The TAPER2 project is a pioneering six-month initiative that has made significant strides in improving surgical outcomes for patients in the North East and North Cumbria (NENC) region. By focusing on reducing preoperative opioid and gabapentinoid use among socially deprived individuals awaiting elective surgery, the project has demonstrated the power of integrated, person-centred care.
TAPER2 is the result of a dynamic collaboration between the Waiting Well programme and the Deep End GP Network. The project was designed to support patients from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds in optimising their health while on surgical waiting lists. Recognising the disproportionate burden of long-term analgesic use in these communities, the initiative aimed to reduce reliance on opioids and gabapentinoids – medications known to negatively impact surgical recovery and long-term health.
Central to the project’s success was the use of the innovative RAIDR dashboard, which integrates primary and secondary care data to stratify patients based on clinical and social risk. This data-driven approach enabled targeted interventions, ensuring that those most in need received timely and appropriate support.
TAPER2 provided protected time for GP practices to conduct in-depth medication reviews, supported by pharmacists, pain nurses, and social prescribers from Ways to Wellness. These reviews were not just about deprescribing; they were about understanding each patient’s context, building trust, and co-creating plans that aligned with their goals and circumstances.
Social prescribing played a pivotal role in this process. By addressing broader social determinants – such as housing, mental health, mobility, and isolation—social prescribers helped patients engage with alternative pain management strategies and improve their overall wellbeing.
The outcomes of the TAPER2 project speak volumes:
These results challenge the assumption that deprescribing is unfeasible in deprived populations and highlight the importance of time, trust, and tailored support.
The project also surfaced key challenges, including surgical delays, inconsistent messaging across care settings, and geographical barriers to community services. Despite these hurdles, the collaborative model – bringing together GPs, pharmacists, social prescribers, and secondary care teams – proved resilient and adaptable.
The TAPER2 team shared their award-winning work at the NENC Pain Community of Practice on 1 October 2025, with support from Health Innovation NENC. The session highlighted the project’s achievements and explored opportunities to expand the TAPER2 model to other patient groups beyond surgical candidates. Watch the recording:
TAPER2 is more than a project – it’s a blueprint for integrated, equitable care. By combining data intelligence, clinical expertise, and holistic social support, it offers a scalable model for addressing health inequalities and improving outcomes for vulnerable populations.
As the NHS continues to navigate the challenges of elective recovery and opioid stewardship, TAPER2 stands as a testament to what’s possible when we prioritise person-centred, community-rooted care.
