Secondary prevention is the term used to describe the targeted treatment of many non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease. There is clear and definitive evidence and clinical guidelines that document the treatments patients should receive after a heart attack; however 33% of people a year after their heart attack are not taking evidence-based medications or participating in centre-based cardiac rehabilitation. Innovative, cost effective and practical solutions are needed to address this gap. Given the challenges of engaging people face-to-face, digital interventions, in particular mobile health, offer promise for improving cardiovascular risk-factors. While a number of such interventions have been developed in the Australian context, no central platform brings these together for enhancing self-management. Work is required to develop a digital platform for the delivery of theory-and evidence-based self-management interventions, offering people the opportunity to pick and choose from a suite of programmes that meets their needs. This PhD will explore technological solutions for improving self-management in people with heart disease.
| Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree with Honours or a Master’s degree with a substantial research component, or equivalent, in exercise science, health sciences, public health, epidemiology, engineering (data mining), statistics
Applicants must be Australian or New Zealand citizens, or Australian permanent residents Fluency in English (evidence of English proficiency is required), highly motivated, and able to work in a multidisciplinary team Previous research experience in physical activity and/or dietary behaviour is desirable but not essential Previous research experience working in clinical settings is desirable but not essential Having a level of competence in data analysis, data mining, or statistical analyses would be also desirable A stipend will be available for the successful candidate. |
Please contact Ralph Maddison directly if you are interested in applying
Ralph Maddison
Professor in Physical Activity and Disease Prevention
Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN)
School of Exercise and Nutrition Science
Deakin University
Melbourne Burwood Campus, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, VIC 3125
Phone +61 3 924 46218