Pakistan and Bangladesh to determine its scalability and sustainability.
We are looking to recruit an outstanding student to undertake a fully funded, full-time 3-year PhD project to explore how just-in-time adaptive interventions can support sustained behaviour change for people experiencing anxiety and depression in cardiac rehabilitation settings in Pakistan.
Applicants should be fluent English speakers (Masters degree desirable) and must either already be resident in Pakistan or prepared to live there for the duration of the project.
Just-in-time adaptive interventions provide personalised, timely support with potential to affect sustained behaviour change in cardiac rehabilitation. These interventions leverage real-time data and adaptive strategies to deliver the right support at the right moment, enhancing patient engagement and adherence to rehabilitation programmes. By tailoring interventions based on individual needs and cultural context, just-in-time adaptive interventions have potential to help overcome barriers to long-term lifestyle modifications.
This mixed methods project will build on the established intervention REACH-HF (Rehabilitation Enablement in Chronic Heart Failure), adapting its core principles to implement the addition of acceptable and feasible just-in-time adaptative interventions. The project will utilise a multi-phase, mixed methods approach, including a systematic review to explore and understand the current evidence-base for just-in-time adaptive interventions in cardiac rehabilitation settings and patient experience of engaging with them. The successful candidate will then embark on a co-design phase to culturally adapt the interventions within the Pakistan context and conduct a small feasibility study to assess the practicality of testing this intervention in real-world settings in Pakistan.
Matriculation will be with the University of Manchester however the successful applicant will be based at our host institution, Pakistan Institute of Living and Learning. The studentships are fully funded, University registration fees are covered, and stipend payments will be provided at the applicable local rate.
For informal enquiries please contact: Dr Amy Blakemore at amy.blakemore@manchester.ac.uk or the ACROSS research programme at global-across@glasgow.ac.uk.
Entry Requirements
Applicants are expected to hold a minimum upper second class undergraduate honours degree (or equivalent). A Masters degree, in a relevant subject (e.g., psychology, health psychology, nursing) with evidence of significant research methods units completed is desirable.
ILETS 6.5 (6.0 all components).
Experience in behaviour change in the context of long-term conditions and comorbid mental health problems is desirable.
How to Apply
For information on how to apply for this project, please visit the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health Doctoral Academy website (https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/apply/). Interested candidates must first make contact with the Primary Supervisor prior to submitting a formal application, to discuss their interest and suitability for the project. On the online application form select PhD Nursing.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. The full Equality, diversity and inclusion statement can be found on the website https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/apply/equality-diversity-inclusion/
Funding Notes
NIHR RIGHT Call ACROSS: Affordable Cardiac Rehabilitation: An Outreach Interdisciplinary Strategic Study (NIHR 205540).
Studentship funding is for a duration of three years to commence in January 2027 and covers tuition fees and an annual stipend (UKRI rate).
