Developing continuity of care prediction models using Explainable AI for outcomes of care in multimorbid patients: the example of heart failure (HF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Ref: 5224

Supervisors

Professor Umesh Kadam, University of Exeter

Dr Benjamin Atta Owusu, University of Exeter

Dr Aishwaryaprajna, University of Exeter

Project description:

There is well-established evidence from primary care that continuity of care with a single healthcare professional, such as a GP, can lead to improved care and clinical outcomes. However, this key concept has diminished as multiple long-term condition pathways and multi-disciplinary teams have superseded the idea of a primary HCP responsible for coordinating care. There is a significant gap in the evidence on how these changes have impacted care and outcomes, and how different measures of continuity-of-care are incorporated in AI/ML predictive models of outcomes.

The aims of the studentship are to develop AI/ML predictive models of outcomes using new measures of continuity of care based on routinely collected clinical and care data, for the population with heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
There will be three stages to the studentship: (i) Systematic review of the literature on continuity of care measures and application in AI/ML prediction models using routinely collected care data; (ii) Development of AI/ML predictive models using the anonymised Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) database for adults with multiple conditions of heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which require high levels of care; (iii) Performance testing of these AI/ML predictive models using specified clinical and care outcomes for HF and COPD. 

This PhD studentship is a data science project in the healthcare domain and as such will provide experience of handling ‘big data’, developing AI/ML methods and translation of methods into practice, working with PPI. Development will take place in an inter-disciplinary team for a dynamic career as a healthcare data scientist. 

NIHR Exeter BRC Commitment

This Studentship will be nested within the National Institute of Health and Care Research Exeter Biomedical Research Centre (NIHR Exeter BRC), hosted by the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust in partnership with the University of Exeter and in collaboration with South West NHS organisations. The first of its kind for the South West peninsula, the Centres fundamental objective is to improve health outcomes for patients and the public by translating scientific breakthroughs into potential new treatments, diagnostics and medical technologies.

This studentship will provide the opportunity to work with world-leading researchers and have access to state-of-the-art facilities. The NIHR Exeter BRC are committed to developing and nurturing a diverse and rich pipeline of talented researchers by equipping them with the knowledge and skills to excel and contribute significantly to the local and national economy via the delivery of high-quality and impactful translational biomedical research. Expertise will be harnessed from across the partnership to deliver the best possible training and career development opportunities, with the student provided the opportunity to be embedded in a rich research culture, with a growing body of early career researchers.

We are delighted to have already recruited some exceptionally talented researchers at various career stages to our NIHR Exeter BRC, including  Senior Investigator Fellows, Translational Fellows and our first cohort of PhD students who started with us in September 2023 in addition to a second cohort who will start with us in September this year.

Fees and funding

For eligible students, the studentship will cover Home tuition fees plus an annual tax-free stipend of at least £19,237 (in alignment with standard Research Council UK rate) for 3 years full-time, in addition to a Research Training and Support Grant (RTSG). The student will be based at the St Lukes Campus.

*Students who pay international tuition fees are eligible to apply, but should note that the award will only provide payment for part of the international tuition fee and no stipend. International applicants need to be aware that you will have to cover the cost of your student visa, healthcare surcharge and other costs of moving to the UK to do a PhD.

The conditions for eligibility of home fees status are complex and you will need to seek advice if you have moved to or from the UK (or Republic of Ireland) within the past 3 years or have applied for settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.

Timeline

The closing date for applications is midnight on January 6th 2025.

Interview panels are anticipated to  be held virtually week commencing 3rd / 10th February 2025.

Expected start date is Sepember 2025.

Contact details

If you would like to discuss the studentships further, please contact the primary supervisor as stated in the advert. If you have any queries surrounding the application process or the BRC more generally, please contact Dr Sophie Gould (NIHR Exeter BRC Training and Events Manager) at S.L.Gould@exeter.ac.uk.

Entry requirements

Applicants for this studentship must have obtained, or be about to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an appropriate subject area.

If English is not your first language you will need to meet the required level as per our guidance at https://www.exeter.ac.uk/pg-research/apply/english/

How to apply

Apply now

In the application process, you will be asked to upload several documents:

• CV – all aspects below must be included, if applicable.
 Contact details
 Education history
 Work history
 Work experience (voluntary and/ or paid)
 Professional development and skillset e.g. certification, courses, workshops, conference attendance/ presentations
 Publications and awards

• Letter of motivation (maximum 2 pages)
Please note that your application will be assessed on research ‘potential’ as opposed to research ‘experience’ to allow candidates who have not had the resources or opportunities to have internships or study for a master’s degree to be assessed on equal terms with those who have had these opportunities.
Please use the guiding questions/areas below to structure your letter of application.
 What it is about this particular research area that interests you (e.g. your interest/understanding of the research question, your skills/experience that fit with this project)?
 How will this PhD studentship help you achieve your future career goals?
 Examples of your achievements in research related activities (e.g. undergraduate, internships, masters or postgraduate work experience).
 Example of your achievements in non-research related activities (e.g. outside of academic study).
 Any additional relevant information to support your application. Including, any mitigation factors you wish to make the selection committee aware of for consideration during the assessment of your application e.g. career breaks due to parental leave or periods of illness, reduced time for career progression due to disability or caring responsibilities, or reduced opportunities to career support.

NIHR Exeter BRC recognises that you may be reluctant, or uncomfortable disclosing relevant information that is sensitive. However, you should bear in mind that that we are unable to take into account factors that you do not disclose. Please be assured that information provided by you is sensitive and will be treated confidentially and in line with General Data and Protection Regulations (GDPR).

• Transcript(s) giving full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained (this should be an interim transcript if you are still studying).
• Two references.  If you are not able to upload your reference documents with your application please ensure you provide details of your referees for information.  If you provide contact details of referees only, we will not expect receipt of references until after the shortlisting stage. Your referees should not be from the prospective supervisory team.
• If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country you will need to submit evidence of your proficiency in English

Our Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Commitment

The NIHR Exeter Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) and Clinical Research Facility (CRF) strongly adhere to Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity (EDI) principles. They share a fundamental objective to empower better health outcomes for all patients and the public by translating scientific breakthroughs into potential new treatments, diagnostics and medical technologies. 
We are committed to ensuring that the consideration of EDI is second nature to all members of our experimental medicine and translational research community, fostering a fully inclusive environment where everyone feels supported, valued, and is provided the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Our strategy purposefully shares overarching EDI visions with those of the NIHR, UoE and NHS Trust partners to allow for collaborative working to reach our mutual goals. Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underserved within our working community.

Summary