Keele University Prospectus Postgraduate | 2017 | Page 27

www.keele.ac.uk

Our research is delivered through a number of research themes,
the largest of which is the Arthritis Research UK Primary Care
Centre of Excellence, which hosts well-established programmes
in spinal pain, osteoarthritis and stratified care, and research in
early identification and primary care management of inflammatory
rheumatological conditions, including gout, polymyalgia rheumatica,
and rheumatoid arthritis. Our research programmes also investigate
long term conditions that commonly co-exist with musculoskeletal
disorders, particularly mental health issues (anxiety and depression),
which have a significant impact on the way in which patients can
cope with and manage their long-term conditions, and which
represent under researched areas in primary care. Our research
portfolio is further enhanced through: multidisciplinary teams
encompassing clinical expertise in General Practice, Rheumatology,
Allied Health Professions; our methodological strengths in prognosis,
biostatistics, consultation epidemiology and qualitative research
methods; and through our membership of the NIHR National School
of Primary Care Research and the NIHR Collaborations for Applied
Health Research and Care West Midlands (CLAHRC WM).

1st

in the UK for
Primary Care
Research
(Research Excellence
Framework 2014)

Lucy Teece
PhD student

Studying for a PhD at the Institute for
Primary Care and Health Sciences has taught
me more than just how to apply statistical
methodology to real data. I’ve learnt how
to communicate my research to others, to
work independently, and to manage my time
effectively. I’ve gained confidence in myself
and found that I am capable of achieving
the goals that both I and my supervisors set.
Being part of a large and diverse group
of postgraduate students means there
is constant support, encouragement, and
a multitude of opportunities to socialise.
Working in a large institute has allowed
me to be part of the larger community
of researchers. I have access to all of the
institute’s facilities and can attend the
numerous journal clubs, seminars and
training sessions that are available.
I feel supported by the whole centre
and have an excellent PhD team who
are never too far away.

Our impacts

Since 2008, we have been awarded 129 grants (over £36 million
from funders such as NIHR, Arthritis Research UK and the HTA).
In the recent Research Excellence Framework (REF) conducted by
the UK Universities’ Funding Council (HEFCE), 91% of our research
was rated as world leading or internationally excellent research and
ranked 3r d nationally. The number of postgraduate research students
supported by the institute has doubled since 2008, with 92% of them
completing within our target submission rates of four years.

Contact

For more information please visit our
website: www.keele.ac.uk/pchs
Smart minds choose Keele

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