Non-malignant pain in older people: Part 1

Professor Patricia Schofield’s professional background is nursing and completed her PhD in 2001 looking at management of chronic pain using sensory environments. She completed a number of major projects on management of pain, particularly with older adults, including; an ESRC project, an MRC funded project; a COST collaborative project, and an SBRI project. Professor Schofield also led the development of the national guidelines for the assessment of pain in older adults (2007, 2018) and the management of pain in older adults (2013, 2020). Last year she led the European year against pain in vulnerable populations and was co-chair of the global year against pain in vulnerable populations. Having stepped down as deputy dean for research, she now works for Sheffield Hallam University as UoA3 lead and has an honorary role as professor of pain and ageing for Abertay University. She has published over 200 peer reviewed publications and 15 books/chapters in the field of pain and ageing.

Dr Margaret Dunham is a senior lecturer at Sheffield Hallam University. She specialises in older people's experiences of health care, focusing on their pain experiences. Since 2013 she has been associate editor of the British Pain Society's pain news and is currently a committee member of the BPS Older People Special Interest Group. She works with groups locally and nationally to improve and enhance experiences of pain services. Recently, Margaret chaired the working party updating the UK Pain Management Guidelines for Older People.

Dr Dunham has collaborated with academics and health care professional across the UK, Europe and the US; having presented her work at national and international nursing and multidisciplinary conferences. She continues to work with national and international researchers to develop research and outputs related to older people's care and health services.