Using risk prediction tools to identify inpatients at risk of medication-related harm

This PhD will evaluate various risk prediction tools to identify and support inpatients most at risk of medication-related harm, to aid staff in patient prioritisation. This will include considering which patients should be seen face-to-face in the context of electronic prescribing systems that allow remote review of medication.

Hospital pharmacy staff often do not have time to see each patient each day. With the advent of electronic prescribing systems, some may also review some patients’ medication remotely rather than in conjunction with seeing patients face-to-face. This PhD will explore how hospital pharmacists and other clinical staff currently determine the risk of medication-related problems and how they prioritise their time in two different hospitals. It is envisaged that the study will then evaluate the performance of different risk stratification tools including how accurately they predict patients with medication-related problems, identify potential barriers and facilitators to their use in practice from both healthcare providers’ and patients’ perspectives, and explore how such tools can be incorporated into electronic prescribing systems. The PhD may also consider whether these tools have the potential to avert inequalities in risk of medication-related harm.

The supervisors for this studentship are Prof Bryony Dean Franklin and Dr Yogini Jani

Main methods and techniques

The PhD is likely to use mixed methods (quantitative and qualitative) and to involve data collection in one or more hospital inpatient settings.

Person specification

Applicants are expected to hold a first degree in pharmacy (minimum 2.1), health services research, or other healthcare backgrounds. Other relevant skills will be taught during the project.

Applicants will also need to meet UCL MPhil/PhD entry and English Language requirements. See here for further details.

The student stipend will be paid at UCL normal rates (stipend rate for 2023/24 is £20,622).

How to apply

Applications must include CV, personal statement, and the contact details of two referees. Applications should be emailed to Ms Michelle Ward at [email protected].

This studentship is open to Home applicants only. Please provide evidence of meeting this criteria.

The deadline for applications is 27th August 2024 and interviews will take place on 9th September 2024.