EPPS
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A Qualitative Study Exploring Experiences of Persistent Physical Symptoms: Patient and Practitioner Perspectives
IRAS ID
314998
Contact name
Lorelle Dismore
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Persistent physical symptoms (PPS) is the terms used to describe bodily complaints that re-occur over a long period of time but cannot be medically explained despite numerous and ongoing consultations with GPs and secondary care specialists. At least 20% of patients who see their GPs, and over half of patient referrals into secondary care, have PPS. The total cost of PPS per year is £18 billion, £3.1 billion of which are direct costs to the NHS. Patients with PPS often have psychological, social and emotional difficulties that present alongside their physical symptoms, however, treatment of PPS is primarily provided through pharmacological or surgical means. This is due to current practices not allowing for the holistic assessment and treatment of symptoms to explore non-medical symptoms. Consequently, healthcare to this group of patients has largely been ineffective and the development of services is required to help more patients achieve positive health outcomes. Developing new pathways of care that are flexible and meet patients’ complex symptoms are needed to improve their treatment trajectory. Patients’ relationship with their clinician (GP or secondary care specialist) is often a barrier to effective care and positive health outcomes due to a break down in communication. For instance, each will have differing opinions of how symptoms should be treated; both patients and clinicians will sometimes be reluctant to acknowledge alternative treatments, such as psychological-relevant therapy to manage symptoms. By interviewing patients who experience PPS and clinicians who work with PPS, this will enable us to identify key areas for service and intervention development to improve clinical skills and acceptance of non-medical treatment to address the high referral rates and associated costs.
REC name
Wales REC 2
REC reference
22/WA/0160
Date of REC Opinion
11 Jul 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion