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Maximising The Effectiveness Of Medicine Leaflets For Patients

University of Leeds - School of Healthcare, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Academic Unit of Medicines Management and the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)

Supervisors: Professor DK Theo Raynor, Dr Peter Knapp (Leeds) Mrs Jan MacDonald (MHRA)

Effective patient information is essential for the safe and effective use of medicines.  This studentship will investigate the impact of a 'headline section' in medicine leaflets, and is a unique opportunity to undertake research and gain experience both in an academic and regulatory environment.

Moves to increase patients' involvement in managing their illnesses mean that written medicines information is becoming more important. It also has an important role in ensuring that people are able to use their medicines safely. The idea of a 'headline' or 'key information' section in medicine leaflets is being debated in Europe, the USA and Australia.  Such information contains the key messages, presented prominently at the beginning of the leaflet, but there is little research to underpin this concept. This studentship will generate important evidence to support policy makers in this area. This studentship is a joint post between the University of Leeds and the UK Medicines Regulator; the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

You will develop example leaflets in different formats and then undertake focus groups to determine people's attitudes to these formats. The leaflets will then be revised accordingly and their performance determined through the method of 'User Testing' - can people find and understand the information they need? Finally the leaflets will be evaluated through supply to patients prescribed one of the medicines for the first time. This evaluation will include in-depth interview and assessment of the leaflets' impact on attitudes and behaviour.

You will work with a team of academics internationally recognised for their work on consumer medicines information. The team has strong international links and there will be opportunities for collaboration as part of the World Universities Network initiative. In addition you will join a vibrant research community in the School of Healthcare at the University of Leeds. Working alongside 35 other PhD students working on health related research, you will take part with them in a structured training programme.

This is an outstanding opportunity to develop research on a key issue in the field of consumer medicines information.  Candidates should have a good first degree in a health or social science related discipline and we would particularly welcome applications from people with some experience of research or practice related to health information.  The studentship is available from September 2010 and covers UK/EU tuition fees, plus a yearly tax free stipend of £13,246 per year.

Informal enquiries are encouraged to Professor Raynor or Dr Knapp on 0113 343 1251 (d.k.raynor@leeds.ac.uk; p.r.knapp@leeds.ac.uk )

To apply for this studentship submit a statement giving the reasons why you wish to undertake this research, and a CV (including 2 academic referees). Please send to Misty Ericson, Faculty Graduate School, room 10.110, Level 10, Worsley Building, University of Leeds, LS2 9NL (m.k.ericson@leeds.ac.uk)

The closing date is 28th July; shortlisted candidates will be informed by 30th July and interviews will be held on Monday August 9th.