Assembling the data jigsaw: Improving MSK research using PGHD
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Assembling the data jigsaw in Salford: Improving musculoskeletal (MSK) research to advance patient care and inform patient policy using patient-generated health data (PGHD)
IRAS ID
306827
Contact name
Will Dixon
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Manchester
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
People with musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions often experience symptoms of pain and reduced physical function. Research suggests people seeking relief from MSK pain utilise opioid and over-the-counter (OTC) medications (e.g. co-codamol, CBD oils) in addition to prescription drugs, and access formal and informal sources of social care (e.g. help to wash and dress) to do their daily activities. Gaining an understanding of opioid/OTC medication and social care use in people with MSK conditions will help inform and improve care delivery, policy, and planning of health and social services. As digital technologies become increasingly prevalent, they provide a unique opportunity to collect data directly from patients, but the feasibility and acceptability of collecting patient-generated health data (PGHD) in this population has not yet been explored.
Therefore, this study will address four main research questions:
• 1 and 2: How feasible and acceptable is collecting PGHD on social care and opioid/over-the-counter (OTC) medication use in patients with MSK conditions using a web-based platform?
Patients of a rheumatology outpatient service will collect PGHD on their social care and opioid/OTC medication use for six months via a web-based platform and we will evaluate PGHD completeness and explore acceptability in semi-structured interviews.
• 3: What is the added value of collecting PGHD on social care and opioid/OTC medication use in patients with MSK using a web-based platform.
We will review and link patients’ primary and secondary care and social care records to identify whether PGHD items are already recorded and understand patterns, indications for, and adverse events associated with opioid/OTC medication use.
• 4: What is the prevalence of social care and opioid/OTC medication use in patients with MSK conditions?
We will ask patients to complete a short survey about their social care and opioid/OTC medication use.The study is funded by the Oliver Bird Fund, Nuffield Foundation.
REC name
Wales REC 6
REC reference
22/WA/0056
Date of REC Opinion
10 Mar 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion