Chronic Pain in Adults: Challenges in Understanding and Care (May 2021)

Abstract

Bulletin No. 19 of the CURAC/ARUCC Health Care Policy Committee reviews the need for a multi-disciplinary or biopsychosocial approach to the treatment and management of chronic pain. The reasons are clear: one in five Canadians (one in four seniors) experience persistent pain, up to 80% in care facilities.

Pain is hard to assess and is often left untreated. Training in pain management for medical practitioners is limited and there is a lack of knowledge of safe and effective treatments. The Bulletin notes that psychological and socio-cultural factors interact with brain processes to influence health and illness and that the psychological and socio-cultural dimensions are often neglected. Complex chronic pain requires a multi-modal approach that includes life-style issues, including continuing engagement in life activities and appropriate exercises. Opioids and over the counter analgesics are important tools if properly managed. The Canadian Pain Task Force’s 2020 Report concludes that the health system remains ill-equipped to manage pain and that it should support biopsychosocial approaches and timely access to care. Pain management is a critical element of palliative care. Canada needs a national pain strategy. We need to transform the way health services work together and transform the way health professionals and the broader community understand and deal with pain.

The Canadian Pain Task Force’s 2020 Report concludes that the health system remains ill-equipped to manage pain and that it should support biopsychosocial approaches and timely access to care. Pain management is a critical element of palliative care. Canada needs a national pain strategy. We need to transform the way health services work together and transform the way health professionals and the broader community understand and deal with pain.

To access the complete Bulletin 19, click HERE.

All ADRP members are welcome to provide feedback on this Bulletin to the CURAC/ARUCC Health Care Policy Committee Chair, Grace Paterson <Grace.Paterson@Dal.Ca>