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Dr Michelle MarshallKeele University
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Professor Kelvin JordanKeele University
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Dr Ying ChenKeele University
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Professor Christian MallenKeele University
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James BaileyKeele University
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Professor Mamas MamasKeele University
Project overview
This project will explore whether having musculoskeletal conditions leads to worse outcomes for other illnesses.
Previous research has shown that a large proportion of people with musculoskeletal disorders have other coexisting long-term conditions. When a patient has multiple conditions, healthcare professionals often do not consider the management of musculoskeletal pain to be a priority. However, the chronic pain often associated with musculoskeletal conditions, reduced mobility and sleep interference may adversely impact the effectiveness of any treatment and may be a factor in prolonged hospital stay.
The study is set within the Clinical Practice Research Datalink, which contains high-quality information from 35 million patients in 1400 UK general practices. Data linkages include the Office for National Statistics and the Index of Multiple Deprivation. The research will compare outcomes after hospital admission for patients with and without comorbid musculoskeletal pain. Differences will be examined within and across four cohorts, each of patients aged 45 or over and at least 100,000 population: i. recorded acute coronary syndrome or stroke; ii. dementia; iii. breast, prostate, lung or colorectal cancer; and iv. pneumonia. The research team will classify the data into specific musculoskeletal disorders and investigate whether the effects vary in people of differing age, ethnicity, geographical region, neighbourhood deprivation and mental health.
This research will provide evidence for how painful comorbid musculoskeletal conditions affect the outcomes of hospitalisation for the other four condition groups, highlighting any need to investigate early rehabilitation and effective drug treatment. The findings will be publicised in news, social media and patient-facing platforms. To support the translation of the research into routine patient care, the researchers will provide free webinars and online training materials for healthcare practitioners and commissioners, and work with relevant professional bodies to seek endorsement of the resources.