Measurement of outcomes for medicines management interventions for people living with dementia in primary care

Medicines management is a complex process for people living with dementia (PLWD), who often have other comorbidities and are frequently prescribed multiple regular medicines.  However, a systematic review published by our research group has indicated that there is a lack of evidence about effective interventions.  This is compounded by the fact that different intervention studies use different outcomes to measure effectiveness.  Our research group has also developed a Core Outcome Set (COS) which is a minimum set of outcomes to be measured in all medicines management trials in PLWD.  Although this COS has outlined what should be measured, it is not clear how outcomes should be measured.  Therefore, this project will update the systematic review to assess the latest evidence base for effective interventions, and using established methodology, evaluate and select outcome measurement instruments to be used in intervention studies focusing on medicines management in PLWD. 

Applicants should have a 1st or 2.1 honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject. Relevant subjects include Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biochemistry, Biological/Biomedical Sciences, Chemistry, Engineering, or a closely related discipline. Students who have a 2.2 honours degree and a Master’s degree may also be considered, but the School reserves the right to shortlist for interview only those applicants who have demonstrated high academic attainment to date. 

Postgraduate Research applicants must have applied to Queen’s, via the Direct Applications Portal. 

https://dap.qub.ac.uk/portal/user/u_login.php

http://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofPharmacy/Research/PostgraduatePositions/ 

http://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofPharmacy/Research/ 

The student will receive training in relevant quantitative and qualitative research methodologies such as systematic reviewing and consensus techniques, and other generic research skills such as project management, scientific writing, and delivering presentations. 

The identification of core outcomes, and outcome measurement instruments is becoming increasingly important in health care, and in health care research.  By identifying outcomes and outcome measurement tools to be used for intervention studies, this should lead to the generation of better evidence to inform us as to what interventions work and which should be implemented in everyday practice, particularly in populations where evidence is lacking (e.g. PLWD).