The proposed Network aims to improve the health, well-being and quality of life of people who have chronic musculoskeletal pain. Comprising of researchers, clinicians and industry partners from across Ireland, the network will work closely with the HRB Clinical Research Facility at NUI Galway and with the HSE National Care Programmes in Rheumatology, Anaesthetics, Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation. The proposed CTN will be comprised of two primary activities: (1) clinical trial activities (2) networking activities. (1) The trial activities will include the evaluation of a range of clinical protocols designed to prevent or manage symptoms of chronic musculoskeletal pain. The first large-scale definitive clinical trial proposed will be to evaluate a cognitive behaviour-based programme of physical activation for people with chronic back pain. Based on significant amount of pilot work already undertaken by the Principal Investigator, this trial will be extended nationwide and will be implemented by HSE physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists. A number of other pilot and feasibility studies are planned. (2) The network activities will include the development and establishment of an agreed research strategy, establishment of a business plan, establishment of governance and management structures, activities to engage with the network partners including clinicians, researchers, industry partners and charity bodies such as patient advocacy groups. The long-term sustainability of the network will focus on a range of funding streams such as other national funding opportunities, European funding opportunities (H2020), and clinical trials activity with the pharmaceutical and medical devices sectors. Onr pharmaceutical company has already made a financial commitment to the network (Mundipharma). The establishment of this Network will represent a “step-change” in terms of clinical trials activity in the area of chronic pain in Ireland.
