Analysing polypharmacy and adverse drug reactions in type 2 diabetes combining randomized controlled trials and real world data
Supervisors:
Prof David McAllister, School of Health & Wellbeing (University of Glasgow)
Dr Peter Hanlon, School of Health & Wellbeing (University of Glasgow)
Dr Daniel Morales, School of Medicine (University of Dundee)
Summary:
People with type 2 diabetes typically experience polypharmacy, the co-prescription of multiple medications. Even when clinically appropriate, polypharmacy can lead to risks of drug-drug interactions and to treatment burden. Understanding the risks of polypharmacy is vital to inform our management of people living with multiple long-term conditions. This project will draw upon the strengths of both randomised controlled trial data and routine data to understand both the extent and the consequences of polypharmacy in people with type 2 diabetes. The analysis of randomised controlled trials will draw upon individual-participant data and allow detailed characterisation of polypharmacy within trial participants. Analysis of routine data will harness the benefits of very large, representative datasets reflecting ‘real-world’ use of medication. Bringing both of these data sources together will yield a richer and more reliable understanding of how polypharmacy impacts people with type 2 diabetes. The candidate will be supported by a supervisory team with access to a large set of both trial and routine healthcare data. They will be supported to develop strong quantitative skills in data analysis and to apply these skills to clinically relevant research questions.