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Local NHS doctor recognised for research improving care for people with autism and learning disabilities
A psychiatry resident doctor working across Herefordshire and Worcestershire has received national and international recognition for research focused on improving how medication is prescribed for people with learning disabilities and autism.
Dr Tugba Kece, who works at Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, recently had her research published in a peer-reviewed publication from the Royal College of Psychiatrists. Her work has also been accepted for presentation at the 34th European Congress of Psychiatry – an international conference taking place in Prague in March 2026.
Dr Kece’s research supports the STOMP programme (Stopping Over Medication of People with a Learning Disability and Autistic People) – a national NHS initiative that promotes safe and appropriate prescribing.
Working alongside Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) teams across Herefordshire and Worcestershire, Dr Kece reviewed how psychotropic medications are prescribed and monitored. These are medicines that can affect mood, behaviour, and thinking. The research looked at clinical rationale for prescribing, the frequency of reviews, and how teams plan the safe reduction or stopping of medication when appropriate.
The work is already informing prescribing practice within CAMHS teams, helping clinicians make safer, more evidence-based decisions. This contributes to better long-term care and reduces the risk of people remaining on medication longer than necessary.
Dr Kece said, “Having your work recognised at an international congress is really encouraging. It helps reassure us clinicians that the effort we put in for our patients and communities is seen and heard.”
She continues, “I’m glad that I was able to research this incredibly important topic. Research like this helps ensure we’re always providing the safest and most effective treatment possible.”
Dr Kece plans to attend the conference virtually to present her findings, and will continue her clinical training within the Trust while supporting ongoing service improvements.
As part of the next steps, the CAMHS teams plan to review progress within the next 12 months to continue building on this work.
The full peer-reviewed article can be found on page 30 of the Royal College of Psychiatrists Intellectual Disability Faculty Winter Newsletter.
To find out more about research at the Trust, including participation opportunities, please visit the Trust website.