Balancing benefits and harms of fixed-dose combination medications for the management of hypertension: A multiphase mixed-methods study

RCSI’s Strategic Academic Recruitment (StAR) Programme is now recruiting for prestigious funded PhD scholarships. This programme aims to attract high-achieving students to a four-year structured PhD training programme at RCSI and Qatar University. Students will spend half of their time in Doha and half of their time in Dublin. They will receive their PhD from both Universities.

The RCSI-QU StAR PhD Programme aims to encourage scientists to develop innovative research projects in Health Sciences, with a focus on Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research or Clinical and Population Health Research.

Two research projects are available in the current intake:

1. Green chemistry synthesis of silver nanoparticles in b-cyclodextrin doped nanofibers for wound healing applications (Biomedical & Pharmaceutical Track)
2. Balancing benefits and harms of fixed-dose combination medications for the management of hypertension: A multiphase mixed-methods study (Clinical & Population Health Track)

Balancing benefits and harms of fixed-dose combination medications for the management of hypertension: A multiphase mixed-methods study

Background: Fixed-dose combinations (FDCs), combinations of two or more active drugs in a single dosage form, have become widely available in recent decades, particularly for chronic conditions. Benefits of FDCs include rationalising drug therapy and reduce pill burden, however these need to be balanced against limitations, including cost, less flexibility and difficulty attributing adverse drug reactions to an individual drug.

Aim: To explore the use of FDCs for management of hypertension, their potential impact on medication and clinical outcomes, and perspectives of health professionals and patients.

Methods: This will be achieved through five studies, using a combination of evidence synthesis, quantitative and qualitative approaches:

• Study 1 is a systematic review and a network meta-analysis to compare the effectiveness, safety and adherence of different fixed-dose combinations for hypertension management
• Study 2 is an observational study involving secondary data analysis evaluating trends in use of FDC and impact on medication outcomes (therapeutic inertia, adherence and medication safety)
• Study 3 is a cohort study involving secondary data analysis evaluating the impact of FDCs on clinical outcomes (disease control, and falls risk)
• Study 4 is a pharmacovigilance study identifying signals of risk of adverse drug reactions with FDCs
• Study 5 is a qualitative study exploring perspectives on fixed-dose combinations among patients and prescribers

Expected outcomes: The successful candidate will develop skills in a variety of research methods (evidence synthesis, studies using quantitative and qualitative data). The project will enhance the evidence base for the impact of FDCs on medication adherence, and produce novel evidence on other medication and clinical outcomes, to help inform care and policy decisions relating to FDCs. It will also deepen our understanding of factors which influence decision-making to prescribe FDCs, to better support health professionals and patients to make optimal, informed decisions regarding their use.

Supervisors:

Prof. Frank Moriarty frankmoriarty@rcsi.ie 

Prof. Muhammad Abdul Hadi mabdulhadi@qu.edu.qa

Dr. Michelle Flood michelleflood@rcsi.ie

Benefits

• Opportunity for an international research training experience at world class institutions and to attain a PhD from both universities
• Four-year structured PhD training programme
• Funded four-year PhD Scholarship:

1. While at RCSI: Students will receive a full scholarship covering all tuition fees; a tax-free stipend (€25,000 per annum); a relocation package to cover costs of moving to Ireland and a housing subsidy; an annual return home travel allowance; research costs; health insurance costs for non-EU candidates; visa costs for non-EU candidates
2. While at Qatar University: students will receive a 50% reduction in tuition fees (cost QAR 16,500, approximately €4,200 per annum) as well as an annual stipend of QAR 144,000 (approximately €37,900 per annum); research costs.

Eligibility:

• The PhD Programme is designed for high achieving students with a strong profile and a background in Biomedical/Pharmaceutical Research or Clinical/Population Health Research coming from primary degree courses focusing on (for example): Cell and Molecular Biology; Clinical and Translational Sciences; Medical Sciences; Bioengineering; Pharmacy; Pharmaceutical Sciences; Genetics and Neurosciences; Chemistry; Nursing; Public Health; Population Health; Health Professions Education; Biostatistics (list not exhaustive).
• Students will have obtained or be about to obtain a 1st Class Honours degree or equivalent (i.e. top 10 % of primary degree – or equivalent) and should provide a grade point average (GPA) for each completed year of undergraduate degree.
• English requirements: IETLS ≥6.5 or must have completed primary degree through the medium of English
• Students can be from any country in the world, there are no restrictions on nationality.
• Students should meet admission criteria for both institutes. QU criteria are available here: https://www.qu.edu.qa/en-us/colleges/health/research/graduate-programs/phd-program/admission-requirements-&-required-documents

How to Apply

• Unfortunately, we are unable to provide individual feedback to applicants.
• Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview.
• At this stage, only successful candidates will be contacted to submit their CV, transcripts, and other relevant documentation.
• Only the referees of successful candidates will be contacted for a reference.

Application Requirements

Candidates must submit the following:

1. Completed application form
2. English language proficiency proof (if applicable) – https://www.rcsi.com/dublin/postgraduate/policies-and-guidelines/english-language-requirements

Application Deadline: March 12th, 2025

• It is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure the application is completed in full and on time.
• Late or incomplete applications will not be assessed.

Application Process

Applicants must submit their applications to both QU and RCSI.

RCSI Application Submission

Submit the following documents via email to starphd@rcsi.com by March 12th, 2025:

• a cover letter detailing academic progress to date and indicating preference of research project (i.e. Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research or Clinical and Population Health Research)
• CV demonstrating aptitude for research (preferably through research publication)
• Evidence of proficiency in English if primary degree was not completed through English
• Final and official university transcripts
• 3 letters of recommendation
• 1-page personal statement
• Scan of passport

QU Application Submission

Submit the online application form via https://www.qu.edu.qa/en-us/colleges/health/research/graduate-programs/phd-program/admission-requirements-&-required-documents by March 12th, 2025.

Important Dates

Application Deadline: March 12th, 2025 (17:00 GMT)

Interviews (remote): End of April 2025

PhD Programme Start Date: September 2025

Informal Enquiries

For informal enquiries or questions about the application process please contact starphd@rcsi.ie