These FAQs are intended to provide information about changes taking place during summer 2025 to ESCAPE-pain central coordination for current and prospective providers of the programme.
For further enquiries:
1. Why is the operational support for the ESCAPE-pain programme ending?
Following a strategic review, Orthopaedic Research UK (ORUK), which held the licence to operate ESCAPE-pain from Health Innovation Network South London, has decided not to renew its licence. The existing licence terminates on 10 July 2025. At the time of writing, a new licensee has not been identified.
2. Can existing providers still deliver the ESCAPE-pain programme after 10 July 2025?
Yes.
3. Can new providers start delivery of ESCAPE-pain after 10 July 2025?
Yes, new providers can commence delivery of the programme after 10 July 2025; however, it is essential that facilitators are MSK or exercise professionals who meet the eligibility criteria shown on the ESCAPE-pain website (Facilitator training – ESCAPE-pain) and adhere to the core tenets of delivery (see q6 below) to ensure the programme is delivered in line with its evidence base.
4. How can staff be trained to deliver ESCAPE-pain going forward?
There is a paid training session (endorsed by CIMSPA and providing 10 CPD points) on June 17-18. This is the last confirmed training session currently planned for delivery.
After July 10, all materials required for programme delivery—including the training manual and accompanying resources—will be made available on the ESCAPE-pain website for providers to deliver for patient care. Organisations wishing to access the material will need to provide their contact details through the website, and agree to terms and conditions of use.
New facilitators should review these materials thoroughly to familiarise themselves with best practice delivery, and if possible, make contact with existing site facilitators to discuss the programme and watch an ESCAPE-pain class before starting delivery.
We hope to be able to announce additional training sessions with CPD accreditation on ESCAPE-pain in the near future, delivered by third parties with experience of conducting ESCAPE-pain training.
Anyone wishing to register their interest for this training should email hin.southlondon@nhs.net.
5. Can existing providers deliver their own in-house ‘train the trainer’ sessions?
Yes, existing providers can deliver in-house ‘train the trainer’ sessions to support their delivery of the ESCAPE-pain programme. However, these sessions must not be charged for. Anyone wishing to use the training materials or deliver ESCAPE-pain training on a commercial basis must contact the Health Innovation Network South London via hin.southlondon@nhs.net to discuss a licensing agreement.
6. What are the quality assurance expectations for in-house or self-delivered training?
While there will be no formal quality assurance process, best practice is for facilitators to read the training manual, review all delivery materials and relevant research papers, and observe established classes where possible to ensure the programme is delivered in line with its evidence-base.
7. Will existing centres still be considered an “official” provider after support ends?
Yes, all existing and new providers delivering the ESCAPE-pain programme after 10 July 2025 can continue to use ESCAPE-pain branding and deliver the programme. There will be no distinction made between those trained or accredited before or after the end of operational and quality assurance support.
8. Are there any restrictions on continuing to use the programme in its current form? Are the ‘core four’ tenets of delivery still required?
To align with best practice, maintain fidelity to the evidence base, and appropriately use the ESCAPE-pain trademark, all existing and new programmes should adhere to the core tenets of delivery:
9. Can providers still call ESCAPE-pain an evidence-based programme, and is it still endorsed by partners like the NHS, or NICE?
Yes, ESCAPE-pain remains an evidence-based programme endorsed by the NHS and NICE, and providers can continue to refer to it as such when delivering it in line with its core tenets.
10. Will CIMSPA continue to award CPD to facilitators trained to deliver ESCAPE-pain after July 10?
No, CIMSPA will not award CPD points for local training conducted after July 10, as any training provided after this date will be bespoke and managed independently by existing or new providers. This will not be structured, mandated, or quality assured in the same way as the original training programme.
CPD accredited training may be offered in the future via third parties. To register your interest for this training, please contact the Health Innovation Network South London at hin.southlondon@nhs.net.
11. Can new and existing sites use ESCAPE-pain branding and materials, and will they be reviewed/updated in the future?
Yes, new and existing sites can use ESCAPE-pain branding and materials. These resources will be open access and freely available via the ESCAPE-pain website. While the materials will not be regularly updated, a publication date will be included on all documents. It will be the provider’s responsibility to stay informed about the latest relevant policies and guidelines, as they relate to programme delivery.
12. Will ESCAPE-pain locations still be shown on the website?
Yes, the map of ESCAPE-pain locations in the UK will remain on the website. ESCAPE-pain providers will be invited to complete an MS Form to notify of any changes to site locations.
13. Will the ESCAPE-pain app and webapp still be available to patients?
These products will no longer be supported, but patients can access the full ESCAPE-pain education and exercise videos on the ESCAPE-pain website.
14. Will the data outcomes survey website remain accessible for participants?
From 11 June 2025, the data outcomes survey website will no longer accept new registrations.
However, template spreadsheets will be made available on the ESCAPE-pain website for providers to manually enter specific outcomes (e.g., HOOS/KOOS, MSK HQ) collected via paper forms pre/post. These spreadsheets will include embedded formulas to provide basic, automatic analysis.
15. Will the data portal remain accessible for providers to submit outcomes data?
From 10 July 2025, the data portal will no longer be functional, and providers should collect their own outcomes data should they wish to do so going forward.
Note that access to historic data must be requested from the ORUK ESCAPE-pain team by contacting escape-pain@oruk.org by 27 June 2025.
16. What are the restrictions on commercial use of the ESCAPE-pain brand or training materials?
From 10 July 2025, the Health Innovation Network South London and Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust (as copyright holders for ESCAPE-pain) are making ESCAPE-pain training materials free to access.
New and existing programmes are permitted to use or continue to use the ESCAPE-pain materials for internal training of staff and delivery of ESCAPE-pain programmes with patients, subject to adherence with the core tenets of the programme as outlined on the ESCAPE-pain website. This permitted usage specifically includes all models of reimbursement for the delivery of patient programmes, i.e. NHS/local authority or charity-funded programmes and patient-funded programmes.
Other commercial usage of the ESCAPE-pain trademark, brand or materials is not permitted without the express consent of the Health Innovation Network South London and Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust. This includes (but is not limited to) the provision of commercial training courses and the development of digital tools or apps using any part of the ESCAPE-pain trademark, brand or materials.
Organisations or individuals wishing to discuss commercial usage of ESCAPE-pain should contact the Health Innovation Network South London at hin.southlondon@nhs.net.
For further enquiries
Prior to 10 July 2025, please contact the ORUK ESCAPE-pain team at escape-pain@oruk.org.
On or after 10 July 2025, please direct any questions to hin.southlondon@nhs.net.
Copyright © 2022 ESCAPE-pain. All rights reserved.
