Arthritis Research Campaign National Primary Care Centre, Keele University

PhD Studentship:  The epidemiology of recurrent consultation for 
musculoskeletal problems to primary care

The Arthritis Research Campaign National Primary Care Centre at Keele 
University has a large and dynamic research programme in pain and 
osteoarthritis. The Centre includes clinicians, epidemiologists, 
statisticians and social scientists, with training opportunities and 
career support for early-experience researchers.

Using high quality datasets which link general practice records to 
longitudinal survey data, the student will develop methods to identify
patients who have chronic widespread pain, associated high health care 
use and poor long term outcome in order that they can then be targeted 
for appropriate management. The study will determine the epidemiology of 
chronic widespread pain defined by general practice
consultation, changes in pain, disability and general health status in 
these patients, and the effect of referral to secondary care.

The student will be from a quantitative background (e.g. epidemiology, 
psychology), with experience of health care research, and will 
preferably be a Masters graduate. Supervisors for the PhD are Dr Kelvin 
Jordan and Professor Julius Sim.

Funding is available for three years to cover fees for PhD registration 
(2008/09 rates - home/EU rates: £3,350) and a research studentship 
stipend of currently £12,900 p.a. for 2008.  Non-EU students would be 
required to pay the additional overseas fees themselves (currently 
approximately £8,850 p.a.).

Further Information
See: www.keele.ac.uk/gradschool/fundingkeele.htm. For an informal 
discussion, contact Dr Jordan on 01782 583924 / [log in to unmask]

Application Process
Full details of application procedures are on 
www.keele.ac.uk/gradschool/fundingkeele.htm or contact The Graduate 
School, Keele University, Staffordshire, ST5 5AZ. Tel: 01782 584368, 
email: [log in to unmask]

Closing Date: Wednesday 11 June 2008.

-- 
Dr Kelvin Jordan
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Senior Lecturer in Biostatistics
Arthritis Research Campaign National Primary Care Centre
Primary Care Sciences
Keele University
Keele
Staffs ST5 5BG
UK
Tel: (+44) 1782-583924
Fax: (+44) 1782-583911
email: [log in to unmask]
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