MSc in Advanced Pharmacy Practice from University College London (Research and Evaluation Module)

Shane Moran, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust

My long-term career aspiration is to establish myself as a clinical academic pharmacist. Research is central to this ambition, as it underpins evidence-based practice, informs clinical decision-making, and drives improvements in patient care. My focus is on optimizing medication management in patients, reducing antimicrobial resistance, and enhancing patient outcomes through multidisciplinary approaches.

Throughout my career, I have actively engaged in research, conducting audits, quality improvement initiatives, and collaborative projects within multidisciplinary teams. My interest in antimicrobial stewardship, dialysis, auto-immune disease and renal transplantation has reinforced my commitment to advancing research in these areas. However, to transition from conducting service evaluations and audits to leading high-quality research studies, I require formal training in research methodologies, study design and data management.

The MSc in Advanced Pharmacy Practice at University College London, particularly the Research and Evaluation module, will provide the skills to critically appraise literature, develop research questions, apply methodologies, and navigate ethical and governance frameworks. These competencies will be key in designing and conducting robust research that can inform clinical practice.

The PRUK bursary will facilitate my participation in this module, equipping me with the skills to undertake independent research. Specifically, I aim to evaluate the impact of a multidisciplinary approach in managing recurrent urinary tract infections in renal transplant recipients. This research has the potential to improve antimicrobial stewardship, reduce hospital admissions, and prolong graft survival.

Beyond this specific project, the skills acquired through the MSc module will enable me to contribute meaningfully to clinical research in renal pharmacy, publish findings, and secure future research funding. By bridging the gap between clinical practice and research, I aim to generate evidence that informs policy and enhances patient outcomes. This bursary represents a crucial step in my development as a clinical academic pharmacist, allowing me to integrate research into my practice and drive innovation. Financial support from Pharmacy Research UK will enable access to research training that might be otherwise difficult to self-fund.

Final report available here.