GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare (GSK) has launched the Global Pain Index (GPI), a survey looking into people’s attitudes towards body pain.

Commissioned by topical pain relief brand Voltarol, the study has revealed that 93 per cent of people in the UK experience body pain each year, with 67 per cent suffering at least once a week. Despite this prevalence, less than half of sufferers (39 per cent) use OTC medication to control pain and only 54 per cent understand the cause of their pain. These results highlight the active role pharmacy staff can play in providing pain management advice and recommendations, says GSK.

GSK is also launching an update to its MyPharmAssist pain module so that pharmacists and pharmacy assistants can offer up-to-date, informed advice and effective solutions to customers.