(Bicentenary) Development of a prototype digital platform to improve patient adherence in rheumatoid arthritis: DigiRA The University of Manchester in United Kingdom

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting 1% of the adult population. The drug methotrexate is used to control the disease but not everyone responds and up to 41% of patients do not take their methotrexate on time (non-adherence). Non-adherence has a significant health impact , resulting in reduced drug response, worse quality of life and the need to escalate to more expensive medications.

Non-adherence can be improved through supportive behaviour change techniques, digital monitoring and digital interventions. The Digital Health team at the Centre for Health Informatics led by co-supervisor Dr Whelan, developed the CFHealthHub digital platform, which successfully demonstrated an increase in adherence to cystic fibrosis treatment in the largest ever Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) of people living with Cystic Fibrosis in the UK and the CFHealthHub digital platform is now in use in >60% of adult CF centres in the UK.

The aim of this project is to co-develop with patients from diverse backgrounds a digital monitoring and intervention tool designed to improve adherence to methotrexate. Such an intervention would transform lives by improving response and outcomes in patients whilst reducing resource wastage in the NHS.

The successful PhD applicant would co-design through a series of workshops with patients and clinicians the DigiRA platform and user-test the digital solution.

The supervisory team consists of the necessary experience and expertise to support the PhD student in development of the platform. The Digital Health team at the Centre for Health Informatics have been developing digital behaviour change tools to support adherence to treatment in long-term conditions since 2015. The project team combines extensive digital health expertise with the required clinical and academic expertise in RA, behaviour change and qualitative research to build a digital intervention that can improve the quality of life for people with RA.

Eligibility

Applicants must have obtained or be about to obtain a minimum Upper Second class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in a relevant discipline. Research experience in clinical or health psychology is desirable.

Before you Apply

Applicants must make direct contact with preferred supervisors before applying. It is your responsibility to make arrangements to meet with potential supervisors, prior to submitting a formal online application.

How to Apply

To be considered for this project you MUST submit a formal online application form – on the application form you must select FBMH Bicentenary PhD Programme - Full-time. If you select the incorrect programme your application cannot be considered. Full details on how to apply can be found on the Bicentenary Website

Your application form must be accompanied by a number of supporting documents by the advertised deadlines. Without all the required documents submitted at the time of application, your application will not be processed and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.  If you have any queries regarding making an application, please contact our admissions team .

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Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. The full Equality, diversity and inclusion statement can be found on the website.