Q&A with Sean Fennessy
(opens in a new window)sean.fennessy@ucdconnect.ie
What are the key points of your research synopsis?
Gastrointestinal endoscopy is one of the most common outpatient procedures performed worldwide. Through my doctoral research, under the supervision of Dr Edel McDermott, I looked at methods to improve patient experience throughout the entire endoscopy process, from referral to post-endoscopy follow-up. Our starting point was a systematic review on this subject, which showed a lack of research or information within this field. Through an extensive co-design process, we developed a suite of patient information videos, with patients, staff and other key stakeholders and then tested our results using a mixed-methods pilot trial. We used a validated patient-reported experience measure to look for a difference between those who received the videos before endoscopy, as well as the standard of care. Whilst there was no quantifiable difference, our qualitative arm showed that this had a significant influence on patient-reported anxiety and overall comfort with the procedure.
Could you share some highlights of your experience as a PhD student?
As a whole, being able to take a project from its inception through to publication of articles and a thesis submission was demanding yet a profoundly rewarding experience. One particular highlight was being able to work directly with patients to design healthcare information that is important to them.
What advice would you give to someone considering undertaking a PhD?
Although every MD student aspires to a seamless path toward thesis submission, such an ideal is rarely attainable. From a career perspective, I found that the most valuable insights often emerged from setbacks along the way and from understanding why certain approaches or ideas failed to progress, rather than from successes alone. Maintaining a comprehensive research journal is therefore essential, as these lessons and reflections can provide substantial material for discussion in manuscripts and within the thesis itself.
What were some great aspects of pursuing your PhD at UCD?
Having completed my undergraduate medical degree in UCD, as well as working in one of the main UCD-affiliated academic teaching hospitals, I found the step-up to doctoral research very familiar. Living nearby, being able to use the library and sports facilities was also another major plus. Most importantly, the opportunity to work under the supervision of Dr. McDermott and collaborate with other UCD academic colleagues has been a privilege.