Developing Innovative Analytical Methods for research ON Deprescribing (DIAMOND)
Introduction
Research Area:
Health services research/medication/prescribing/best use of medicines
What is the research about?
As people live longer, medications have become a cornerstone of modern healthcare. However, taking multiple medicines can sometimes do more harm than good, for example due to drug interactions and side effects. Deprescribing is the process of reducing or stopping unnecessary medications and offers a solution to preventing medication-related harm. However, despite its potential, deprescribing does not always happen because healthcare professionals often do not have clear evidence on when and how to deprescribe safely. A particular challenge with developing this clear evidence is the time and investment needed to conduct new high-quality studies. For example, randomised controlled trials could take several years from beginning to end and many only consider one medication group at a time. Another approach is to conduct research on existing real-world data e.g., electronic health records. However, this approach needs to be carefully designed to make sure that we can identify when medications are intentionally deprescribed from other scenarios. We also need to ensure that other potential biases are accounted for. The aim of this research project is to develop advanced analytical methods that can be applied to real-world data in order to generate the evidence that will make deprescribing a safe and effective option for patients and healthcare professionals.
Who is this opportunity for?
We are hoping to form a panel that will represent a range of perspectives. We are inviting members of the public who have experience of any of the following:
• Have some experience of using a prescribed medication(s)
• Take medication on a regular basis to manage a long-term condition(s)
• Supporting someone with their medication
We want to ensure that we have a broad range of perspectives and experiences. We would especially welcome people who come from groups whose voices are often under-represented in research, such as people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, rural populations and migrant populations, as well as other under-represented groups.
No previous research experience is needed – your willingness to share your views are what matter most. The overall programme of work is made up of several related projects and panelists may have the option to contribute to different parts.
What will PPI Contributors do?
Panel members will meet with the research team twice a year (online) to share their perspectives and ideas on how new methods for research on stopping medications should be shaped, interpreted, and shared with others. Meetings will last around one hour and use plain-language summaries and short discussion prompts to guide the conversation. Contributors will help the research team to:
• ensure that the research questions consider real-life examples of how medications are used;
• review and comment on draft materials, such as summaries or early findings; and
• guide how results are communicated in accessible and useful ways.
If you’re interested, please send a short note (3–4 sentences) telling us a little about yourself and what interests you about this opportunity. This helps us ensure a good mix of experiences and perspectives.
Opportunity for:
Involvement Opportunity Details
Time
Time commitment:
One online meeting every 6 months, with opportunities for in-person meetings if desired. The meetings will be one hour and take place on Zoom or Microsoft Teams. The first meeting will take place around the end of February 2026. Due the longer-term nature of the project there may be additional opportunities for contribution that may arise and will be discussed.
Contact between meetings:
When you respond to this advert, the programme manager, Ann Doherty, will contact you by telephone for a brief conversation to share a little more on the project. Occasional short email(s) with be sent between the 6 monthly meetings to provide updates on the project.
Length of involvement:
This is an opportunity for a partnership as part of a 7-year project. However, PPI contributors do not have to commit to this duration and may opt to contribute for a shorter term e.g., 2-3 years.
Start date for involvement:
13/04/2026
Logistics
Where?
If online, explain how:
Meetings will take place via Zoom or Microsoft Teams. You will be sent an invitation link to an online meeting. If you have not used either of these before we can help you set it up and a trial-run with you.
If in person, explain where:
Any in-person meetings would take place at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences which his located at 123 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2.
Other ways of communicating:
and email. / Telephone call / video call
Funding available for:
If no funding available, explain why:
Not applicable
Other Information
Stage of the research study/ programme:
More than one research study
Is this opportunity for PPI in a PhD:
No
Closing date to contact researchers:
27/03/2026
Research Team
Contact person:
Dr Ann Doherty
University/organisation:
RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences
Contact email:
anndoherty@rcsi.ie
Researcher background:
Pharmacist
Research funder:
Wellcome
Photo:
Interested in this PPI Opportunity?
Please complete this form and click SUBMIT