The role of carers in medicines management for people living with dementia

It is estimated that there are close to 50 million people living with dementia worldwide, and this number is estimated to double every 20 years. Multimorbidity and polypharmacy are both prevalent amongst people with dementia. As a result, they are often prescribed complex medication regimens and may require increasing assistance with medicines management from carers. National and international policy and clinical guidelines emphasise the importance of adequately supporting carers of people living with dementia. This mixed-methods project will seek to generate current evidence on the role of both formal and informal carers in medicines management for people living with dementia within the primary healthcare setting. The project will explore the medicines-related activities that carers undertake, their experiences and perspectives of this and how they may be supported better to improve medicines management for people living with dementia and reduce carers’ burden and stress. The successful candidate will develop skills in both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, which are widely used in health services research. 

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 successful candidate will receive training in relevant quantitative and qualitative methodologies and other generic research skills, such as delivering presentations, scientific writing/writing for publication, and time management.  

This project will provide a clearer understanding of the challenges carers face with medicines management for people living with dementia and will develop novel solutions to help support carers more appropriately. Findings from this work will be used to improve primary care service delivery for people living with dementia, to positively impact patient satisfaction and quality of life.