related policies on the health of specific population groups in society.

The Doctoral Student Project And The Duties Of The Doctoral Student

The project seeks to assess the feasibility and acceptability of implementing the Norwegian Integrated Healthcare model (NIHC) for frail older adults in a Swedish context and to evaluate its potential effects on care coordination, healthcare utilization, and patient-reported outcomes. Frail older patients will be offered a person-centred care plan with individual goals supported by a multi-disciplinary care team and followed up every 6 months. The project will be undertaken as randomized controlled trial (RCT) at the care provider TioHundra in Norrtälje. About 50 patients will be randomised into an intervention or control group (care as usual). Through co-design, TioHundra with input from NIHC researchers will adapt the NIHC model to Swedish care context. The project is relevant to individuals and society as it focuses on strengthening independent living, and the shift in health and social care from acute care which comes with high expenditures to more efficient and individual care.

More specifically, this doctoral project focuses on 1) exploring what adaptation of the NIHC model is required to fit the Swedish care system in terms of organizational structure, resources, and regulatory frameworks. The study includes reviewing literature relevant to the project followed by co-creation with TioHundra staff, patients and next-of-kin through a series of workshops and interviews. Collected data will be analysed using content analysis; 2) evaluate how participating TioHundra staff, older patients and their next-to-kin experienced the co-design approach. Survey data will be collected and statistical descriptive analyses to be undertaken; 3) assess the preliminary effects of the model on hospital admissions and emergency care visits, during 6 month after discharge. This will involve handling and analysing register data using regression models; 4) examine preliminary effects of the NIHC model on patient-reported outcomes using validated survey instruments assessing, for example, patient satisfaction. Data will be analysed using descriptive and longitudinal statistical methods. Additional survey questions and open questions about participants' views on the acceptability and feasibility of the model will also be asked and analysed using quantitative and qualitative methods.

To conduct the doctoral studies, the PhD candidate will undertake courses and work on: • Literature reviews • Data collection including the development of topic guides • Processing data • Statistical analysis • Qualitative data analysis • Interpretation of results • Prepare and submit manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals • Present results at seminars and conferences • Maintain regular communication with the supervisors to inform them on the progression of the PhD studies

The doctoral student will spend part of their doctoral training in Norrtälje for data collection.

Data will be collected in Swedish. The PhD thesis and publications are to be written in English.

What Do We Offer?

A creative and inspiring environment full of expertise and curiosity. Karolinska Institutet is one of the world's leading medical universities. Our vision is to pursue the development of knowledge about life and to promote a better health for all. At Karolinska Institutet, we conduct successful medical research and hold the largest range of medical education in Sweden. As a doctoral student you are offered an individual research project, a well-educated supervisor, a vast range of elective courses and the opportunity to work in a leading research group. Karolinska Institutet collaborates with prominent universities from all around the world, which ensures opportunities for international exchanges. You will be employed on a doctoral studentship which means that you receive a contractual salary. Employees also have access to our modern gym for free and receive reimbursements for medical care.

Eligibility Requirements For Doctoral Education

In order to participate in the selection for a doctoral position, you must meet the following general (A) and specific (B) eligibility requirements at latest by the application deadline.

It is your responsibility to certify eligibility by following the instructions on the web page Entry requirements (eligibility) for doctoral education.

A) General eligibility requirement You meet the general eligibility requirement for doctoral/third-cycle/PhD education if you:

1. have been awarded a second-cycle/advanced/master qualification (i.e. master degree), or
2. have satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the advanced/second-cycle/master level, or
3. have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.*

Follow the instructions on the web page Entry requirements (eligibility) for doctoral education.

*If you claim equivalent knowledge, follow the instructions on the web page Assessing equivalent knowledge for general eligibility for doctoral education.

B) Specific eligibility requirement

You meet the specific eligibility requirement for doctoral/third-cycle/PhD education if you:

– Show proficiency in English equivalent to the course English B/English 6 at Swedish upper secondary school.

Follow the instructions on the web page English language requirements for doctoral education.

Verification of your documents Karolinska Institutet checks the authenticity of your documents. Karolinska Institutet reserves the right to revoke admission if supporting documents are discovered to be fraudulent. Submission of false documents is a violation of Swedish law and is considered grounds for legal action.

(A) and (B) can only be certified by the documentation requirement for doctoral education.

Skills And Personal Qualities

Requirements:

• Educational background in care (e.g. nurse och medical doctor), occupational health, physiotherapy, or a master degree in public health or sociology
• Experience of working in research projects involving data collection, qualitative data analysis, and quantitative data analysis using, for example, software such as STATA, SAS, or SPSS
• Documented experience in qualitative data analysis and/or scientific writing
• Fluent knowledge in written and spoken Swedish and English

Merits:

• Genuine interest in the health of older adults and the challenges that health and social care are facing with a rapidly ageing population
• Very good analytical skills

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with excellent project management skills, capable of structuring work in accordance with established timelines and effectively driving the project forward. Thus, the position requires a high degree of independence, including the ability to take initiative and solve problems autonomously. Furthermore, the applicant should also enjoy being part of a team and demonstrate collaboration skills with both colleagues as well as external actors, such as informants (study participants) and experts.

The ideal candidate possesses strong analytical skills and a results-oriented approach. Great emphasis will be placed on personal suitability. Attributes such as accuracy, initiative, proactiveness, and reliability are considered essential.

Terms And Conditions

The doctoral student will be employed on a doctoral studentship maximum 4 years full-time.

Application Process

Submit your application and supporting documents through the Varbi recruitment system. Use the button in the top right corner and follow the instructions. We prefer that your application is written in English, but you can also apply in Swedish.

Your application must contain the following documents:

– A personal letter and a curriculum vitae – Degree projects and previous publications, if any – Any other documentation showing the desirable skills and personal qualities described above – Documents certifying your general eligibility (see A above) – Documents certifying your specific eligibility (see B above)

Selection

A selection