Funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), the study focuses on the use of antidepressants, opioids, gabapentinoids, benzodiazepines and z-drugs. The researchers will use a participatory action method known as Experienced Based Co-Design (EBCD). This will involve bringing patients and healthcare staff from within general practices across Norfolk and Waveney together, to explore experiences of prescription medication use and management. Patients will then work collaboratively with healthcare staff to identify and implement solutions to improve their own and future patient care.

The study is being led by Dr Jennifer Seddon, Research Fellow at the Substance Misuse and Ageing Research Team (SMART) at the University of Bedfordshire, with co-investigators from the University of East Anglia and general practices, as well as people with lived experience of prescription medication dependence.

Dr Seddon said: “Almost 26% of the UK population were prescribed medications with a risk of dependence or withdrawal in 2017/2018, and a recent review by Public Health England (PHE) has highlighted that many patients do not always receive the support they need during medically managed withdrawal from these medications. We are confident that the results of this study will help to improve the quality and experience of care for people prescribed medication with a risk of dependence or withdrawal.”

Francesco Sciammarella, NIHR Programme Manager said: “We are delighted to support this exciting project. The results of this study will help us to understand and better respond to patient needs. We hope that the study results in improvement to how people experience care, and leads to a reduction in the harms that can be associated with prescription medication dependence.”

Findings from the study are expected to be released by NIHR in July 2022. Follow @SMARTatUoB or @DrJLSeddon on twitter to keep up to date with study progress and to find out more about the project.

This study is funded by the National Institute for Health Research, Research for Patient Benefit (RfPB) programme: NIHR201461. Information about SMART and other research projects from the Institute of Applied Social Research (IASR) at the University of Bedfordshire can be found online: www.beds.ac.uk/iasr