PhD Project - Elisabeth Kirchner
Elective surgery describes procedures that are not emergencies, and so do not need immediate attention. It is not uncommon that, in many public health systems, demand for these types of surgery exceed the supply that is available, resulting in patients having to wait for their surgery. In collaboration with NHS Grampian, this study aims to investigate the effect prolonged waiting for surgery may have on patients’ quality of life, leisure activity, social life and support needs.
Using a longitudinal, mixed-methods design, we are collecting data from participants who are currently on a NHS Grampian waiting list for elective surgery over a time period of 12 months. This is done via repeated online surveys and individual participant interviews at the start and end of the data collection period. As such, we are assessing participants’ wellbeing and feelings over time while on waiting lists for elective surgery.
Supervisors: Prof Craig Ramsay, Prof Louise Locock
Contacts
- Elisabeth Kirchner; e.kirchner.20@abdn.ac.uk