Methodology Working Group

Areas of expertise and innovation lie under the broad themes:

Longitudinal population epidemiology

(Link person: Kelvin Jordan)
We have established large longitudinal cohorts with self-reported data at multiple time points. We use methods of modelling such as latent class analysis, multilevel modelling, time series analysis, and survival analysis.

Consultation epidemiology

(Link person: Kelvin Jordan)
We use our own local high quality general practice database, and linkage to self-reported data from our large cohort studies, to develop statistical and epidemiological methods to derive patterns of consultation, and describe and evaluate the management of morbidity.

Clinical trials

(Link person: Martyn Lewis)
We conduct high quality pragmatic musculoskeletal-based clinical trials. These datasets are used to explore a number of methodological questions pertinent to the conduct of clinical trials in musculoskeletal research.

Health status measures

(Link person: Kelvin Jordan)
We develop and evaluate screening tools and self-reported health status measures for use in population surveys and trials.

Health economics

(Link person: Martyn Lewis)
We collaborate with the Health Economics Unit at Birmingham University. Analyses include cost-effectiveness of treatment effect and cost-of-illness modelling, and includes development and evaluation of methods for improving health economic analysis in musculoskeletal research.

Occupational research

(Link person: Chris Main)  
Building a platform linking occupational epidemiology with primary-care interventions targeting occupational factors (Blue flags) to facilitate return to work and work retention. We have a specific interest in influences on work transition in the older worker and adoption of a systems approach to problems at the health-work interface.

Clinical effectiveness and implementation

(Link person: Mark Porcheret)  
There are two well established evidence-based practice groups, bringing local clinicians together to find and debate the evidence to answer questions arising in clinical practice. The centre has developing expertise in the field of implementation science to inform the conduct of studies being undertaken. The centre also has established links with local and national NHS bodies, to discuss and promote the implementation of the centre’s work.

Systematic reviews and meta-analysis

(Link person: Jo Jordan)  
Reviews conducted incorporate many different types of research methodology, such as prognostic studies, randomised controlled trials, diagnostic studies and qualitative research.

Behavioural research

(Link person: Chris Main)  
We assess the role of behavioural and cognitive factors as moderators/mediators in the outcome of musculoskeletal interventions, in developing psychologically-informed interventions and in disentangling the influence of general and specifically targeted behaviours in the consultation/intervention. Also developing a strategy to sustain treatment gains after early interventions for high risk patients and in developing new patient pathways.

Patient and public involvement (PPI) in research

(Link person: Clare Jinks)  
We have set up research users’ groups whose members work with researchers on the design, management and dissemination of research. We have established innovative ways of supporting PPI activity, and methods to gain advice from members of the public.

Qualitative and mixed methods research

(Link person: Jane Richardson)
Our work in this area is underpinned by a broad social science perspective. We have an ongoing interest in the development of qualitative methods appropriate for exploring the everyday and lifecourse experiences of people with pain and/ or musculoskeletal conditions.
In addition, several staff having allocated sessions within the Keele University Hub of the West Midlands Research Design Service (which the Centre hosts). In this role they provide methodological support for researchers working across Staffordshire and Shropshire on a range of health topics in order to help them develop high quality research proposals for submission to NIHR funding streams.