Case study 3: Veronique

Scenario

Veronique has low energy levels and gets very tired when writing for long periods of time. Her concentration is poor and she finds many research activities hard to sustain because of her ME (myalgic encephalopathy).

Suggested actions

• Ask Veronique the maximum time she can work on one task
• Decide together on a plan which mixes reading, analysis, note-taking, writing up
• Ensure that she has attainable goals
• Encourage her to spend part of each day in writing
• Develop a plan which ensures the postgraduate researcher will not store up their writing until the writing up year but will complete chapters each year
• Find out the times of day when she has optimum energy. Build that into the planning process.
• Encourage her to liaise with Disability Service as they will be able to provide advice and support.