Breaking Down Barriers: University of Galway and Chronic Pain Ireland Host Event on Sex and Gender in Chronic Pain
Experts gather to explore the gender divide in chronic pain, shedding light on critical differences and advancing the conversation on effective treatment.
Press Release 30/09/24
The University of Galway, in collaboration with Chronic Pain Ireland, the Centre for Pain Research, and the PPI Ignite Network, will host a national event- titled “Exploring Sex and Gender in Chronic Pain” on October 11, 2024, from 2:00-4:00 PM. The event will take place at the Human Biology Building on the University campus as part of the National Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) Festival. This event will also be streamed online, making it accessible to participants worldwide.
Chronic pain affects over 150 Million people throughout Europe and can persist for months or years, often with significant variations between men and women. The event, moderated by TV presenter and author Andrea Hayes, aims to shed light on the critical role sex and gender play in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of chronic pain.
This event is an essential platform for healthcare professionals, academics, researchers, patient advocacy groups, patients and the general public. It will inform and challenge how chronic pain is viewed across genders, and aims to influence both healthcare and policy.
This event will be hosted by TV presenter and author Andrea Hayes.
Dr. Michelle Roche, Associate Professor in Physiology and Co-Director of the Centre for Pain Research at the University of Galway, will present findings from the PAINDIFF Network. This network, which focuses on understanding current approaches and developing guidelines for the study of sex and gender differences in pain research. She said:
“Implementing guidelines and recommendations for studying sex and gender differences in pain research will ensure that research findings are robust and translatable, ultimately leading to better pain management strategies for all people living with chronic pain.
Prof. Brian McGuire, Clinical Psychologist and Co-Director Centre of Pain Research, University of Galway, will provide insights into the wider implications. He said:
“Recognising sex and gender differences in chronic pain is essential to developing more personalised treatments. Our goal is to translate this understanding into better outcomes for patients.”
The event will also feature Ms. Martina Phelan, Chairperson of Chronic Pain Ireland, will also speak at the event. In her role she emphasises the importance of the patient voice in shaping healthcare. She said:
“Lived experiences must be at the heart of research. By including patients in the conversation, we ensure that the solutions developed genuinely address the realities of chronic pain.”
Key Topics at the event will include:
- Research findings on sex and gender in pain (Dr. Michelle Roche)
- Gender differences in pain management (Prof. Brian McGuire)
- Real-world clinical experiences of treating gender-based pain (Dr. Rosemary Keane, Mater Hospital)
- The patient’s voice in research (Martina Phelan, Chronic Pain Ireland)
- Incorporating research into health policy (Dr David Moore, Beaumont Hospital)
This event is an essential platform for healthcare professionals, academics, researchers, patient advocacy groups, patients and the general public. It promises to not only inform but to challenge how we view chronic pain across genders, aiming to influence both healthcare and policy.
For more details and registration: https://ppinetwork.ie/event-listing/exploring-sex-and-gender-in-chronic-pain/
ENDS
For more information or to request interviews with members of the panel, contact Christina Donnelly from Chronic Pain Ireland on +35301 8047567 or University of Galway
NOTES TO EDITORS
About University of Galway
Established in 1845, University of Galway is one of the top 2% of universities in the world. We are a bilingual university, comprised of four colleges, 18 schools and five research institutes, with more than 19,000 students, including around 3,000 international students. We have been accredited with an Athena SWAN Institutional Bronze Award, and 11 out of our 18 schools hold individual Athena SWAN Awards. We have more than 2,500 staff, and research collaborations with 4,675 international institutions in 137 countries. We have 133,000 alumni and 98% of graduates are in employment or further study within six months.
For more information visit https://www.universityofgalway.ie/ or view all news
Get the most from the expert commentary, views and stories from University of Galway on our Cois Coiribe platform https://impact.universityofgalway.ie/
ABOUT CHRONIC PAIN IRELAND (CPI)
Chronic Pain Ireland (CPI) is the national charity providing information, education and support services to people living with Chronic Pain, their families, friends, caregivers and other interested parties. CPI advocates on their behalf and works closely with all stakeholders while providing a range of supports, including self-management workshops, telephone support line, monthly e-newsletter, patient and public involvement (PPI) research partnerships, member meetings and public awareness events.
CPI receives core funding via the Scheme to Support National Organisations, which is funded by the Government of Ireland through the Department of Rural and Community Development. CPI gratefully acknowledges SSNO funding and the ongoing support of Pobal and the Department of Rural and Community Development under the Programme and Scheme to Support National Organisations (SSNO) 2022-2025.
For more information visit https://chronicpain.ie
Speaker Bio’s:
Dr Michelle Roche is an Associate Professor and Neuroscientist in Physiology, Co-Director of the Centre for Pain Research at the University of Galway. She is President of the Irish Pain Society. More visit here
Prof. Brian McGuire is a Professor of Clinical Psychology, Joint Director of the Centre for Pain Research, University College Galway. More visit here.
Dr. Rosemary Keane is the Principal Specialist Clinical Psychologist, Pain Management at Mater Misercordiae University Hospital. Clinical Director and Co-Founder of Actualise. More visit here.
Martina Phelan is the Chair of national charity Chronic Pain Ireland, with a lived experience of life with chronic pain. Patient Representative with the Faculty of Pain Management, Co-Lead of SIP Ireland, vast experience in EU and National Public Patient Involvement (PPI) initiatives. More visit here
Dr David Moore is a Consultant Pain Specialist in Beaumont Hospital. Clinical Lead Model of Care for Pain Management Services in Ireland. More visit here.
MC is Ms Andrea Hayes, TV Presenter, Producer and Author who has lived experience of Chronic Pain and is a former Board member of Chronic Pain Ireland. Her debut and best-selling book Pain-Free Life: My Journey to Wellness was the first of many and her journey to date can be found here.
Source of statistics: European Pain Federation Congress (EFIC) https://europeanpainfederation.eu/advocacy/
The PRIME study (The Prevalence, Impact and Cost of Chronic Non-Cancer Pain in Ireland in Adults) was conducted by the Centre for Pain Research at NUI Galway.
DEFINITION OF CHRONIC PAIN
ICD-11 defines chronic pain as an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with, or resembling that associated with, actual or potential tissue damage. Chronic pain is pain that persists for longer than 3 months. Chronic pain is multifactorial, which means biological, psychological and social factors contribute to the pain syndrome.
