Shared Decision-Making in ADHD Medication Management: Evaluating Alignment Between Patient Values and Prescribing Practice Aston University in United Kingdom

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition affecting individuals across the lifespan and is increasingly recognised as a significant public health priority. Medication forms a key component of evidence-based ADHD treatment, yet decisions regarding initiation, adjustment, or continuation of medication are often challenging for patients, families, and clinicians. These decisions require balancing perceived benefits with concerns about side effects, stigma, long-term impact, and personal beliefs about medication. Despite national guidance emphasising shared decision-making (SDM), research shows that patients do not always feel involved in discussions, and clinicians may underestimate the values and preferences that shape individual experiences of ADHD and its treatment.

This PhD project will investigate the alignment between current prescribing practice and what patients and families value when making decisions about ADHD medication. The research will explore the extent to which SDM is implemented in real-world settings, identify gaps between patient expectations and clinician assumptions, and examine how these discrepancies may influence treatment outcomes, adherence, and satisfaction with care. Using a mixed-methods approach—including systematic reviews, qualitative interviews and focus groups, and survey or choice-based methodologies—the project aims to generate an in-depth understanding of the factors shaping medication decisions across diverse groups.

By identifying mismatches between what matters to patients and what drives prescribing decisions, the project seeks to inform the development of more person-centred, equitable models of ADHD care. The findings will provide actionable recommendations for clinicians, policymakers, and service providers to improve communication, support informed choice, and enhance long-term engagement with treatment. This PhD offers an opportunity to contribute to a growing area of research with meaningful implications for practice, ensuring that medication decisions for ADHD are truly collaborative and reflective of patient priorities.

The position is based at Aston University, College of Health and Life Sciences, on the Aston Campus in Birmingham, UK. The successful candidate will need to be located within a reasonable distance of the campus and will be expected to visit regularly. The project covers Home tuition fees; overseas applicants must pay the difference between Home and Overseas tuition fees (£17,712 for 2026/7). Associated consumables costs should be discussed with the supervisor prior to applying. The primary supervisor is Dr M U Khan, with Prof IM Maidment as co-supervisor. Applicants should contact Dr Khan at [email protected] to discuss consumables costs and upload evidence of this discussion with their application.

Applicants must have a First or Upper Second Class undergraduate degree in a relevant subject, or a First or Upper Second Class undergraduate degree and a Merit or Distinction in a Masters degree in a relevant subject. Overseas qualifications will be considered if equivalent. Applications must include English language copies of transcripts and certificates for all higher education degrees, a research statement, a personal statement, a CV, two academic references (at least one from the most recent university), evidence of English language proficiency, and a copy of the passport. Interviews will be conducted online via Microsoft Teams. Apply online via the provided link, selecting 'Research - Health Sciences' from the application form options. For further information, contact the Postgraduate Admissions team at [email protected].