
AGENCY & University of Bath
Painful conversations.
A free research series on healthcare communication and chronic pain. Five downloadable guides exploring why improved communication is the key to overcoming the paradox of pain.

Hosted by
Professor Christopher Eccleston
Director, Centre for Pain Research · University of Bath · Author, Pain: A Very Short Introduction
Centre for Pain Research
University of Bath
The research
How do we help people overcome their barriers to seeking treatment?
Chronic pain is a complex challenge affecting 15.5 million people in England alone, yet it remains largely misunderstood. For professionals in the medical industry, understanding and effectively communicating about pain is one of the greatest challenges, and opportunities.
Professor Christopher Eccleston, a pioneer in pain research, offers invaluable perspectives through the Painful Conversations series, dedicated to enhancing our approach to pain management and patient care. By improving communication, we can improve patient outcomes.
Download the free eBooks15.5m
people in England living with chronic pain
20%
of the world's population in chronic pain
28m
in the UK living with everyday pain
1in4
UK adults with chronic pain
Free downloads
The Painful Conversations series
Five research-backed eBooks on healthcare communication and chronic pain. Each one free to download.
Professor Christopher Eccleston
Centre for Pain Research, University of Bath
The Pain Paradox
Bridging the Communication Gap
- Delve into the enigmatic nature of pain and its impact on patient isolation.
- Understand the critical role of communication in mitigating the paradoxes of chronic pain.
- Foster deeper connections through informed and compassionate dialogue.
Dr Luana Colloca
University of Maryland
Hosted by Professor Christopher Eccleston, Centre for Pain Research, University of Bath
The Weight of Words
The Transformative Power of Language in Pain Management
- Discover the profound effect of language on patient perceptions and treatment efficacy.
- Equip yourself with communication strategies that promote healing and reduce anxiety.
- Harness the dual forces of placebo and nocebo effects through mindful communication.
Professor Richie Gill
University of Bath
Hosted by Professor Christopher Eccleston, Centre for Pain Research, University of Bath
Mobility & Pain
Promoting Movement, Enhancing Health
- Link the vital role of mobility in preventing and managing pain-related conditions.
- Uncover strategies to encourage physical activity and combat the sedentary lifestyle induced by chronic pain.
- Dive into actionable insights for improving patient mobility and overall health outcomes.
Professor Christopher Eccleston
in conversation with Professor Michael Sullivan
Unjust Pain
Addressing Pain Beyond the Physical
- Examine the multifaceted experience of unjust pain and its implications for patient care.
- Highlight the importance of developing a shared language around pain for better outcomes.
- Empower healthcare professionals to recognise and address the emotional dimensions of pain.
Professor Christopher Eccleston
Centre for Pain Research, University of Bath
8 Key Principles of Pain
Unravel the Complexity of Chronic Pain
- Explore pain beyond its physical boundaries with Professor Christopher Eccleston.
- Discover how chronic pain challenges identity and behaviour, demanding a nuanced approach to care.
- Learn to navigate the paradoxical nature of pain, enhancing empathy and treatment strategies.
Why patient marketing matters
“Where can I look to find the treatment I need?”
David Neelham, 56
People like David are taking their healthcare provider selection seriously. He believes that in a modern world, online research can help him find the best treatment options for him.
That is why the UK private sector cared for a record 665,000 patients in 2023. And that is why self-pay is now 32% higher than pre-COVID times, to approximately 240,000 patients annually.
665,000
patients in UK private sector in 2023, a record
32%
higher than pre-COVID self-pay volumes
240,000
self-pay patients annually
4×
depression more prevalent in chronic pain sufferers

How we apply it
Research that changes how you communicate with patients.
Creating Understandable Language
Break down complex medical information into patient-friendly language with insights from the University of Bath's Centre for Pain Research on how to better communicate with people in pain.
Legal and Compliant Communication
Navigate the healthcare regulatory environment with confidence. Our tested strategies from working with some of the largest providers across EMEA ensure your messaging is not just effective but also fully compliant.
Direct-to-Patient and Co-Marketing
Collaborate with healthcare providers to reach patients directly. Our co-marketing and direct-to-patient strategies help signpost awareness of the availability of your products at their clinics.
Research applied with
Ready to put the research to work?
We apply this research in patient marketing programmes for healthcare companies across EMEA. If you want to reach patients more effectively, book a call and we will show you what that looks like in practice.



