Publicly Engaged Research Core (PERC)

Our Mission

To help ensure that everyone can benefit from advancements in treatments, PERC is dedicated to amplifying the insights of those with lived experience of chronic pain into research, intervention development, and clinical care. Building meaningful, collaborative partnerships between researchers and the public is paramount to our mission. We are committed to promoting multilateral learning and resource-sharing among researchers, healthcare professionals, patient communities, and community representatives with varied perspectives.

Addressing Challenges in Pain Care and Research

Chronic pain conditions affect various communities differently, with some groups experiencing a higher prevalence and severity of symptoms. These groups include women, racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, veterans, those living in rural or remote areas, and individuals who face incarceration or housing instability. Health disparities are avoidable, stemming from a range of social and environmental factors. By valuing the unique experiences of individuals with chronic pain, we aim to inform healthcare solutions that are more effective and address the unique challenges of different communities.

The lack of equal representation in past research and intervention development is also a significant concern. When people are underrepresented in research, the resulting data and treatments might not work as well for their communities, making existing health disparities worse. In contrast, when research considers the specific challenges faced by different communities, it can reveal fundamental issues in healthcare that should be resolved to benefit everyone.

Why Lived Experience Matters in Pain Care and Research

Chronic pain and fatigue conditions present complex challenges that often require individualized treatment. These conditions do not adhere to a one-size-fits-all approach, as their management may involve an intricate blend of therapies tailored to an individual's unique circumstances and local context. Each therapy's effectiveness can vary significantly from one person to another, underscoring the need for further study and individualized treatment plans.

Recognizing the value of insight from those who have lived experiences with chronic pain, we at PERC strive to partner with these individuals to develop innovative treatments and effective care models. Our goal is not just to improve existing methodologies but also to create new paradigms in the treatment of chronic pain that are informed by individuals' real-world experiences.

What We Aim to Do

Prioritizing Local Context and Experience: Across the research lifecycle, we emphasize the importance of incorporating lived experience and a range of viewpoints to ensure relevance and applicability.

Co-Creation and Dissemination: We co-create and share evidence-based resources that can enhance the diagnosis, treatment, and management of chronic pain and fatigue conditions.

Raising Awareness: By highlighting health disparities and community needs, we seek to expand understanding of these critical issues and support improvements in care.

Mentorship and Education: We guide students and new researchers in pain science, social determinants of pain, and publicly oriented research methodologies.

Continuous Evaluation: We continually assess our objectives and progress to refine best practices for public engagement within pain research.

Together, we aim to transform chronic pain research and care, making it more relevant and effective for all.