Integration of physical activity support into the NHS cancer care pathway
Loughborough UniversityLoughborough, United Kingdom
Course overview
Unequivocal evidence confirms that physical activity during chemotherapy for some cancers is safe and helps patients cope better with cancer treatment and associated side effects. Physical activity can reduce the risk of cancer recurrence and ultimately can improve chances of survival by up to 40%. Physical activity for those living with and beyond cancer is endorsed by the World Health Organisation through the development of guidelines.
However, physical activity support is not part of the NHS cancer care pathway in the UK and patients are not routinely informed about the potential harm of inactivity on their chances of survival. Making Every Contact Count is an NHS campaign that aims to use the millions of routine interactions health care professionals have with their patients to promote behaviour change. This PhD will explore the development and implementation of behaviour change interventions within the NHS to support patients to minimise inactivity and improve their health.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to shape the project around the topic area with their interests and goals together with their supervisors. This PhD studentship is part of an NIHR Advanced Fellowship awarded to Dr Kajal Gokal who will be the primary supervisor. The successful candidate will be a member of the Centre for Lifestyle Medicine and Behaviour and will be provided with multiple opportunities for development throughout the studentship.
Loughborough University has an applied research culture. In REF 2021, 94% of the work submitted was judged to be top-rated as 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent'. We are a community based on mutual support and collaboration.
Through our Doctoral College there are continual opportunities for building important research skills and networks among your peers and research academics. 94% of Loughborough’s research impact is rated world-leading or internationally excellent. REF 2021
Key highlights
- Develops NHS behaviour change interventions to reduce inactivity in cancer patients
- Linked to NHS Making Every Contact Count behaviour change campaign
- Part of an NIHR Advanced Fellowship with dedicated primary supervision
- Membership of the Centre for Lifestyle Medicine and Behaviour
- Flexibility to shape the project around your interests and goals
- Doctoral College training in research skills and peer networks
Entry requirements
- Degree: 2:1 — 2:1
Scholarships
Alumni Bursary
10% of tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.
Up to 10% of feesAlumni Discount
UK students: £1,500 tuition fee discount for one academic year. International students: £3,000 tuition fee discount for one academic year.
Care Leaver's Scholarship
Excellence Scholarships
UK students: £3,000 off tuition fees; International students: £6,000 off tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.
International Sports Student Postgraduate Bursary
Our International Sports Student Postgraduate Bursary offers a £12,000 tuition fee discount (set against the tuition fees of your chosen postgraduate taught programme ONLY).
Up to £12,000London 10th Anniversary Award
£5,000 off tuition fees.
Up to £5,000Loughborough Business School Scholarship
£1,500 (UK students) and £3,000 (international students) off tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.
MBA Progress with Purpose Scholarship
50% of tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.
Up to 50% of feesQatari Ghanim Al-Muftah Excellence Scholarship
Careers this course leads to
- Postdoctoral research fellow
- University lecturer in exercise and health
- Behaviour change researcher
- Health services researcher
- Public health specialist
- Physical activity and cancer rehabilitation specialist
Admission
Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to Loughborough University, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.
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