Research Associate/Fellow (AQUEDUCT) (Fixed-term) (MED111419)

We are seeking to appoint a Research Associate/Fellow to work on the ‘Achieving Quality and Effectiveness in Dementia care Using Crisis Teams (AQUEDUCT)’ study in the Institute of Mental Health.

Dementia is a national priority and this proposal addresses the Prime Minister's commitment to dementia research and the need to improve community support. The Achieving QUality and Effectiveness in Dementia care Using Crisis Teams (AQUEDUCT) study could have substantial benefits for people with dementia, their families, and NHS and social care. This study includes a clinical trial for people with dementia and their carers experiencing crises comparing the use of a Resource Kit with usual care, in terms of impact on use of hospital beds, quality of life and costs. We have worked with family carers, people with dementia and crisis teams across the country to develop a model of best practice for crisis teams. We have developed a Resource Kit for achieving high quality care which comprises (1) Home Treatment Protocol and (2) guidance on achieving best practice in the organisation of crisis teams. We will now conduct an in-depth study of the impact of using the Resource Kit in practice comparing bed use, costs and satisfaction with services. This could have major benefits for people with dementia and their carers to improve their satisfaction with services and quality of life, to help them cope better, to avoid hospital admissions, and could lead to major improvements in services. 

The post holder will establish links with dementia and crisis teams across the UK and contribute to implementing the Resource Kit, testing its feasibility and supporting the randomised control trial. In addition, they will create links with, and train, dementia and crisis team staff members across the UK. The post holder may also be expected to assist with other dementia care research and related educational opportunities depending on workload and other commitments.

Candidates should have a relevant qualification in Mental Health Nursing, Psychology, Health Psychology or related discipline, and ideally should have past experience of working in the field of dementia care and/or research. The successful candidate will have effective written and verbal communication skills, proven ability to produce scientific outputs for publication in peer reviewed journals, and excellent organisational, communication and interpersonal skills. 

This full-time post is offered on a fixed term contract for a period of 12 months. Job share arrangements may be considered.

Interviews will be held on Thursday 2nd May 2019.

It is a condition of this post that satisfactory Enhanced disclosure obtained from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr Dons Coleston-Shields, AQUEDUCT Programme Manager, Donna.Coleston-Shields@nottingham.ac.uk or Dons.Coleston-Shields@nottshc.nhs.uk. Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.

Closing Date: 23 Apr 2019
Category: Research and Teaching (R&T)