Research Assistant/Associate in Deprescribing and Palliative Care

This is a part-time Research Assistant/Associate position focused on deprescribing and palliative care, with a specific emphasis on ethnically minoritized groups. The role involves conducting qualitative research, including interviews and co-design workshops, to develop a culturally tailored approach to deprescribing decision-making. Key requirements include experience with qualitative methodologies, data analysis, and inclusive public and patient involvement.

• These profiles set out firstly the generic competencies and responsibilities expected of role holders at each level and, secondly, the general qualifications and experiences needed for entry at a particular level.
• Find out more about the Faculty of Medical Sciences here: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/medical-sciences/
• The post-holder will have an interest in deprescribing, qualitative methodology, medicines inequalities and palliative care, and will contribute to a programme of work designed to make an impact on an overlooked area of research.
• Deprescribing is an approach that could be used to overcome the challenges of polypharmacy which is frequently reported in palliative care.
• Any potential deprescribing approach should share the decision to continue, reduce or stop a medication between the patient and a healthcare professional.
• Much of the existing deprescribing literature (across healthcare broadly, but also within palliative care settings) has focused on people from ethnic majority groups, with limited inclusion of ethnically minoritised voices.
• There are unknowns around the influence of religion and culture in palliative care, and whether they influence a person’s beliefs and/or engagement with deprescribing.
• This project will examine evidence on deprescribing for ethnically minoritised groups and aim to co-develop a culturally tailored and inclusive approach to deprescribing decision making.
• The work is intended to benefit a vulnerable proportion of the polypharmacy population and inform policy and practice across health and social care.
• As part of our commitment to career development for research colleagues, the University has developed 3 levels of Research Innovation Role Profiles.
• Find out more about our Research Institutes — Population Health Sciences Institute: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/population-health-sciences/
• Contact for the post: Dr Anna Robinson-Barella ( anna.robinson-barella@newcastle.ac.uk ) or Prof Adam Todd ( adam.todd@newcastle.ac.uk ).
• Duration of post: 17 months
• Develop and carry out specified project activities using appropriate research techniques and software, including the analysis of large qualitative datasets, conduct of co-design workshops and experience of reasonable adjustments during interview/data collection
• Undertake and contribute to public and patient involvement and engagement (PPIE) for research within the School of Pharmacy, working in collaboration with the NIHR Newcastle Patient Safety Research Collaboration (PSRC) Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and PPIE leads