Abstract
Introduction: Persistent pain is common in the United Kingdom (UK) and can lead to considerable disability. Beliefs held by the public regarding pain can affect what people do about pain and the subsequent impact it has on society. The aim of this thesis was to investigate the impact of a public health campaign, underpinned by Pain Science Education (PSE) called Flippin' Pain. This investigation is unique from existing literature as it is the only investigation of a pain focussed public health campaign using PSE.Methods: This mixed-methods thesis presents six studies. It includes a cross-sectional UK based survey of public pain beliefs followed by a case study comprising an investigation of three different online webinars, one community outreach tour, and an exploration of individuals’ experience of delivering the campaign.
Results: The cross-sectional survey demonstrated that similar levels of structural-pathology and psychological beliefs were found to co-exist, with higher levels of structural-pathology beliefs amongst those with current pain and those with lower education levels. Attending a Flippin Pain activity was associated with a reduction in biomedical beliefs, an increase in biopsychosocial pain beliefs and behavioural intentions more aligned to evidence-based care. These changes in beliefs appeared to be maintained at longer term follow up.
Discussion: This is the first investigation of a PSE rooted public health campaign related to pain. The results show promise in offering education to the public about ‘how pain works’. This upstream approach to pain education can target people with and without pain as well as healthcare professionals, which has the potential to achieve societal changes in pain beliefs, potentially leading to better pain management for all. However, further investigation is needed to explore if improvements in pain beliefs lead to positive changes in how pain is managed in the long-term.
| Date of Award | 11 Feb 2026 |
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| Original language | English |
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| Supervisor | Denis Martin (Supervisor) & Cormac Ryan (Supervisor) |