C-PICTURE
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Chronic Pain Identification Through Using Electronic Records (C-PICTURE): Development and validation of an algorithm to identify people with chronic pain through primary care-based records
IRAS ID
323651
Contact name
Lesley A Colvin
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Dundee
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
The prevalence of chronic pain in Scotland is unknown. Research estimates suggest that around 6% of the population may live with severe chronic pain. However, an accurate figure is essential in informing healthcare prioristisation, resource allocation and provision of effective healthcare services to treat this condition. Furthermore, clinical guidelines must be underpinned by a high quality evidence base; however, at present, there is no robust method for recruiting representative samples to research studies. Validating a method for identifying people with chronic pain could reduce the risk of sampling error in research studies.
The core aim of this study is to test, refine and validate a chronic pain case identification algorithm (a set of coding rules that will facilitate the identification of people living with chronic pain). Since the majority of people living with chronic pain seek treatment from the primary care sector (i.e. from their GP), the algorithm will be tested and refined using routinely-collected primary care data.
The study will generate a dataset, using the algorithm, which will identify adults (>18 years) living with chronic pain in 6 GP practices in Scotland. This will be achieved using diagnostic codes and prescribing information held for all adult patients in these practices. This dataset will be compared with both extensive case-note review and participants' self reports of chronic pain using survey data. Following comparison, the algorithm will be refined and validated to maximise its accuracy at identifying people with chronic pain.
The study will be of 24 months' duration. Much of the study will be conducted without direct patient involvement. During the survey phase, 6200 participants will be invited to complete online/postal questionnaires. Up to 48 patient participants and up to 16 healthcare professionals will be invited to participate in interviews/focus groups. Non-response will be understood as declining to participate.
REC name
London - Surrey Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/LO/0398
Date of REC Opinion
22 Jun 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion