Title of project: Examining factors to preventing chronic post-surgical pain
Director of Studies: Professor Mark Johnson
Second Supervisor: Professor Michelle Briggs
Overview of project: Preventing chronic post-surgical pain
There has been a growing recognition that chronic pain resulting from surgery is a significant problem.
The severity of acute postoperative pain is a factor that may contribute to the development of chronic
post-surgical pain. This project will investigate risk factors for the development of chronic pain
following surgery and determine the impact of treatments used in post-surgical pain management on
chronic pain. The project will focus on surgical groups with high prevalence rates of chronic postsurgical pain (e.g. mastectomy, hernia repair, and thoracotomy) and include a systematic review and
clinical studies.
Link to NHS Priorities
A survey of 5000 patients found that people developing chronic pain following surgery was the second
largest group at 22.5 %. There is a wealth of research addressing the first group (degenerative
disease 32.4%) but far less examining possible intervention to prevent chronic pain after surgery. The
burden of chronic pain in the NHS is large with approximately 10 million Britons suffering pain almost
daily resulting in a major impact on their quality of life and more days off work (Reddi and Curran
2014, Postgrad Med J 2014; 90:222-227).
Link to Faculty Research Themes
This project will be delivered within the theme of Pain within the Institute of Health and Wellbeing and
supervised by Professors Briggs and Johnson from the Centre for Pain Research. The PhD project
will develop and consolidate existing clinical links with the NHS.
Outline of project including proposed timescales
The PhD project will investigate risk factors for the development of chronic pain following surgery and
focus on the impact of treatment interventions on acute post-surgical pain management and the
prevention of chronic pain. The project will focus on a common surgical group (e.g. mastectomy,
hernia repair, and thoracotomy) and include a systematic review and clinical studies.
Further information
To apply you must be eligible for NHS Continuing Professional Development (CPD) funding and have
the support of your line manager in writing. General enquiries should be directed by email to the
Faculty Research Director r.hogston@leedsbeckett.ac.uk to discuss the project further please contact
the Director of Studies http://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/staff/professor-mark-johnson/
Applications should be made on line here
http://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/research/research-degrees/research-studentships-andfees-only-bursaries/