Psychosocial correlates of misusing prescribed opioids for pain
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Prescribed Opioids in Chronic Pain
IRAS ID
369382
Contact name
Martha Canfield
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Glasgow Caledonian University
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
HLS/PSY/25/248, Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) School of Health and Life Sciences Research Ethics Committee (REC)
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 30 days
Research summary
Opioid medicines (like morphine, oxycodone, codeine, tramadol) are important for treating acute/short-term
illnesses that are not related to cancer. However, there is little evidence that they help with long-term pain and
there are concerns about side effects including opioid use disorder(OUD), which means becoming dependent on
these drugs or illicit substances like heroin. Higher and longer doses of opioids, having multiple medical
conditions, taking multiple medications, lower socioeconomic status, and a history of substance use problems
are all known risk factors for OUD in people with chronic non-cancer pain. However, it is unclear how these
factors interact and how OUD develops from the initial prescription. A major challenge for doctors and
pharmacists is gathering and understanding information from patient records stored in different places to
identify those at risk of OUD, especially during time-constrained consultations and with patients who have complex health needs. This research project aims to identify risk factors for OUD in patients who were initially prescribed opioids for pain relief in Scotland. This information, along with input from patients, clinicians, and data scientists, will be used to develop a new risk prediction tool for OUD that could be used in digital systems across Scotland. To do this, We will access national data from electronic health records (prescribing system, hospitals, GPs, and other services) held by Public Health Scotland. We will also conduct interviews with patients prescribed opioids to further explore how and when people deviate from the prescribed treatment.REC name
South East Scotland REC 02
REC reference
26/SS/0046
Date of REC Opinion
27 May 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion