MSK UP
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Musculoskeletal Conditions in Underserved Communities
IRAS ID
353549
Contact name
Emma Parry
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Keele University
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
ISRCTN99466431, ISRCTN Registry
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
Many people living in underserved communities where poverty is higher and people come from a wide range of ethnic and cultural backgrounds, experience more pain and poorer health. Yet, these communities are often left out of research, meaning healthcare is planned without fully understanding their needs.
This project aims to change that. We will work with 2,500 people from underserved areas in Stoke-on-Trent and Wolverhampton to learn more about their experiences with pain, especially conditions like arthritis. Participants will complete a questionnaire about their daily lives, beliefs about pain, and how they use healthcare. With their permission, we will also link this information to their healthcare records to get a fuller picture of their health.
Our goal is to use what we learn to develop better ways to support people with musculoskeletal conditions in underserved areas. This includes creating community-based solutions to reduce pain and improve quality of life. We will share our findings with government organisations and charities like Versus Arthritis to help shape policies and improve healthcare for underserved communities across the UK.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - South Yorkshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/YH/0063
Date of REC Opinion
14 Apr 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion