Professor Patricia Schofield, Deputy Dean for the Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education, will lead the group of 12 academics, chosen for their expertise in the field and drawn from all over the world.
The task force aims to increase awareness, guide academic research and educate health professionals and the general public about the effects of pain among vulnerable adults, such as the older population, people with learning disabilities and victims of torture.
The task force is put together by the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP), which brings together scientists, clinicians, policy makers and healthcare providers to stimulate and support the study of pain and to translate that knowledge into improved pain relief worldwide. The IASP has around 7,000 members in 133 countries.
Professor Schofield’s research focuses on pain, ageing, dementia and end-of-life care. She joined Anglia Ruskin in 2016 and has led a number of multi-disciplinary, cross-university, cross-healthcare sector programmes in these areas.
Professor Schofield said: “Pain in vulnerable adults is an emotive subject and one I am extremely passionate about. By definition this section of society has greater difficulty coping with pain and this has a knock-on effect on their mental health.
“I am looking forward to the challenge of raising awareness of this issue among policy makers, the media and the general public as well as guiding my academic peers on research that can make a real difference to vulnerable people in our society.
“It is an honour for me and Anglia Ruskin University that I have been chosen to lead this task force.”