A Multi-stakeholder Approach to Pain Management
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A Multi-stakeholder Approach to Pain Management: Redesigning the Patient Journey by creating System Awareness and Multi-Stakeholder Engagement
IRAS ID
363594
Contact name
Carola Hillenbrand
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Reading
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 10 months, 31 days
Research summary
Chronic pain affects around 28 million adults in the UK, making it more common than diabetes, stroke, and heart disease combined. Current treatments often focus on medical or drug-based approaches, which do not fully address the complexity of how pain impacts people’s lives. This study aims to explore how chronic pain is understood and managed by different groups involved in care, including patients, their families, healthcare professionals, support organisations, and policymakers.
By listening to these groups’ stories and experiences, the project will map how multiple stakeholders perceive the pain journey. Through in-depth interviews and a narrative-based survey, the team will identify where the current system succeeds and where it falls short.
The study’s findings will be used to design more integrated, person-centred care pathways that recognise the emotional, social, and medical aspects of living with chronic pain. These insights will be shared with NHS leaders to support service improvement locally and nationally.
Overall, this research seeks to create a system-aware understanding of chronic pain management, one that values the voices of all stakeholders and promotes more a coordinated, integrated and effective care.
REC name
East of England - Cambridge South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/EE/0061
Date of REC Opinion
20 Mar 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion