Funded PhD in variation in emergency care

Optimal clinical outcomes in emergency care are driven by rapid application of evidence informed clinical pathways. This is paramount in cardiac and other time critical emergencies. Variation in clinical practice is the difference in healthcare processes or outcomes, compared to peers or to a gold standard such as an evidence-informed guideline recommendation. An opportunity is open to a suitable applicant to conduct a fully funded, full-time (negotiable) PhD within Monash University’s Centre for Research Excellence in Pre-hospital Emergency Care in collaboration with Ambulance Victoria (AV). The successful applicant will examine variation in care amongst patients attended by paramedics, including the extent of variation, the distribution of variation and the impact of variation on patient outcomes. The research will leverage off two AV Clinical Quality Registries; the Victorian Ambulance Cardiac Arrest Registry and the Victorian Ambulance STEMI Quality Improvement Initiative, plus a large, linked data set involving all ambulance presentations, ED presentations and hospital admissions in Victoria over a 6-year period. The applicant will examine contributing factors to suboptimal outcomes, including treatment, triage, transport, geography and time factors, paramedic experience and exposure. The ultimate aim will be to develop indicators to monitor and reduce variation to improve performance of the emergency care system. The successful applicant would possess post graduate qualifications in either public health, health services research and/or epidemiology. We are looking for someone who has a strong academic track record and who ideally already has several publications. The applicant must have a strong interest in the topic. Applicants from active clinicians and/or public health /researchers will be considered. What we offer. The applicant will have access to a unique and internationally recognised cardiac arrest registry, an emerging STEMI registry and a rich linked data set. Supervisors include internationally renowned Pre-hospital researchers. The applicant will be supported through the CRE and by the Ambulance Victoria Centre for Research and Evaluation. PHD output is highly likely to be translated into policy and practice. The applicant is expected to be located predominantly at Ambulance Victoria’s Blackburn North Office. Eligibility details - You must have: • Available only to Aust and NZ citizens or Permanent Residents • A First Class or High Second Class Masters or Honours degree, ideally in a health-related field (e.g. paramedicine, nursing, public health, epidemiology, etc.) • Evidence of research experience • An understanding of research methodology and data analysis • Well-developed computer skills. What you receive: • AUD $33,318 per annum for living expenses, tax exempt for up to three years. • Additional support will be available for computing / conference attendance. • Access to support, expertise and mentoring from the Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine and the Ambulance Victoria Centre for Research and Evaluation. Application details: Expressions of interest are invited to be submitted electronically to Prof Karen Smith (Karen.smith@ambulance.vic.gov.au). These should include a current CV with a full citation of all publications and any under review in a Scopus-listed journal, a statement about your research interests (maximum one page) and transcripts of grades for every degree you hold, with your rank in the class if published, any academic awards and the names of two referees, one academic and one professional. This will allow initial consideration of suitability for enrolment into a PhD and for the award of the scholarship. If more than one suitable applicant applies, then an interview may be conducted. Queries should be directed to: Professor Karen Smith at Karen.smith@ambulance.vic.gov.au