Identifying optimal treatment for pain in older adults: Evidence synthesis and network meta-analysis

University/Faculty: University of Greenwich, Faculty of Education, Health and Human Sciences, School of Human Sciences  

Research Centre: Institute for Lifecourse Development (Centre for Chronic illness and Ageing)  

Lead Supervisor: Dr Trevor Thompson (t.thompson@greenwich.ac.uk)  

About the Project: 

Older adults are far more likely to experience persistent pain than younger adults. However, identifying the best treatment options in this population is challenging. Effective pain medications may not be viable options for older adults due to existing medication regimes and the increased presence of chronic conditions (e.g. heart problems, gastrointestinal disorders) that may contraindicate their use. Non-pharmacological interventions such as exercise can also be challenging to adhere to for some older adults. As a consequence, both acute and long lasting pain in this age group is often not effectively treated.  

Aim: 

The overarching goal of the proposed research is to provide an evidence base for identifying optimal pain management strategies for older adults. The research will synthesise evidence from existing secondary data of published and unpublished trials of pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical interventions in older adults. Meta-analysis will be used to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of the different interventions. 

The student will conduct their research under the supervision of Dr Trevor Thompson and Dr Charlotte Stoner within the Centre for Chronic Illness and Ageing. For an informal conversation please contact them at t.thompson@greenwich.ac.uk or c.r.stoner@greenwich.ac.uk 

Duration: 3 years Full-Time Study or 6 years Part-Time Study. 

Financial support: 

From 01 October for the 2024-25 academic year this amount will be Year 1: (FT) £21,237 including £2,000 London Weighting or pro-rata (PT) Year 2: In line with UKRI rate Year 3: In line with UKRI rate. In addition, the successful candidate will receive a contribution to tuition fees equivalent to the university’s Home-student rate, currently £4,786 (FT) or pro-rata (PT), for the duration of their scholarship. International applicants will need to pay the remainder tuition fee for the duration of their scholarship.  This fee is subject to an annual increase. 

How to apply:  

Please review the following link, containing the person specification, criteria, and other relevant information before making an application: https://www.gre.ac.uk/docs/rep/communications-and-recruitment/identifying-optimal-treatment-for-pain-in-older-adults-evidence-synthesis-and-network-meta-analysis. Please read this information before making an application. Information on the application process is available at: https://www.gre.ac.uk/research/study/apply/application-process. Applications need to be made online via this link – please ignore the request for a 1500-word research proposal when asked, as this is not required for this application. No other form of application will be considered. Please ensure that you select ‘MPhil/PhD Human Sciences’ from the list to ensure prompt processing of applications.

All applications must include the following information. Applications not containing these documents will not be considered:

•       ILD Scholarship Reference Number (ILD-FEHHS-01-24) – included in the personal statement section

•       Personal Statement* – outlining your motivation for applying for this PhD, and your previous research experience (e.g., as a research assistant or completing a dissertation).

•       Academic qualification certificates/transcripts*

•       IELTS/English Language certificate if you are an international applicant or if English is not your first language or you are from a country where English is not the majority spoken language as defined by the UK Border Agency *

•       Your complete CV*

•       Two reference letters (one ideally from a dissertation supervisor)*

•       if invited to interview, we may ask you to present/ discuss a brief research proposal that specifies how you might develop this research

•       Please ensure that you submit to the  Human Sciences (MPhil/PhD) PhD programme.

*upload to the qualification section of the application form. Attachments must be in PDF format.  You will need to submit this as 1 single PDF, to be uploaded as attachment.

 Before submitting your application, you are encouraged to liaise with the Lead Supervisor on the details above.