Degree type
PhD
Closing date
1 June 2024
Campus
Burnie, Hobart, Launceston
Citizenship requirement
Domestic
About the research project
Residential rehabilitation programs for substance use disorders have mixed effectiveness, benefiting some participants while presenting limitations for others (Haber et al. 2021; Mutschler et al 2022). Substance use disorders commonly co-occur with mental health disorders, presenting particular challenges and opportunities in the provision of effective programs (Otasowie 2021).
Outcomes may be enhanced when programs are individualised and person-centred, incorporating specific evidence-based therapies and elements such as relationship building, development of coping skills, and relapse prevention (Mutschler et al 2022). Client, clinician, and organisational factors combine to impact outcomes, highlighting the need for comprehensive implementation frameworks (Louie et al 2021).
Evidence is required to more fully understand how programs can be tailored to individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders in Australian and regional contexts. Stakeholder and lived-experience perspectives may be vital to research enabling understanding of the factors that enhance outcomes and how existing programs can be improved (Davis et al 2020).
The proposed study will employ an action-oriented research approach to understand and inform an existing residential rehabilitation program with the aim of optimising outcomes for people who have co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
References
Haber, P. S., Riordan, B. C., Winter, D. T., Barrett, L., Saunders, J., Hides, L., ... & Morley, K. C. (2021). New Australian guidelines for the treatment of alcohol problems: an overview of recommendations. Medical Journal of Australia, 215, S3-S32.
Davis, E. L., Kelly, P. J., Deane, F. P., Baker, A. L., Buckingham, M., Degan, T., & Adams, S. (2020). The relationship between patient-centered care and outcomes in specialist drug and alcohol treatment: A systematic literature review. Substance abuse, 41(2), 216-231.
Louie, E., Barrett, E. L., Baillie, A., Haber, P., & Morley, K. C. (2021). A systematic review of evidence-based practice implementation in drug and alcohol settings: applying the consolidated framework for implementation research framework. Implementation Science, 16(1), 1-29.
Mutschler, C., Junaid, S., Tellez, C., Franco, G., Gryspeerdt, C., & Bushe, J. (2022). Community‐based residential treatment for alcohol and substance use problems: A realist review. Health & Social Care in the Community, 30(2), e287-e304.
Otasowie, J. (2021). Co-occurring mental disorder and substance use disorder in young people: aetiology, assessment and treatment. BJPsych Advances, 27(4), 272-281.
Primary Supervisor
Meet Dr David LeesFunding
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:
- Domestic applicants only
- 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.
Application process
- Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
- Contact Dr David Lees to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
- 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.
- 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.
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