CompletedObservational

Developing and testing a way to correctly identify people with chronic pain from their primary care records

Chronic pain affects millions of people across the UK, making work and daily life challenging. However, health services do not know the exact number of people affected in Scotland. Researchers at the University of Dundee want to change this by testing a computer tool designed to find chronic pain records safely in GP systems. To see how well this tool works, the research team is comparing health records with feedback from real patients. People registered at participating GP surgeries may be invited to complete a survey about their symptoms, over-the-counter medicines, and lifestyle therapies. Some may also take part in optional discussion groups to share their experiences. The study involves no new medications or clinic visits. Instead, it aims to give NHS leaders clearer information so they can direct funding, treatments, and support services to the people and communities who need them most.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

University of Dundee

Enrolment target

3,264

Start

15 Feb 2024

Estimated completion

10 Nov 2025

Chronic pain

What is this study about?

Living with chronic pain can touch every part of your life, from how well you sleep to your ability to work and enjoy time with family. Experts believe that around two in five people across the UK live with pain that limits their daily activities. Even so, it is hard for doctors and health planners to know the true numbers. Because long-term pain is recorded in many different ways in medical files, some people's needs are easily overlooked.

To tackle this, researchers in Scotland have created a computer program that can search GP records to spot signs of chronic pain. By knowing exactly how many people live with pain and where they are, NHS Scotland can plan services better, shorten waiting times, and make sure support reaches the right clinics and communities.

This study tests how accurate the computer tool is in real life. Researchers will compare the computer's findings against questionnaires and interviews filled out by patients. Listening directly to people's lived experiences helps make the tool smarter and ensures that healthcare plans reflect the real challenges of managing pain.

Key takeaways

Researchers are testing a computer tool to accurately identify chronic pain from GP records in Scotland.
The findings will help the NHS better plan local pain clinics, services, and treatments.
Taking part involves filling in simple surveys and optional discussions, with no new medicines or hospital visits.
The study is open to adults aged 18 and over at participating Scottish GP surgeries.
Your participation is completely voluntary and will not change your routine medical care.

Who may be eligible?

You may be eligible to take part if you are 18 or older and registered with a participating GP surgery in Scotland. Because the study looks at primary care information, your surgery must use the Scottish Primary Care Information Resource (SPIRE), and you must not have chosen to opt out of health data sharing.

If you are invited to fill out a questionnaire or join an interview, you must be able to understand and communicate in English and be able to give your informed consent. Your GP will also make sure that taking part is appropriate for you.

You cannot join the study if you are under 18, if your surgery is not part of the project, or if you have previously opted out of SPIRE data sharing.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

I am aged 18 or over.
I am registered at an NHS GP practice in Scotland taking part in the study.
I have not opted out of SPIRE (NHS Scotland health record sharing).
I can read, understand, and communicate in English.
I am able to give informed consent to take part in surveys or interviews.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part does not involve taking new medications, changing your usual treatments, or attending extra medical appointments. For many patients, participation simply involves researchers checking anonymised health records.

If your surgery invites you to the active phases of the study, you may be asked to fill in a questionnaire online or by post. This survey asks about your pain, daily activities, and any over-the-counter medicines or alternative therapies you use. It usually takes around 15 to 20 minutes to complete.

You might also be invited to join an optional, informal interview or group discussion to talk about your experiences in more depth. You are free to answer only the questions you want to. The wider study runs until November 2025, but your personal involvement is limited to completing the survey or taking part in an interview session.

Potential risks and benefits

This study will not cure your pain or change your current prescriptions, but your input could help improve NHS pain services and support for others in the future. The risks of taking part are very low because there are no medical tests or drugs involved. However, answering questions about long-term pain can sometimes feel tiring or bring up difficult emotions. You are completely free to skip questions, take a break, or withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason and without affecting your ordinary healthcare.

Locations (6)

Aultbea & Gairloch Medical Practice
City only
Achnasheen, Scotland
Dalhousie Medical Practice
City only
Bonnyrigg, Scotland
Kirriemuir Medical Practice
City only
Kirriemuir, Scotland
Craigmillar Medical Group
Approximate
Edinburgh, Scotland
Edzell Health Centre
City only
Brechin, Scotland
Terra Nova Medical Practice Llp
Unverified
Dundee, Scotland

Common questions

Will taking part change my current pain medication?

No. This is an observational study, which means researchers are only collecting information. Your regular prescriptions and medical care will remain unchanged.

Do I have to travel to a hospital for this study?

No. Surveys can be completed at home online or on paper. Any interviews or discussions can usually be done remotely or arranged locally.

What is SPIRE?

SPIRE stands for the Scottish Primary Care Information Resource. It is a secure NHS Scotland service that uses information from GP records to help plan and improve healthcare.

Will my GP see my questionnaire answers?

Your personal answers are kept strictly confidential by the research team and are not shared directly with your GP to alter your notes.

What happens if I change my mind after starting?

You can leave the study at any point. Deciding to withdraw will never affect your relationship with your GP surgery or the care you receive.

How to find out more

Arlene Petrie

apetrie001@dundee.ac.uk +44 1382 386834 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.