Chronic widespread pain in adults with Fibromyalgia: Barriers and Facilitators to Effective Self-management

Fibromyalgia is a long-term (chronic) condition that can cause widespread pain and tenderness, and it is increasingly common in working age adults, with 1 in every 20 affected in the UK. Fatigue, unrefreshed sleep, stiffness, anxiety and depression, and problems with cognition are common symptoms and physical disability due to pain is also commonly reported. Although the symptoms may sometimes be very similar, Fibromyalgia isn’t linked to inflammatory or degenerative arthritis, and the clinical guidelines recommend the non-pharmacological treatment modalities to take priority. As the majority of Fibromyalgia patients managed in Primary Care, there is an emphasis on self-management, but there is a paucity of research in this area. To this end, the PhD will explore coping strategies used by people with Fibromyalgia to lead an independent life and participate in social and work activities to establish barriers and facilitators to self-management.

PhD start date: September 2018

Eligibility: Applicants are expected to have completed a relevant health sciences related undergraduate (BSc) degree (e.g., BSc in Occupational Therapy/ Physiotherapy/Psychology). Applicants with relevant Masters (MSc/MRes) degrees and experience of conducting research in the NHS will be highly desirable.