Blockchain and the first 100 days of IBD

Integrating clinical-socio-technical factors into the design of a clinical blockchain to improve patient care during the first 100 days of inflammatory bowel disease diagnosis

Degree type

PhD

Closing date

27 March 2023

Campus

Hobart

Citizenship requirement

Domestic/International

About the research project

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic relapsing and remitting illness. The presentation, diagnosis and management IBD are complex, and involve multi-disciplinary care with complex information requirements, especially during the first 100 days after IBD diagnosis. The lack of an accurate and comprehensive patient record is often a barrier for optimal patient care.

Blockchain has the potential to transform IBD care, due to data comprehensiveness, security and integrity. Recent work on blockchain in healthcare has shifted focus to facilitating patient-centred care by enabling patient-driven interoperability. Concurrently, clinical research has shown that patients have different perceptions of what constitutes high-quality care. Patient-centred care is considered essential especially during the first 100 days after the IBD diagnosis to improve clinical outcomes.

This research team, in collaboration with the University of Southern Denmark, has published the first socio-technical framework to guide blockchain development in healthcare. Furthermore, this research team has analysed blockchain in IBD care and developed the 4 guiding principles in the design, development and implementation of clinical blockchain in IBD care.

Research aims:

This research aims to engage patients, clinicians and the healthcare systems to design, develop, implement and evaluate blockchain technology in patients with IBD, focusing on the first 100 days after diagnosis to validate the 4 principles of clinical blockchain in IBD care.

Research objectives:

  1. To collect data from relevant parties after the 100 days of IBD diagnosis for blockchain design and development.
  2. To investigate information architecture and clinical smart contract in the design and implementation of blockchain in IBD care.
  3. To collect data in order to validate and refine the 4 principles of clinical blockchain in IBD care.

Potential candidates are advised to read through publications by the supervisor on the 4 principles of blockchain and IBD care prior to discussion of specific topics.

Primary Supervisor

Meet Dr Kwang Yee

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.

Eligibility

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

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:

  • Understanding healthcare engagement Understanding healthcare system Understanding evaluation in healthcare
  • Understanding of IT systems in healthcare Good computer and communication skill

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

  • Healthcare professionals or Knowledge in blockchain

Application process

There is a three-step application process:

  1. Select your project, and check you meet the eligibility and selection criteria;
  2. Contact the Primary Supervisor, Dr Kwang Yee to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
  3. Submit an application by the closing date listed above.
    • 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.
    • As part of your application, you will be required to submit a covering letter, a CV including 2 x referees and your project research proposal.

Following the application 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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