About the Project
Project details
Treating severe mental illness (SMI) during pregnancy is challenging with risks associated with both the medication and any untreated illness. SMI during pregnancy is an independent risk factor for neonatal fatality, stillbirth and congenital malformation. Conversely, the safety of psychotropics during pregnancy is not clear.
The views of pregnant women with SMI are key in decisions about treatment. Yet there is virtually no research on shared-decision making between the prescriber and women with SMI about taking medication during pregnancy. The views of other clinicians such as nurses and pharmacists working in this area and close family may also impact any decision making and need capturing.
This project, a realist evaluation, aims to understand what works, for whom and in what circumstances to support shared-decision making to optimise the use of psychotropics to treat SMI during pregnancy. This PhD, which addresses this clear research need will be delivered over three packages.
WP (work package) 1: realist review to understand what works to support shared-decision making to optimise the use of psychotropics during pregnancy.
WP2: realist evaluation, using interviews with key stakeholders, of the findings from WP1 to develop guidance.
WP3: dissemination, impact, engagement with key policymakers (e.g., NHS, NICE).
This PhD is a partnership between Aston University and Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
International Applicants
This application is available to international applicants but will need to pay the difference between the ‘Home’ and the ‘Overseas’ tuition fees each year.
Supervisory team details
Dr Winifred Ekezie
Formal enquires should be directed to Professor Ian Maidment (i.maidment@aston.ac.uk)
Person specification
Candidates should have been awarded, or expect to achieve, EITHER:
- A Bachelors degree in a relevant subject with an award of First Class or 2.1.
OR
- A Bachelors degree in a relevant subject with an award of First Class or 2.1, and a Masters degree in a relevant subject with an award of Merit or higher.
Qualifications from other countries which are considered by Aston University to be equivalent to that described above will be eligible to apply.
Desirable characteristics
Experience of realist research and/or interviewing research participants.
Clinical or research experience in severe mental illness (SMI) and/or medication optimisation in SMI.
Submitting an application
We can only consider applications that are complete and have all supporting documents. Applications that do not provide all the relevant documents will be automatically rejected. Your application must include:
- English language copies of the transcripts and certificates for all your higher education degrees, including any Bachelor degrees.
- A Research Statement detailing your understanding of the research area, how you would approach the project, and a brief review of relevant literature. Be sure to use the title of the research project you are applying for. There is no set format or word count.
- A personal statement which outlines any further information which you think is relevant to your application, such as your personal suitability for research, career aspirations, possible future research interests, and further description of relevant employment experience.
- Two academic referees who can discuss your suitability for independent research. References must be on headed paper, signed and dated no more than 2 years old. At least one reference should be from your most recent University. You can submit your references at a later date if necessary.
- Evidence that you meet the English Language requirements. If you do not currently meet the language requirements, you can submit this at a later stage.
- A copy of your passport. Where relevant, include evidence of settled or pre-settled status.
Interviews
Interviews will be conducted online via Microsoft Teams. If you are shortlisted, you will be contacted directly with details of the interview.
Funding Notes
This project covers all tuition fees and includes an annual stipend. International students will need to pay the difference
Please note that the successful candidate will be responsible for any costs relating to moving to Birmingham and/or visiting the Aston campus.
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