What is the purpose of the study?

The aim of the research is to develop an evidence-based, multidisciplinary app for the self-management of chronic pain symptoms with the input from people experiencing a variety of different types of chronic pain. The main aim is to prioritise feedback from end-users, placing them at the forefront of the development process. The goal of this is to create a tool that meets the actual needs of people living with chronic pain. The project is in collaboration with NHS Lanarkshire.

Who can take part?

We are recruiting people living with chronic pain, this can be any pain condition that has persisted or recurred for longer than a 12 week period.

As well as those living with pain, we are recruiting informal caregivers (this could be a family member or a friend who provides support to someone with a chronic pain diagnosis), as well as healthcare professionals specialising in chronic pain care.

What will the study involve?

Participants will take part in one individual interview (approx. 30-45 minutes on Microsoft Teams) which will explore the challenges and impact pain has on their life, as well as their perceptions of using technology as a means of self-management. Then we will ask participants about what kind of features and content they would find beneficial to include within an app, and these findings will be used to create a prototype. In the next phase, the study will conduct a series of 4 online workshops (lasting approx. 1 hour on Microsoft Teams) where participants will be asked to provide feedback on the app regarding design, content, navigation and functionality. Between each workshop, the groups feedback will be incorporated into the app until a fully functioning app has been created. The study is expected to take place over a period of 4-6 months.

How to take part

To take part, individuals who are interested can contact the lead researcher, Ashleigh Main on ashleigh.main@strath.ac.uk.

Added: 2 April 2025 | Deadline to sign up: 1 May 2025