Heat impacts on people living with multiple long-term conditions and polypharmacy
Supervisors:
Dr Claire Niedzwiedz, School of Health & Wellbeing (University of Glasgow)
Dr David Blane, School of Health & Wellbeing (University of Glasgow)
Dr Peter Hanlon, School of Health & Wellbeing (University of Glasgow)
Prof Vittal Katikireddi, School of Health & Wellbeing (University of Glasgow)
Summary:
Climate change is one of the most significant global health challenges, however our understanding of how it affects people living with multiple long-term conditions (MLTC) and polypharmacy is limited. This project aims to increase understanding of how changing temperatures impact people living with physical-mental multimorbidity and related polypharmacy, using a mixed methods approach. It will involve scoping existing literature, qualitative research involving people living with MLTC to explore experiences of climate-related exposures, such as extreme heat and cold, awareness of health impacts and concerns about the future. Quantitative data will investigate the combinations of physical and mental health conditions that are most sensitive to heat and changing temperatures and the impact on outcomes, such as emergency hospital admissions and quality of life. The project will contribute to knowledge of the impact of climate change on people living with MLTC and polypharmacy, particularly in the UK. Supervised by a multidisciplinary team, the successful applicant will work with us to design a PhD that addresses key questions in this topical area, but which provides the Fellow with doctoral training that meets their interests, career and development needs.