About the project
Emergency Departments across the NHS face ongoing pressures that put diagnostic safety at risk. Beyond structural fixes and new technologies, reliable diagnosis also depends on the cultural, cognitive, and behavioural dynamics within clinical teams.
Although research has examined organisational culture, diagnostic reasoning, and patient‑safety practices, it rarely looks at how these factors work together. Some EDs achieve major, sustained reductions in missed diagnoses through shared vigilance and strong communication, while others see little lasting change.
This project asks how culture, collective sensemaking, and teamwork shape sustainable diagnostic improvement. Working with Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, it uses qualitative case studies - interviews, observations, and abductive analysis - to build a practice‑grounded framework for improving diagnosis in pressured ED environments.
Training and programme routes
All ESRC funded students are expected to develop a strong foundation of core research skills. Your specific training route within the WRDTP will depend on your previous academic experience, particularly any social science research training you have already completed.
Applicants should choose the most suitable programme in consultation with their proposed supervisor. As part of the nomination process, your supervisor will complete a Development Needs Analysis to ensure your training matches your background and development needs.
Typical routes are:
- No social science Master’s degree: Funded for 4.5 years - a 1‑year MA in Social Research followed by a 3.5‑year PhD.
- Social science Master’s degree with fewer than 60 credits of M‑level research training: Funded for 3.75 years - an integrated PGCert/PhD.
- Social science Master’s degree with 60+ credits of M‑level research training: Funded for 3.5 years - a PhD.
Your supervisor or university can advise on the most appropriate route based on your prior study. The WRDTP considers a degree to be a social science degree if at least 50% of its taught modules fall within an ESRC recognised subject area.
Find out more about how to apply and eligibility criteria.
For informal enquires, please contact Professor Nishikant Mishra.
