Assembling the data jigsaw: improving MSK research using linked data
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Assembling the Data Jigsaw in Greater Manchester: improving MSK research to advance patient care and inform patient policy using linked primary and secondary care data
IRAS ID
303178
Contact name
Will Dixon
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Manchester
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 1 days
Research summary
This part of the Jigsaw programme will use a linked dataset created from an extract of primary care data and secondary care data in order to answer the following research questions:
1: Estimate the prevalence and incidence of MSK (musculoskeletal) conditions in Salford.
We will use an extract from the link dataset to address question 1
We propose to use the patient level data from primary care records to identify patients with a MSK diagnosis. Using that data we will estimate the prevalence (how many people have the MSK conditions) and the annual incidence (how many new cases occur each year). Using secondary care data we will estimate how often MSK conditions are misclassified in primary care and provide more accurate estimates.
2: Develop an algorithm to identify patients diagnosed with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA)
Using published machine learning (ML) methods (Chen and Guestrin 2016) and our previously validated study design (Malpede, Roy et al. 2020), we will use patient level data from primary care records to develop an algorithm that will predict if a patient was diagnosed with axSpA in secondary care. If the developed algorithm is both valid and reliable, in future stages of the Jigsaw programme grant, we will explore if the algorithm could be used to identify patients with as yet undiagnosed axSpA in primary care.
3: Assess prescribing patterns of opioids in patients with non-cancer pain transitioning between secondary and primary care.
We will use an extract from the link dataset to address question 3.
We will describe and compare the characteristics of hospital patients prescribed low, medium and high dose opioids and estimate the probability of moving between these categories as patients transition between primary and secondary care. We will also evaluate changes in opioid prescribing patterns over time.REC name
North West - Greater Manchester East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/NW/0354
Date of REC Opinion
11 Feb 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion