Lung cancer care pathways

Improving outcomes for Tasmanians diagnosed with lung cancer

Degree type

PhD

Closing date

25 September 2023

Campus

Hobart

Citizenship requirement

Domestic / International

About the research project

Tasmania has the second highest rate of lung cancer incident cases, and, in turn, Tasmanian men have the highest mortality rate nationally and Tasmanian women the second highest. We know that survival can be improved by increasing the rate of early diagnosis and ensuring that patients have rapid access to initial investigations, referral to specialist care for diagnosis, staging and treatment planning. Pathways for diagnosis, treatment and care however can be can be complex, involving various health care providers across multiple institutions contributing to variations in care. This complexity of care may pose more of a challenge in an already stressed Tasmanian health care system, with major hospitals confronting an increasing demand for services, increasing costs, and shrinking budgets along with long waiting times within the hospitals and primary health care services.

This project will aim to generate evidence to support the codesign solutions to improve the transition through care pathways, reduce timelines for optimal medical care and improve patient outcomes through diagnosis and treatment phases of lung cancer care. This project will continue work from an ongoing project which characterises and maps the most frequent care pathways from referral to diagnosis and treatment for lung cancer patients in Tasmania.

The project aims are to:

  1. Determine factors influencing lung cancer patient related outcomes in Tasmania;
  2. Determine barriers to and facilitators of lung cancer care in Tasmania; and,
  3. Conduct a cost analysis and assess potential cost savings associated with care pathways and factors that influence cost.

Primary Supervisor

Meet Dr Ingrid Cox

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 $31,500 per annum (2023 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:

  • Applications are open to applicants preferably with a background in public health, health services, or health economics/economics and qualitative research
  • 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 desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

  • Qualitative research skills

Application process

  1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
  2. Contact Dr Ingrid Cox 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 25 September 2023.

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.

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