A Decision Support Tool for Capturing Socioeconomic Status Within Hospital Simulation Models at University of Hertfordshire

Health inequities remain a significant challenge worldwide, disproportionately affecting individuals from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds. Recognizing the urgent need for targeted resource allocation in healthcare settings, this PhD study focuses on developing a decision support tool that integrates socioeconomic status within a comprehensive hospital simulation model. The research aims to bridge the gap between health inequity and resource allocation by incorporating the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) as a metric to assess socioeconomic status. Through a simulation-based approach, the model will assign an IMD value to each patient during the simulation process, enabling the estimation of resource requirements based on the diverse needs of individuals. By capturing the entire hospital environment within the simulation model, this study will provide valuable insights into the resource allocation disparities that exist among different patient populations. Hospitals catering to more deprived communities are likely to require additional resources to meet the complex healthcare needs of their patients. The decision support tool will facilitate evidence-based decision-making, enabling policymakers and healthcare administrators to optimize resource allocation and address health inequities effectively. The methodology encompasses the development of a sophisticated simulation model that accurately represents a hospital’s dynamics, taking into account patient flows, clinical pathways, and resource utilization patterns. The model will be validated using real-world data to ensure its reliability and applicability. The anticipated outcomes of this research include a comprehensive decision support tool capable of simulating and analysing the impact of socioeconomic disparities on resource allocation within hospitals. This tool will enable policymakers to better understand the relationship between health inequity and resource distribution, ultimately guiding policy interventions aimed at reducing disparities and promoting equitable healthcare access. This PhD study represents a vital step towards leveraging simulation modelling techniques to address health inequity. By providing a robust decision support tool that captures socioeconomic status within hospital simulations, this research endeavours to empower healthcare organizations and policymakers to make informed decisions that can mitigate health inequities and ensure equitable healthcare delivery for all. Travel and fieldwork costs will be covered, as will conference attendance and staff development activities for the appointee.

Applicant requirements

Applicants should have at least an upper second-class honours degree in a relevant discipline. A master degree in a relevant field will be advantageous.

The studentship is open to UK/EU and international applicants.

How to apply

Applicants are required to provide the following documents:

• A completed application form, available for download at: http://www.herts.ac.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/31105/uh-application-form.pdf.;
• A 2000 words research proposal;
• Two academic references;
• Copies of qualification certificates and transcripts;
• Certification of English language competence (minimum IELTS 6.5 or equivalent) for candidates for whom English is not their first language;
• A copy of passport photo page.

Please send completed applications to the Doctoral College at doctoralcollegeadmissions@herts.ac.uk, using the following format in the email subject line: “Business School_studentship application_Demir”.

For enquiries concerning this studentship and the Business School please contact Professor Eren Demir (e.demir@herts.ac.uk).  

Key dates

Closing date for applications: 11 August 2023.