Experiences of the menopause are varied and individual, with the timing and symptoms varying as well as the chosen route to seeking help and managing the symptoms. Menopause can present additional issues for those with long-term health conditions, who may experience symptoms differently and earlier in their life.

Project details

Social and cultural attitudes and values also contribute to these varied perceptions and experiences, meaning that effective support needs to take these factors into account. There is a growing range of technology emerging to assess and treat menopausal symptoms and offer help and support. There is, however, much debate about the use of ‘FemTech’ in terms of privacy, the nature of the advice offered, user control and empowerment, and accessibility to all.

With a focus on seldom heard voices, this interdisciplinary research will seek to explore a range of experiences and support needs related to the menopause.

The research seeks to identify and understand the needs and priorities of people experiencing the menopause through language-based and creative methods, investigating how such methods can facilitate the discussion of sensitive issues. The role of technology in menopause support will be considered, and the findings from the needs identification will be translated into design requirements for culturally and socially appropriate solutions.

The project will be supported by the NIHR Devices for Dignity HRC who specialise in the development of innovative health technologies for people with long-term conditions and have a key national role in developing technologies to improve women’s health.

We are working with the NIHR Devices for Dignity HealthTech Research Centre as project advisors: NIHR Devices 4 Dignity MIC – Delivering innovative technology solutions to support people with long-term conditions, preserving their dignity and independence (devicesfordignity.org.uk.)

Funding

This is a fully-funded studentship, including tuition fees and stipend/bursary.

Benefits

The successful candidate will receive comprehensive research training including technical, personal and professional skills.

All researchers at Coventry University (from PhD to Professor) are part of the Doctoral College and Centre for Research Capability and Development, which provides support with high-quality training and career development activities.

Entry requirements

A minimum of a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum 60% mark in the project element or equivalent with a minimum 60% overall module average.

PLUS

The potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within a 3.5 years.
A minimum of English language proficiency (IELTS academic overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component).

Additional specifications

Knowledge and experience in co- design and user research in respect to long-term conditions would be beneficial. Familiarity with qualitative research methodologies, particularly relating to multimodal discourse analysis and/or metaphor analysis, would also be advantageous but not required.

How to apply

To find out more about the project, please contact Louise Moody or Sarah Turner.

All applications require full supporting documentation, a covering letter, plus a 2000-word supporting statement showing how the applicant’s expertise and interests are relevant to the project.