Psychology research tackles Scotland’s growing opioid crisis

Glasgow Caledonian University psychology researcher Dr Martha Canfield has secured £125,000 on World Health Day (April 7) to tackle Scotland's growing opioid crisis through innovative data science.

Her research will explore how patients prescribed pain medications like morphine and tramadol develop opioid use disorder (OUD), a serious condition affecting thousands of Scots.

Despite being widely prescribed for pain relief, these medications offer limited benefits for chronic conditions while carrying significant risks.

The funding has been awarded to Dr Canfield through the Academy of Medical Science’s Springboard programme. This year the Academy has invested its largest ever investment of £7.6 million in research tackling urgent health challenges.

Dr Canfield's project will analyse Scotland's national electronic health records to identify patterns and risk factors that lead to dependency.

By combining this data analysis with patient interviews, she aims to develop a ground-breaking digital risk prediction tool that could transform how healthcare providers identify vulnerable patients before problems develop.

This research addresses a critical healthcare challenge in a country particularly affected by opioid-related harms and could provide doctors and pharmacists with practical solutions for safer prescribing practices during their limited consultation time.

Dr Martha Canfield, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Psychology at Glasgow Caledonian University, said: “I am deeply honoured to receive the Academy of Medical Sciences Springboard award. This funding allows us to explore how people with chronic pain may develop opioid use disorder after being prescribed medications like morphine or tramadol.

“This research is especially urgent in Scotland, where 1.3% of the population is dependent on opioids and the country has the highest rate of drug-related deaths in Europe. Tackling Scotland's opioid crisis through innovative data science is an important step toward improving patient care and preventing opioid use disorder.”

With generous support from the UK Government’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, Wellcome and the British Heart Foundation, this year’s record-breaking funding round marks a decade of Springboard awards and brings the total investment in the next generation of research leaders to £43.8 million since the scheme launched in 2015.

Professor James Naismith FRS FRSE FMedSci, Vice-President (Non-Clinical) at the Academy of Medical Sciences, said: “This record investment demonstrates our unwavering commitment to supporting the next generation of research leaders. By backing these talented early-career researchers, we’re not only addressing today’s urgent health challenges but also strengthening the UK’s position as a global leader in medical research.

“Each Springboard awardee brings fresh perspectives and innovative approaches that will ultimately translate to improved health outcomes for patients and the public. The Academy is proud to provide the financial resources and career development support needed to help these outstanding scientists establish their independent research careers.”