The ACORN study has been adopted into the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) portfolio
ACORN study
The ACORN study has been adopted into the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) portfolio – underscoring the study's quality and importance, as acknowledged by the NHS. The inclusion in the NIHR portfolio not only highlights the study's potential impact but also facilitates national recruitment efforts beyond the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QE) to throughout the UK.
The ACORN study aims to recruit patients undergoing major surgery to identify those at risk of persistent post-operative pain and prolonged opioid use. In 2024, it was announced that the project had been funded as part of a new $50M Wellcome Leap programme, Untangling Addiction, which aims to develop new ways to address addiction, quantify addiction risk, and develop new treatments to aid recovery.
The opioid crisis has become a major global health problem, deeply affecting individuals, families, and communities. Every year, about 310 million major surgeries are performed worldwide, including 50 million in the United States, 20 million in Europe, and 6 million in the United Kingdom. For decades, opioids have been the go-to treatment for managing pain after surgery. While they are effective in relieving pain, long-term use can lead to addiction and dependency. This misuse has contributed to rising healthcare costs and a concerning increase in overdose deaths.
For most patients, opioids are first introduced during surgery, either as part of anaesthesia or for short-term pain relief, and they are typically stopped without issue. However, some individuals end up in a pattern of "persistent opioid use," which means they continue using opioids for more than three months after surgery. Identifying these at-risk patients is crucial for preventing dependency and addressing the opioid crisis. By recognising which patients are more vulnerable to long-term opioid use, doctors can take steps to reduce risks. This includes educating patients about the dangers of opioids and offering alternative ways to manage pain without relying on these medications.
Being part of the NIHR portfolio is testament to the hard work and dedication of our multidisciplinary team. This includes experts in psychology, neuroscience, perioperative medicine, omics and AI. This support will enable us to reach a wider audience and gather crucial data that could significantly advance our understanding and treatment of health conditions
For further information on the study visit www.acornstudy.co.uk
Associate Professor
Dr Mazaheri is an expert on the role of oscillations in cognition and behaviour. His research focuses on the neural interactions underlying different facets of cognitive control.
