Implementing and evaluating a program to improve risk factor management and psychosocial wellbeing after stroke in regional Australia

About the research project

Background

There are over 450,000 people in Australia that have had a stroke. Around 1 in 4 will suffer another stroke withing 5 years, mostly due to suboptimal risk factor management. People that have had a stroke report high levels of unmet needs in terms of risk factor management but also psychosocial health and wellbeing. Our research has shown that issues with risk factor management and support after stroke are related to the disconnect between the tertiary and primary care sectors, which may be heightened in regional areas where access to health services are more difficult. To address these issues, we used co-design methods incorporating design thinking to create a new program to support risk factor management and psychosocial wellbeing after stroke, called REgional STrOke REcovery (RESTORE) Program.

About the project

The RESTORE program will be community-based incorporating a menu of options to support risk factor management and psychosocial wellbeing with support from primary care. The components of the menu are evidence-based and align with the Australian Guidelines for Stroke Management with embedded sustainable funding through existing Medicare item numbers for primary care. This PhD project offers an opportunity to be involved in the implementation and evaluation of a pilot of the program in a regional area of Tasmania. The project can involve both qualitative and quantitative components related to both the implementation and evaluation of outcomes within the pilot. The successful candidate will work with a team of leading stroke and health services research experts in Tasmania and across Australia creating opportunities for collaboration and networking.

The ideal candidate

Given the breadth of the RESTORE program, the successful candidate could have a background in a range of health-related disciplines including nursing; allied health such as physiotherapy, exercise physiology, occupational therapy or social work; medicine; health science or psychology. A candidate with clinical experience working directly with patients is desirable. Similarly, some experience collecting, analysing and reporting quantitative and/or qualitative data is highly desirable.

Primary supervisor

Meet Professor Seana Gall

Funding

The successful applicant will receive a scholarship which provides:

• a living allowance stipend funded by University of Tasmania of $34,315 per annum 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)

A tuition fee offset may be offered to eligible international applicants following competitive assessment 

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 for 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:

• The successful candidate should have a health-related degree in a field such as nursing; allied health such as physiotherapy, exercise physiology, occupational therapy or social work; medicine; health science; public health or psychology
• Some experience collecting, analysing and reporting quantitative and/or qualitative data is highly desirable

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:

• The candidate should have experience working directly with patients and/or within a clinical or service environment
• An ability to work collaboratively with a range of people from different backgrounds and disciplines is essential

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• It is desirable that the candidate has experience with the collection, analysis and reporting of quantitative or qualitative data
• Knowledge or use of implementation science and/or knowledge translation theory and practice is highly desirable

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Professor Seana Gall 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 August 2026.

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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