PRR Project

Summary

Aligned with the Rise-Health@FMUP initiative, which endeavors to bridge the gap between laboratory research and community health, this position seeks to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, clinicians, health professionals, and patient associations. The neurobiology group within Rise-Health@FMUP, specializing in translational neurourology, focuses on investigating health issues related to Chronic Pain and Therapeutic Adherence.In this proposed role, the principal researcher will contribute to developing, evaluating, and disseminating translational behavioral science to improve the health and well-being of individuals and populations. Specifically, the investigation and education of Chronic Pain and Therapeutic Adherence, aim to understand the active ingredients influencing behavior in chronic conditions.  This involves conducting formative research, understanding the determinants of behaviors and symptoms using observational and experimental methods, evidence synthesis, and the development of face-to-face or digital interventions with process evaluation. This research is theoretically grounded, applied, interdisciplinary, multi-methodological, and funded by the National Healthcare System.Chronic Pain management requires a multifaceted approach, involving the commitment of patients, families, and healthcare providers. With projections indicating a rise in chronic diseases, there´s an urgent need for improved treatments, monitoring, and management strategies. Specifically, attention is directed toward therapeutic adherence, quality of life, patient-professional communication, health promotion, and home-based care programs. This position amalgamates expertise in health psychology with a research focus on intervention development.Chronic pain management necessitates a nuanced blend of therapeutic interventions, often not curative but demanding sustained commitment from both patients and healthcare stakeholders. In light of this scenario of medication wastage and/or misuse, significant behavioral changes are imperative to promote individual, economic, and environmental health, thereby enhancing overall quality of life. Within this conceptual framework, and given the lack of evidence regarding the impact of therapeutic adherence on pain reduction, research prioritization is essential. Investigating medication prescription practices for long-term conditions becomes paramount, aiming for optimal pharmacotherapy management to minimize waste and environmental impact, particularly within our local context.The Principal Researcher to be hired should have research experience in the Health Psychology field, extensive experience working with various Portuguese faculties and international universities, considerable experience supervising and teaching students at various stages and disciplines, and experience creating education courses.Additionally, the principal Investigator should have vast experience working in hospitals and primary care settings, collaborating with medical specialties, nurses, and other stakeholders involved in health, and working with Scientific Study Associations and Patient Associations.Competencies in Third Generation Cognitive Therapy, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, and psychometric measures assessment, including validation and translation to the Portuguese Population, are desirable. A graduate course in Health and Business Administration would be beneficial for integrating a management perspective applied to the health sector.