Pain-at-Work Toolkit (Definitive Trial)
Many people in the UK live with long-term pain, which can make working tough. This study is testing a new online tool called the Pain-at-Work Toolkit. It was created with patients, employers, and doctors to help individuals manage their pain better at work. We want to see if the toolkit helps people feel more confident, find support, and have a better experience in their jobs, ultimately helping them stay employed. Participating organisations will offer employees either this toolkit or their usual support. Participants will share their experiences through online surveys. We hope this study shows how the toolkit can improve working life for those with chronic pain across the UK.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Many adults in the UK experience ongoing pain, sometimes called chronic pain. This kind of pain can make it really hard to do your job well, enjoy your work, or even stay in work at all. Right now, there isn't much support available through healthcare services or from most employers specifically for managing pain at work.
This study is looking at a new online resource called the Pain-at-Work Toolkit. This toolkit has been developed with input from people who live with chronic pain, employers, healthcare professionals, and a national pain charity. The main goal is to help people with ongoing pain feel more equipped to manage their condition while at work, understand what support is available, and have a better experience in their jobs.
We're inviting over 600 employees who have long-term pain, from about 30 different workplaces across the UK, to take part. Some will get access to the Pain-at-Work Toolkit (which also includes a version for their managers to help them support staff), and others will receive the standard support their organisation already provides. By comparing these two groups, we hope to see if the toolkit truly makes a positive difference to people's working lives.
Key takeaways
- New online toolkit for managing long-term pain at work.
- Aims to boost confidence and improve work experience for employees.
- Study involves over 600 employees from around 30 UK workplaces.
- Compares toolkit users to those receiving standard workplace support.
- Input from people with pain, employers, and healthcare professionals.
- You'll complete online surveys and possibly an interview.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you need to be an adult aged 18 or older and currently working for an organisation in the UK that is taking part in the study.
It's important that you have chronic pain that makes it difficult for you to do your job effectively or enjoy your work. You also need to be able to understand English well enough to follow instructions and give your informed consent to participate.
If you meet these points, you might be suitable for the study. Otherwise, unfortunately, you wouldn't be able to join this particular research.
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.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Do you work for an organisation in the UK that's part of this study?
- Do you have ongoing pain that makes your job difficult or less enjoyable?
- Can you understand information in English to participate fully?
What does participation involve?
If you join this study, your organisation will either give you access to the Pain-at-Work Toolkit (and a related one for your manager) or you'll receive the usual support your workplace offers. You will be asked to complete online surveys three times during the study period. These surveys will ask about your work experience and how your pain affects it. Some people who use the toolkit might also be invited for an interview at the end to share more about their experiences. The total duration of your participation will be explained to you when you receive the study information.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- School of Health Sciences, University of NottinghamVerified postcodeNottingham, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is chronic pain?
Chronic pain is pain that lasts for a long time, usually more than three months, and can affect many aspects of a person's life.
What is the Pain-at-Work Toolkit?
It's an online resource designed to give you information and tips on how to manage your long-term pain while at work.
Will my employer know if I'm using the toolkit?
The study aims to protect your privacy. Specific details about how your data is handled will be provided before you consent to join.
How long will the study last?
The timeline for the study and when you'll need to complete surveys will be clearly explained in the study information.
What if I don't want to continue being part of the study?
You can leave the study at any time without needing to give a reason, and it won't affect anything regarding your job or care.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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