Researcher in Clinical Trials (ENVFS1016)

Are you a public health researcher interested in joining a team which will test a novel research-based diet optimisation engine to support patient groups?

Patients with intestinal problems (gastroenterology patients) need nutritional guidance to aid their recovery. There is no online nutrition ‘recording and feedback’ system for use with gastroenterology patients. On-line diet tracking with real-time feedback could provide patient benefits whilst minimising time to record the information, reducing cost and errors. It can also support improved communication on diet-related matters between patients and health care professionals (HCPs). 

In this project we have developed a prototype ‘diet optimisation engine’ (DOE) linked to myfood24, an online nutrition monitoring tool. The DOE solves a large number of equations using linear programming. It will use information about foods consumed, recorded by patients in myfood24. It will also take into account personal dietary preferences or restrictions including clinical needs, allergies/intolerances, dietary patterns (e.g. vegetarian/vegan), and budget. This project will benefit from myfood24 (health) being developed by our partner, Dietary Assessment Ltd (DAL) due to be available in time for the start of this project. The new clinical solution will allow HCPs to invite patients to use the system and set personalised food/nutrient targets. 

We are seeking a researcher/epidemiologist to work on this research project. You will have a PhD in a relevant subject. You will be responsible for testing the prototype DOE in gastroenterology surgery patients. HRA approval has been obtained to test the system in a randomised controlled trial in Leeds.

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact: 

Professor Janet Cade

Tel: +44 (0)113 343 6946, email: j.e.cade@leeds.ac.uk

Closing Date: 03 Nov 2020
Category: Research