Amy Ridge
Masters by Research Student
Study programme: Msc by Research PT
Start date: 07/10/2024
Director of Studies: Dr Erica Cook
Second Supervisor: Dr Louisa Donald
Third Supervisor: Dr Faye Powell
Working thesis title
A quantitative investigation into the access and experience of women who attend pre-routine commercial ultrasound scans in England.
Overview of research
The project aims to provide insight into commercial ultrasound accessed in early pregnancy (<14 weeks gestation) from the perspectives of women who have accessed a commercial ultrasound in England within the last three years (<2026). Commercial ultrasound clinics have been thoroughly scrutinised by the media (Clark, 2023; Titherage & Croxford, 2020; Ramaswamy, 2017) and a recent pregnancy loss review highlighted that commercial sonography lacks regulation (Clark-Coates & Collinge, 2023). Despite this, empirical research exploring service users’ perspective on commercial sonography is sparse (Roberts et al., 2015; Wadephul et al., 2014), specifically in early pregnancy, which is the highest risk period for pregnancy loss (Tommy’s, 2023; Tong et al., 2008). This study will employ a quantitative cross-sectional survey design to investigate the sociodemographic and pregnancy-related characteristics of women who access commercial ultrasounds in early pregnancy (pre-routine scan offered by the NHS at < 11- 14 weeks) and take into consideration their reasons for accessing and satisfaction with care. Identifying the sociodemographic and pregnancy-related characteristics and whether there is a difference between these characteristics and satisfaction with care may be of benefit to commercial sonographers, as it may support their role in providing tailored person-centred care.
Contact Information
What is your experience as a research student at the University of Bedfordshire?
I have highly valued the support provided by my supervisors and their passion and drive to improve healthcare has inspired me to develop this project. I have been given multiple opportunities to get involved in other academic’s research as a Research Assistant - I have found this incredibly helpful in developing both my confidence and knowledge of methodologies and analysis. A research degree can be considerably isolating due to the independent nature of the programme; however, I often use the post-grad office, attend conferences and writing retreats which has allowed me to connect to my peers and feel less alone!
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For all the information you need on how to apply for a research degree and to make sure you fulfil the entry requirements go to How to apply
You should have a good honours degree (2:1 or above) or masters degree or equivalent in the relevant subject area.