The economics of frailty and use of community assets

There is limited evidence available on the economics of frailty and Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) of social prescribing interventions addressing frailty to improve health and wellbeing through the use community assets.

The aim of this studentship is to develop a system level approach to model the economic arguments of implementing interventions to prevent/improve frailty and delayed transfers of care for older people with complex and heterogeneous needs. This research will simulate the reality of supply side availability and constraints and use conventional economic theory to understand economic incentives and outcomes for patients and stakeholders such as the HSE and Social Services. A mixed methods approach will be adopted to examine the use of health and care services in elderly population and forecasting on demand and exploring equitably distribution of services. This studentship will determine the use of community assets and social prescribing interventions which could impact positively on frailty and health and wellbeing outcomes. In addition, this project will incorporate health economic techniques to estimate the social, economic and environmental impact of investment in frailty interventions.

Tenure – 4 year PhD

Mandatory Specification

Candidates for this project will require a background in public health, health systems, psychology, social sciences, nursing, economics or other cognate discipline. All candidates should have a minimum of 2:1 honours degree (level 8) in the disciplinary area outlined or in a cognate discipline. Candidate should be highly motivated, enthusiastic individuals.

How do I apply?

To apply, please access the following link and complete the application form in full:

https://forms.office.com/e/2QNrpk8ErV

• Unfortunately, we are unable to provide individual feedback to applicants.
• Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview.
• At this stage only successful candidates will be contacted to submit CV, transcripts and other relevant documentation.
• For successful candidates, referees will also be contacted at this stage for a reference.

Applications must include: 

(i) a completed application form 

(ii) English language requirements – see https://www.rcsi.com/dublin/postgraduate/policies-and-guidelines/english-language-requirements.

Deadline: All applications must be made online by 31 May 2024, (12am, midnight)

It is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure the application form is completed in full and on time. Late and/or incomplete applications will not normally be assessed.

Further information on the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland can be found here: https://www.rcsi.com/

Expected shortlisting date – 10th June 2024

Expected interview dates – 21st, 24th and 25th June 2024

Projected start date of position – 16th September 2024

Supervisor Information

• Professor Mary Lynch
• Dr Suzanne McDonough
• Prof. Helen French