The Pain Associates' International Network initiative: A novel practical approach to the challenge of chronic pain management in Europe

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2008

Authors

Morlion, B (Author) Other; Walch, H (Author) Other; Yihune, G (Author) Other; Vielvoye kerkmeer, A (Author) Other; De Jong, Z (Author) Other; Castro-Lopes J.M. (Author) FMUP; Stanton Hicks, M (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Pain Practice

Vol. 8

Pages: 473-480

ISSN: 1530-7085

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Indexing

Scopus - 10 Citations

Pubmed / Medline

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-007-NYS

DOI: 10.1111/j.1533-2500.2008.00236.x

Abstract (EN): Chronic pain is a debilitating condition with a multidimensional impact on the lives of patients, their families and communities. The public health burden of chronic pain is gathering recognition as a major healthcare problem in its own right and deserves closer attention. The challenge in treating chronic pain is to provide effective clinical management of a complex, multifaceted set of conditions that require a coordinated strategy of care. Epidemiological data and patient surveys have highlighted the areas of pain management that might be improved. These include a need for better understanding and documentation of the symptoms of chronic pain, standardized levels of care, improved communication among clinical personnel and with patients, and an updated education program for clinicians. For these reasons, new strategies aimed at improving the standards of pain management are needed. The Pain Associates' International Network (P.A.I.N.) Initiative was set up to devise practical methods for improving the quality of pain management for patients. These strategies have recently been put into practice through a number of activities: P.A.I.N. Workshops are meetings of international pain management professionals dedicated to discussing current management strategies and producing consensus recommendations for improving standards of care; P.A.I.N. Quality is a unique software program designed to help treating clinicians to document patient data and derive effective treatment plans; P.A.I.N. Online provides a web site forum for discussion of pain management topics; and P.A.I.N. Management is a clinician education program providing up-to-date training in pain management. © 2008 World Institute of Pain.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific