Exploring Sex and Gender in Chronic Pain

This hybrid event will explore the critical issue of sex and gender in chronic pain, inviting all genders to join the conversation. While chronic pain may affect individuals differently, this event will outline what we now know about sex and gender as variables in chronic pain, what impact the outcomes of the PAINDIFF network will have on the study of sex and gender in pain and how this may inform on diagnosis and treatment outcomes for everyone. We will also look at the reality of in-person clinical experiences, the importance of the patient voice in PPI Research and how to ensure this critical research is incorporated into health policy and services.

Register to attend in-person: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/N7KWCRV

Register to attend online: https://tinyurl.com/yhnrts37

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."