Realist evaluation of what works, for whom and in what circumstances to non-pharmacologically manage antipsychotic weight gain in people with Severe Mental Illness and Learning Disability (SMI-LD) dual diagnosis (RESOLVE-LD)

About the Project

Details of the Project

Antipsychotics are the main treatment for severe mental illnesses (SMI) such as schizophrenia. Whilst they may treat the symptoms of psychosis, they are associated with significant weight gain. This weight is associated with diabetes and cardiovascular disease and contributes to a reduced life-expectancy of up to 20 years in people with SMI (1).

This research project builds on the NIHR RESOLVE study, which studied the non-pharmacological management of antipsychotic weight gain in people with SMI using a realist approach (2). One key finding was the almost complete absence of literature in people with dual diagnosis (learning disability [LD] and SMI) (3). This PhD aims to fill that research gap.

Aim:

To understand what works, for whom and in what circumstances to non-pharmacologically manage antipsychotic weight gain in people with SMI-LD dual diagnosis

Key objectives:

1. Conduct a realist review of the literature to understand what works, for whom and in what circumstances for people with SMI-LD dual diagnosis (WP [work package] 1).
2. Conduct a realist evaluation, using interviews with key stakeholders, of the findings from WP1 to develop guidance to non-pharmacologically manage the weight gain (WP2).
3. Build impact by widely disseminating the key findings and engaging with key policy-makers (WP3).

Research plan:

WP1 (month:1-12): building on previous research by supervisors (e.g., NIHR RESOLVE) realist review of academic/grey literature (develop initial programme theory: m1-2; develop search strategy: m2-4: search literature: m3-5; study selection and appraisal: m4-7; analysis: m7-10; develop programme theory/theories: m9-12).

WP2 (month:8-28): realist evaluation, using semi-structured interviews with people with dual diagnosis, clinicians and family carers, of the findings from WP1 to develop guidance for policy makers and clinicians (ethics: m8-12; recruitment: m12-16; interviews: m14-20; analysis: m18-26; write-up: m24-28).

WP3 (month:26-36): combine WP1/WP2: m26-32; produce thesis: m30-36; dissemination (e.g., academic publications, conferences, engagement with policymakers): m33-36.

Overseas Applicants

Overseas applicants may apply for this studentship but will need to pay the difference between the ‘Home’ and the ‘Overseas’ tuition fees. Currently the difference between ‘Home’ and the ‘Overseas’ tuition fees is £17,712 for 2026/7. As part of the application, you will be required to confirm that you will provide this additional funding. Please indicate this on the application form in the funding section. This project has associated consumables costs which should be discussed with the supervisor in the first instance and before applying. The supervisor can be contacted at i.maidment@aston.ac.uk. When applying, please upload copies of your discussions with the supervisor as confirmation.

Location

This position will be based on the Aston Campus in Birmingham, UK. The successful candidate will need to be located within a reasonable distance of the campus, and will be expected to visit in person regularly.

Person Specification

Candidates should have been awarded, or expect to achieve, EITHER:

a] a First or Upper Second Class award in their undergraduate degree, in a relevant subject.

OR

b] a First or Upper Second Class award in their undergraduate degree, and a Merit or Distinction in a Masters degree, both in a relevant subject.

Qualifications from overseas institutions will be considered, but performance must be equivalent to that described above, and the University reserves the right to ascertain this equivalence according to its own criteria.

Contact information

For formal enquiries about this project contact Professor Ian Maidment at i.maidment@aston.ac.uk

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:

1. English language copies of the transcripts and certificates for all your higher education degrees, including any Bachelor degrees.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. A Curriculum Vitae (Resume) which details your education and work history.
5. Two academic refereeswho 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.

Apply for this position here

Please select “Research - Health Sciences” from the application form options.

If you require further information about the application process please contact the Postgraduate Admissions team at pgr_admissions@aston.ac.uk

Funding Notes

This project covers the Home tuition fees. Candidates who do not have Home status will be responsible for the difference in tuition fees. Currently the difference between ‘Home’ and the ‘Overseas’ tuition fees is £17,712 for 2026/7. This project has associated consumables costs which should be discussed with the supervisor in the first instance and before applying. The supervisor can be contacted at i.maidment@aston.ac.uk. When applying, please upload copies of your discussions with the supervisor as confirmation.