Q4PMPs
Research type
Research Study
Full title
What are patients’ and staff’s understandings of what influences patients’ experiences of a pain management programme (PMP)? A Q-method investigation
IRAS ID
338355
Contact name
Christopher Brown
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Liverpool
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 30 days
Research summary
As a PhD project involving mixed quantitative/qualitative methodology, the protocol has undergone peer review by two project supervisors (Dr Christopher Brown and Dr Jennie Day, an expert in Q-methodology) in order to meet sponsorship requirements as detailed in the Joint Research Office guidance.
The proposed project will explore patients’ and staff’s subjective viewpoints of pain management programmes (PMPs) to uncover elements related to PMP outcomes important to them. The use of Q-methodology can help to capture relevant information that may be missed in purely quantitative studies, by gaining direct insight into PMP stakeholders’ subjective understandings of what influences PMP outcomes. Identification of factors that are unique in enabling individuals to benefit from PMPs can enable patients and their clinicians to make more informed decisions on how to improve pain management, thereby maximising patient independence and control, and reducing NHS resource utilisation. Moreover, the study may allow further improvement to PMPs with findings that will aid in personalised treatment.
The research problem is clinically significant and the rationale for the research builds upon purely quantitative studies with similar aims. The methodology for the current study is well-defined, feasible, and aligned with the expertise of the project supervisors who have conducted similar studies in the past. The projected outcomes are both realistic and attainable within the stated timeframe.
REC name
South Central - Oxford C Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/SC/0074
Date of REC Opinion
5 Mar 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion