PhD Position on Safe and Effective Handover Practices in ICU Contexts
Investigate sociotechnical handover practices in intensive care units to enhance patient safety and care continuity through interdisciplinary research.
Best for:Best for researchers with a background in healthcare, safety science, or engineering who are passionate about improving patient safety through interdisciplinary sociotechnical research.
Overview
This PhD position at Delft University of Technology focuses on improving handover practices in intensive care units (ICUs), where safe information transfer between healthcare professionals is critical for patient safety. The project will explore how structured tools, communication frameworks, and system factors influence handover effectiveness, addressing challenges like cognitive overload and interruptions. The successful candidate will collaborate with healthcare stakeholders to analyze real-world implementation, assess impact on patient outcomes, and propose evidence-based solutions. The role combines clinical, technical, and social science perspectives to bridge gaps in ICU workflows and improve multidisciplinary care coordination.
What you'll do
- Conduct interdisciplinary research on handover practices in ICU settings, integrating clinical, technical, and social science perspectives.
- Develop and implement methodologies to analyze handover effectiveness, including field observations, stakeholder interviews, and data collection from healthcare organizations.
- Evaluate the impact of structured handover tools (e.g., SBAR, I-PASS) on patient safety, care continuity, and system performance.
- Collaborate closely with healthcare professionals, policymakers, and clinical teams to co-design solutions for handover challenges.
- Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and present research outcomes at national and international conferences.
- Enroll in TU Delft’s Doctoral Education Programme to develop research and transferable skills.
Requirements
Degree required: Master’s degree in Medicine, Health Sciences, Epidemiology, Clinical Technology, Technical Medicine, Biomedical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Management of Technology, Human Factors, Complex Systems Engineering and Management, or a related field.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; proficiency at a level sufficient for academic research, teaching, and thesis writing (verified via TU Delft’s admission requirements). Dutch proficiency is prioritized for interactions in Dutch healthcare settings.
Instruction: English
- Proven academic or professional background in healthcare, clinical technology, or safety science.
- Experience or affinity with healthcare systems and patient safety research.
- Strong analytical and research skills, with an ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
- Familiarity with qualitative or mixed-methods research approaches (e.g., case studies, interviews, observational research).
- No restrictions on nationality or residency; open to international applicants.
- Applicants must be eligible for admission to TU Delft’s PhD programme.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-19
Applicants must submit their application via TU Delft’s online portal before the deadline. Required documents include a CV, a one-page motivational letter, and up to two pages of writing examples. Applications sent via email or post will not be considered.
- CV
- Motivational letter (1 page)
- Writing examples (max 2 pages)
Contact
Ece Üreten / Perla Marang-van de Mheen· Supervisors
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