Dementia Respite Community of Practice

Community of Practice in Dementia Respite Care: Knowledge Sharing and Collaboration

Degree type

PhD

Closing date

1 June 2024

Campus

Hobart

Citizenship requirement

Domestic

About the research project

The Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre at the University of Tasmania and Dementia Support Australia are working together to deliver the Dementia Respite Education and Mentoring (DREAM) project. DREAM's main goal is to boost the skills of the dementia respite care staff, supporting them to provide the best respite care for people living with dementia and their carers. DREAM comprises an online portal providing education about dementia, a community of practice supporting workforce development and access to mentoring from experienced coaches. DREAM provides a multifaceted approach to improve the experience of respite care for people living with dementia and those who care for them.


The DREAM project includes development of an online Community of Practice (CoP) where users can learn from, and connect with, others interested in dementia respite care. In the CoP platform individuals can access curated information about dementia respite care and interact with and build relationships with peers. This virtual community of practice serves as a forum for open conversations, enquiries, and the exchange of ideas, operating as a supportive group learning environment. Importantly, it will be designed and delivered in collaboration with individuals who are passionate about enhancing the quality of dementia respite care.


This mixed method study will focus on the development and delivery of the DREAM project's online Community of Practice (CoP), examining how users perceive its function, how they connect, what expertise is shared, and how relationships are formed. It will examine the critical elements of an online community of practice which enable its establishment, membership, relevance, success and sustainability, and it will determine how these interactions impact on dementia respite care.

Primary Supervisor

Meet Dr Kathleen Doherty

Funding

Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:

  • a living allowance stipend of $32,192 per annum (2024 rate, indexed annually) for 3.5 years
  • a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
  • a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)

If successful, international applicants will receive a University of Tasmania Fees Offset for up to four years.

As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.

Other funding opportunities and fees

For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees of undertaking a research degree, please visit our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.

Eligibility

Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.

Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.

Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:

  • Applicants must be able to undertake the project on-campus

Selection Criteria

The project is competitively assessed and awarded.  Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.

Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:

  • Undergraduate qualification in a Health or Education related field.

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

  • Knowledge and understanding of Aged care.

Application process

  1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
  2. Contact Dr Kathleen Doherty to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
  3. In your application:
    • Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
    • Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
  4. Apply prior to 1 June 2024.

Full details of the application process can be found under the 'How to apply' section of the Research Degrees website.

Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.

Apply now Explore other projects

Why the University of Tasmania?

Worldwide reputation for research excellence

Quality supervision and support

Tasmania offers a unique study lifestyle experience