Marcus Beasley

Biography

Marcus Beasley is a postdoctoral research fellow with the Epidemiology Group at the University of Aberdeen. His research uses large population datasets, principally UK Biobank, to study the epidemiology of chronic pain and musculoskeletal conditions and their relationship with modifiable lifestyle factors such as body weight and physical activity.

His current work, funded by Orthopaedic Research UK, concerns the prevention of musculoskeletal disease. Using model-based standardisation, it describes how conditions such as osteoarthritis are distributed across the population in relation to modifiable factors — body weight, physical activity, and features of the local environment — to inform prevention at the population level.

He has previously contributed to a Versus Arthritis–funded project on the risk factors for high-impact chronic pain, and has coordinated a number of studies into chronic pain, including the PACFiND project on redesigning care pathways for fibromyalgia. He completed a PhD by publication at the University of Aberdeen, and holds an MSc in Psychological Research Methods and a BSc (Open) from the Open University.

Research Overview

Chronic pain and fibromyalgia; musculoskeletal epidemiology; lifestyle and behavioural risk factors; population-level prevention

Current Research

What are the causes and risk factors associated with high impact chronic pain?

This research aims to find out the causes of high impact chronic pain. The findings will inform interventions to address people's individual needs.

PAtient-centred Care for Fibromyalgia: New pathway Design (PACFiND)

This project aims to find a better model of healthcare for people with fibromyalgia. This could lead to better outcomes by ensuring everyone has access to timely diagnosis and effective treatments.