Effectiveness of Anapana, Body scan and Metta meditation techniques on chronic neck and shoulder region pain and disability in adult patients in Sri Lanka: study protocol for a cluster clinic-level randomised controlled trial.

Background: Chronic neck and shoulder region pain affects many people around the world. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of three 8-week meditation training programmes (each using a different meditation technique: Anapana, Body scan or Metta) on pain and disability in a patient population affected with chronic neck and shoulder region pain, with a usual care control group and with each other.

Methods: This four-arm parallel clinic-level randomised controlled trial will be conducted with male and female patients aged 18-65 years, who are affected with chronic neck and shoulder region pain, and who attend one of four clinics held on four different days of the week in a single medical centre in the Colombo North region, Sri Lanka.

Resilience and return-to-work pain interventions: systematic review.

Background: Resilience is a developing concept in relation to pain, but has not yet been reviewed in return-to-work (RTW) contexts.

Aims: To explore the role of resilience enhancement in promoting work participation for chronic pain sufferers, by reviewing the effectiveness of existing interventions.

Methods: Resilience was operationalized as: self-efficacy, active coping, positive affect, positive growth, positive reinforcement, optimism, purpose in life and acceptance.

NHS health checks: a cross- sectional observational study on equity of uptake and outcomes.

Background: The National Health Checks programme aims to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular diseases and health inequalities in England. We assessed equity of uptake and outcomes from NHS Health Checks in general practices in Bristol, UK.

Methods: A cross-sectional study using patient-level data, from 38 general practices.

Experiences of patients and healthcare professionals of NHS cardiovascular health checks: a qualitative study.

Background: NHS Health Checks are a national cardiovascular risk assessment and management programme in England and Wales. We examined the experiences of patients attending and healthcare professionals (HCPs) conducting NHS Health Checks.

Methods: Interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 28 patients and 16 HCPs recruited from eight general practices across a range of socio-economic localities.

The provision of NHS health checks in a community setting: an ethnographic account.

Background: The UK National Health Service Health Checks programme aims to reduce avoidable cardiovascular deaths, disability and health inequalities in England. However, due to the reported lower uptake of screening in specific black and minority ethnic communities who are recognised as being more at risk of cardiovascular disease, there are concerns that NHS Health Checks may increase inequalities in health. This study aimed to examine the feasibility and acceptability of community outreach NHS Health Checks targeted at the Afro-Caribbean community.