Standardising socio-demographic data collection in pain research: Introducing consensus recommendations for a minimum...

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Pain Medicine
• Health Equity

Background:

• Inconsistent socio-demographic data collection in pain research hinders health equity.
• Previous data collection methods lacked standardization and global relevance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present consensus-derived recommendations for socio-demographic data collection in human adult pain research.
• To operationalize the collection of a minimum dataset for equity-relevant information.
• To promote transparency, integrity, and value in pain research.

Main Methods:

• Consensus-derived recommendations developed by the ISSHOOs (Identifying Social factors that Stratify Health Opportunities and Outcomes) project.
• Development of a minimum dataset (Set A) and an extended optional dataset (Set B).
• Review of implementation considerations, benefits, and potential harms.

Main Results:

• Published recommendations offer a globally relevant and adaptable resource for data collection.
• The recommendations operationalize the collection of essential equity-relevant information.
• A separate manuscript provides detailed explanation and elaboration on the recommendations.

Conclusions:

• Routine adoption of ISSHOOs recommendations can improve research transparency and integrity.
• Implementation of these recommendations has the potential to advance health equity for people with pain.
• The ISSHOOs Collaboration aims for a widespread shift in research practices to enhance research value.