Developing a system to support the early identification and involvement needs of those with musculoskeletal (MSK) problems to remain productive in the work place

Research Question for overall program grant: To what extent can digital technologies be leveraged to identify and support individuals with MSK conditions in maintaining workplace productivity? Background Ill-health-related economic inactivity has sharply increased in the UK, with musculoskeletal conditions representing a significant burden. From 2019 to 2023, over 1.35 million individuals experienced MSK symptoms that affected employability, with more than 70% reporting multiple pain sites. Although preventative strategies like ergonomic adjustments have proven effective—evidenced by reduced MSK-related absence in a pharmaceutical workforce (5.56% vs. UK average of 10.5%)—standardised, scalable digital tools for early MSK risk identification remain underdeveloped. Literature underscores the importance of workplace factors (e.g., adjustments, decision latitude, and social support) in return-to-work outcomes, yet there is limited clarity around the most cost-effective, inclusive approaches for MSK populations. Aims and Objectives Program Aim: To co-create and evaluate a system using digital technologies for early identification and personalised workplace adjustments that support continued employment for individuals with MSK conditions. Aim of development phase: To lay the groundwork for programme proposal Development Phase Objectives: Assess feasibility of using existing datasets and develop linkage methods. Engage key stakeholders to establish collaborations and co-design protocols. Build Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) and Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) strategies. Develop a basic cost analysis from both employer and employee perspectives. Refine research questions and anticipate potential programme challenges to inform program proposal. Methods A multidisciplinary team will undertake five work packages (WPs). WP1 involves project management and governance systems to ensure timely and effective delivery of project activities and deliverables. WP2 focuses on testing access and gaining insights into the prevalence, demographics, diversity, and health characteristics within Cordell Health s database of 36,000 occupational health records, to determine suitability for the research program as a data set and cohort to characterise the MSK population and their needs. WP3 develops inclusive co-design strategies rooted in a person-based framework, ensuring wide representation of marginalised groups in the program. WP4 includes stakeholder relationship building and mapping team expertise, while WP5 explores early-stage implementation costs through focused employer-employee group sessions. Analysis: Descriptive and clustering analytics will reveal demographic and health characteristics; qualitative methods and health economic mapping will inform intervention design and feasibility. Timelines for Delivery The 10-month development phase is mapped across the following milestones: Months 1–3: Ethics approvals, data protocol development, and partner engagement. Months 2–6: Dataset analysis and co-design protocol documentation. Months 7–8: Implementation cost mapping. Month 9: Submission of the full research award application. Month 10: Public engagement event and draft final report dissemination. Anticipated Impact and Dissemination The development phase will prepare for the program grant, which aims to reduce MSK-related sickness absence, improve physical and mental health, and increase workplace inclusivity by embedding early intervention in digital systems. Dissemination for this phase will include a public engagement event, partner engagement platforms, PPIE forums, and a research award submission. Long-term, the research will strengthen the evidence base on interventions to prevent ill health and benefit health, well-being, and productivity in the workplace.