Funded PhD: AI-enhanced decision support for safe, patient-centred prescribing

• Principal investigator(s) Dr Rob Argent, Dr Frank Moriarty
• Research theme Population Health and Health Services

Prescribing errors are a leading cause of adverse drug events, hospitalisations, and preventable harm, particularly in older patients managing multiple medications. Despite comprehensive guidelines, safe prescribing remains a challenge due to fragmented data, limited consultation time, and patients’ difficulties in understanding new prescriptions.

The project aims to reduce prescribing errors, improve patient safety and engagement and enhance efficiency in clinical practice.

The project follows a structured, phased approach, incorporating co-design approaches to deeply understand the context of safe prescribing, the workflows, and the readiness of the clinical environment for such a system. This is followed by the development of the CDST, with a subsequent mixed-methods evaluation in the clinical setting.

The CDST system will integrate Irish prescribing resources and generate tailored, actionable recommendations for clinicians, while also providing clear, patient-friendly explanations to improve understanding and adherence.

PhD objectives:

• To examine the current landscape and readiness for AI-enabled prescribing support.
• To design and develop a prototype CDST to support real-time, context-aware prescribing.
• To conduct a pilot evaluation of this prototype CDST to assess usability, acceptability, accuracy, and impact on stakeholders.

This is a unique opportunity to conduct innovative research in an emerging space, combining pharmacy practice skills with digital technologies to deliver a transformative impact on medication safety, prescribing efficiency, and patient engagement. You will be supported by a diverse team of collaborators across providing a rich and supportive research environment.

As a PhD candidate, you will:

• Contribute to cutting-edge research with the potential to transform prescribing practice in Ireland and beyond.
• Develop expertise in prescribing practice, medication safety, AI in healthcare, and mixed-methods evaluation.
• Gain highly transferable skills for careers in academia, healthcare innovation, digital health, or the pharmaceutical sector.

Funding: RCSI Clement Archer Scholarship

Tenure: Three years

Start date: January 2026

Specification

Essential

• Upper second class (2.1) honours degree (or equivalent) in pharmacy.
• Registration (or eligibility for registration) as a pharmacist in Ireland.
• Demonstrable experience in health services research or other relevant research obtained through previous work or study.
• A strong interest in digital health technologies, prescribing safety and patient-centred care.
• Strong organisation and time management skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research setting.
• Willingness to contribute to teaching within the MPharm programme (lectures, tutorials, or workshop sessions).
• Non-native English speakers are expected to have at least 6.5 in IELTS (academic) or equivalent.

Desirable

• Postgraduate research qualification or experience working in a research setting.
• Experience in qualitative or mixed methods research, software development, or clinical practice.
• Prior teaching, tutoring, or demonstrating experience in a university setting.
• Interest in academic career development, including research-led teaching and curriculum innovation.

Application process

Applications must include:

• A completed application form.
• English language requirements – find more information here.

To apply, please access the following link and complete the application form in full.