ORCID Profile
0000-0003-1091-9283
Current Organisation
University of Southampton
Does something not look right? The information on this page has been harvested from data sources that may not be up to date. We continue to work with information providers to improve coverage and quality. To report an issue, use the Feedback Form.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 2022
DOI: 10.1017/S1463423622000342
Abstract: We investigated the feasibility of recruiting patients unemployed for more than 3 months with chronic pain using a range of methods in primary care in order to conduct a pilot trial of In idual Placement and Support (IPS) to improve quality of life outcomes for people with chronic pain. This research was informed by people with chronic pain. We assessed the feasibility of identification and recruitment of unemployed patients the training and support needs of employment support workers to integrate with pain services acceptability of randomisation, retention through follow-up and appropriate outcome measures for a definitive trial. Participants randomised to IPS received integrated support from an employment support worker and a pain occupational therapist to prepare for, and take up, a work placement. Those randomised to Treatment as Usual (TAU) received a bespoke workbook, delivered at an appointment with a research nurse not trained in vocational rehabilitation. Using a range of approaches, recruitment through primary care was difficult and resource-intensive (1028 approached to recruit 37 eligible participants). Supplementing recruitment through pain services, another 13 people were recruited (total n = 50). Randomisation to both arms was acceptable: 22 were allocated to IPS and 28 to TAU. Recruited participants were generally not ‘work ready’, particularly if recruited through pain services. A definitive randomised controlled trial is not currently feasible for recruiting through primary care in the UK. Although a trial recruiting through pain services might be possible, participants could be unrepresentative in levels of disability and associated health complexities. Retention of participants over 12 months proved challenging, and methods for reducing attrition are required. The intervention has been manualised.
Publisher: National Institute for Health and Care Research
Date: 2021
DOI: 10.3310/HTA25050
Abstract: Chronic pain is a common cause of health-related incapacity for work among people in the UK. In idualised placement and support is a systematic approach to rehabilitation, with emphasis on early supported work placement. It is effective in helping people with severe mental illness to gain employment, but has not been tested for chronic pain. To inform the design of a definitive randomised controlled trial to assess the clinical effectiveness of in idualised placement and support for people unemployed because of chronic pain. A mixed-methods feasibility study comprising qualitative interviews and focus groups with key stakeholders, alongside a pilot trial. Primary care-based health-care professionals, employment support workers, employers, clients who participated in an in idualised placement and support programme, and in iduals aged 18–64 years with chronic pain who were unemployed for at least 3 months. An in idualised placement and support programme integrated with a personalised, responsive pain management plan, backed up by communication with a general practitioner and rapid access to community-based pain services. Outcomes included stakeholder views about a trial and methods of recruitment the feasibility and acceptability of the in idualised placement and support intervention study processes (including methods to recruit participants from primary care, training and support needs of the employment support workers to integrate with pain services, acceptability of randomisation and the treatment-as-usual comparator) and scoping of outcome measures for a definitive trial. All stakeholders viewed a trial as feasible and important, and saw the relevance of employment interventions in this group. Using all suggested methods, recruitment was feasible through primary care, but it was slow and resource intensive. Recruitment through pain services was more efficient. Fifty people with chronic pain were recruited (37 from primary care and 13 from pain services). Randomisation was acceptable, and 22 participants were allocated to in idualised placement and support, and 28 participants were allocated to treatment as usual. Treatment as usual was found acceptable. Retention of treatment-as-usual participants was acceptable throughout the 12 months. However, follow-up of in idualised placement and support recipients using postal questionnaires proved challenging, especially when the participant started paid work, and new approaches would be needed for a trial. Clients, employment support workers, primary care-based health-care professionals and employers contributed to manualisation of the intervention. No adverse events were reported. Unless accurate and up-to-date employment status information can be collected in primary care health records, or linkage can be established with employment records, research such as this relating to employment will be impracticable in primary care. The trial may be possible through pain services however, clients may differ. Retention of participants proved challenging and methods for achieving this would need to be developed. The intervention has been manualised. Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN30094062. This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment Vol. 25, No. 5. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
No related grants have been discovered for Catherine Linaker.