People across Tayside could be crucial in heralding a transformation in care for chronic pain.
Patients at selected GP surgeries in the area are being asked to register for a new study that would test the validity of a new algorithm designed to identify those living with the condition. The Chronic Pain Identification Through Using Electronic Records (C-PICTURE) study is led by the University of Dundee’s School of Medicine and is supported by the Chief Scientist Office. With chronic pain becoming an increasingly common issue throughout society, it is hoped that identifying the prevalence through a sample of 2000 Scottish patients could lead to improved treatment and outcomes for those living with daily discomfort.
Chronic pain is defined as pain that lasts for longer than three months. While it is recognised as an increasingly prevalent public health concern, there is currently no reliable way to formally identify cases.
The aim of C-PICTURE is to test, refine and validate a new algorithm that can identify chronic pain in patients. Assessing patient data – with their permission – will allow the study team to refine the algorithm. By the end of the study, the team will have produced a final iteration which, once validated, will identify the prevalence of chronic pain in Scotland and allow healthcare providers to improve services for patients. Patients at participating GP surgeries will be contacted via letter, offering them the opportunity to become involved in C-PICTURE. Participation is entirely voluntary.
“It is estimated that around 1 in 5 people in Scotland are living with chronic pain,” said Professor Lesley Colvin, who is leading C-PICTURE. “However, until we can establish a true picture of how prevalent it is in our population, we cannot determine exactly the scale of the issue and how policy makers and healthcare providers can help to meet patient need.
“C-PICTURE is integral to this process. Through analysis of patient information, such as prescribing information, we will be able to develop an algorithm capable of identifying patients living with the condition.
“This process will allow us to refine the algorithm which could shape service planning, influence how local and national health policy for chronic pain is developed, and ultimately improve outcomes for the hundreds of thousands of people we believe are living with long-term, daily discomfort.”
