Not yet recruitingObservational

Musculoskeletal conditions in underserved communities

This research focuses on conditions like arthritis and back pain in communities that often face more challenges and have diverse backgrounds. These communities, despite having high rates of pain, haven't been included much in past medical research. This means healthcare plans for them might not be based on the best information. This study aims to fill that gap by collecting information directly from people in these communities through surveys and interviews. The goal is to understand why pain is more common and to work with the community to find ways to reduce its impact. The findings will help improve NHS services and ensure better care for these often-underserved groups.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

Keele University

Enrolment target

2,500

Start

01 Aug 2026

Estimated completion

01 Oct 2026

Musculoskeletal

What is this study about?

Imagine you have a common pain condition like arthritis or back pain. Now, imagine that in certain areas, particularly those with less money or many different cultures, more people suffer from these conditions, affecting their daily lives. This study wants to understand why this happens.

Often, these communities, despite having the greatest medical needs, haven't been asked to share their experiences in previous health research. This means that when doctors and healthcare providers plan services, they might not have all the information they need to help these communities properly. This study is trying to change that.

Researchers will visit people in their homes in these communities and ask them about their experiences with pain. They'll use surveys and also have more detailed conversations with some people. The information gathered will help explain why these pain conditions are more common in these areas and how to work with the communities to reduce the pain and its impact. The long-term goal is to use this information to improve NHS services for everyone, making sure no one is left behind.

Key takeaways

Aims to understand why pain conditions are more common in certain communities.
Will collect information through surveys and interviews.
Focuses on communities that historically haven't been included in health research.
Could help improve NHS services for pain conditions like arthritis and back pain.
Participation involves minimal risk, mainly the time taken for the survey.
Funded by Arthritis UK and The Nuffield Foundation.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you need to be at least 18 years old and live in one of the communities that the researchers are focusing on. These are communities that generally face more challenges and have diverse backgrounds.

There are a few reasons why someone might not be able to join. For example, if you've previously said you don't want to be contacted about research studies linked to your health records, or if you're receiving end-of-life care, live in a nursing home, have a serious mental illness, or have recently lost a loved one, you won't be able to take part.

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 live in a community that is considered 'underserved' or diverse?
Have you previously agreed to be contacted for health research, or not opted out?
Are you not currently receiving end-of-life care, living in a nursing home, or dealing with severe mental illness or recent bereavement?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll be asked to complete a survey at your home. This survey will ask about your experiences with pain conditions like arthritis or back pain. You'll also be asked if the information you provide can be linked with your existing health records to give a more complete picture. The researchers will tell you how long the survey is likely to take.

A smaller number of people will also be invited for a more detailed interview to share their experiences in depth. This will help the researchers understand the issues even better. The study plans to run from April 2026 to September 2028, but your involvement will only be for the duration of the survey or interview.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may not directly improve your health right away, but many people find it fulfilling to contribute to important health research. Your involvement could help improve NHS services for common pain conditions like back pain or arthritis, especially for groups who currently don't get enough support. It will also help the NHS understand who needs help most. The main risk is the time it takes to complete the survey. Your personal details will only be kept if you agree to join, and you'll always be told who will see your information and how it will be used. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time.

Locations (1)

University of Keele
Approximate
Newcastle Under Lyme, England

Common questions

What kind of pain conditions is this study interested in?

The study focuses on common pain conditions affecting muscles, bones, and joints, such as arthritis and back pain.

What does 'underserved communities' mean?

These are communities that often experience more poverty, have diverse cultural backgrounds, and may not have had their health needs fully understood or met by healthcare services in the past.

Will my answers be kept private?

Yes, any personal information you provide will be kept private and only saved if you agree to take part. You will be told exactly who will have access to your information and how it will be used.

Who is paying for this research?

The study is being funded by Arthritis UK and The Nuffield Foundation in the UK.

How long will the study last?

The study itself is expected to run from April 2026 to September 2028. Your involvement would be for the time it takes to complete the survey or interview.

How to find out more

Ross Wilkie

r.wilkie@keele.ac.uk +44 (0)1782734845 Official trial record

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