Help shape research into improving treatment for shoulder pain

Use your personal experience to improve treatment and care for people living with shoulder pain.

This study aims to develop a new survey to better understand how people with shoulder pain are managing their condition, including their pain levels, movement and overall wellbeing. The survey will be used to help find out which treatments work best and to improve care for different types of shoulder pain. To make sure the survey asks the right questions, the views of people living with shoulder pain will help shape how the survey is designed, tested and used in both healthcare and research.

What experience do I need to help?

You don’t need any specific qualifications or previous research experience.
We’re looking for people who:

• Have lived with shoulder pain (or other musculoskeletal pain) for three months or more
• Are willing to share their views and experiences
• Are interested in helping shape research that could improve care       
• Live in Wales 

What will I be asked to do?

• Attend up to three online meetings between October 2025 and January 2026
• Share your experience of living with shoulder pain
• Provide your thoughts and feedback on our research plans and documents
• Help us decide which questions to ask in the study, so they focus on what really matters to people like you
• Review our summaries to make sure they are written in clear, everyday language
• You may also be invited to stay involved in the project between 2026 and 2031

How long will I be needed for?

• You would be invited to take part in three online meetings, each lasting around 60 minutes, between October 2025 and January 2026.
• These meetings will help shape and improve an application for a research fellowship.
• If the application is successful, there will be opportunities to stay involved as the project continues from 2026 to 2031.
• You can choose to be involved in the whole project or just certain parts – there’s no pressure to commit long term.
• Ongoing involvement could include reviewing documents, giving feedback on study materials, and helping us make the research easy to understand for others.

What are some of the benefits for me?

• Have your voice heard – share your experiences to help shape research that aims to improve care for people with shoulder pain
• Make a difference – your input will help create a new tool that makes treatments more effective and tailored to people’s needs
• Learn about research – gain insight into how health research works and how patients’ voices shape it
• Work with others – join a supportive team of researchers, clinicians and public contributors
• Flexible involvement – take part in a way that works for you, whether it's one meeting or more over time

 What support is offered?

• Cover reasonable travel expenses and additional carer or childcare costs,
• Offer payment for time of £25.00 per hour (people can request less if they are in receipt of state benefits).
• Have a look at our guidelines for more information about this.
• If you are receiving any benefits, you can access confidential advice from the Benefits Advice Service for Involvement.  

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