Analysis: Finding the right healthcare professionals is essential when managing chronic pain so what should you look for in this support team?
Most of us are familiar with the term 'doctor knows best', but the reality is that you know best when chronic pain hits because you are the person living with pain. Chronic pain is pain that lasts longer than three months or persists beyond the usual recovery time of a particular injury. It affects mood, activity levels, sleep, social activities and work. With one in three reporting chronic pain in Ireland, there is a high chance you, a family member or friend have experienced the heavy burden it can bring. It can severely affect the ability to enjoy life but with the right support, living well and overcoming the restrictions of chronic pain is possible.
Our research shows that individuals with pain report different levels of healthcare support depending on which healthcare professional they see. GPs are perceived as offering the lowest levels of support, while allied health professionals (physiotherapists, athletic therapists and occupational therapists) are seen to offer the highest level of support. Finding the right team of healthcare professionals is essential when managing chronic pain and the following five points are non-negotiables to look out for to support you on your journey.
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From RTÉ Radio 1's Today with Claire Byrne, spinal surgeon Derek Cawley on the types of chronic pain and how to build a plan for managing long-lasting pain
They believe you
Pain is invisible, but the invisible nature of pain is not a reason to not be believed by your healthcare professional. Unfortunately, in the past individuals living with chronic pain have felt dismissed, stigmatised and have been made to believe that the pain is ‘all in their head’.
Pain is an individual experience. It is complex and affects us emotionally and physically. It is only when you have experienced chronic pain and know what it feels like that you can understand how it impacts your quality of life. Although a healthcare professional can never truly understand your pain (as they cannot feel it), they can validate your pain by believing your history and support you by working with you to understand the impact it has on your life.
They listen to you
You should always feel heard by your healthcare worker. Active listening requires that a person pays you their full attention and is not distracted by looking at a screen or writing as you speak. If you do not feel that your story is being heard, please do express this.
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From RTÉ Radio 1's Supercharged with Anna Geary, advice on living with chronic pain from pain consultant Dr Paul Murphy
Your appointment is your time to get the information you need from the healthcare professional. It can be challenging to get across all aspects of your pain in time limited slots. To assist with this, it can help to prepare some notes prior to your appointment that summarise the key elements of your pain and how it affects your daily life. The European Pain Federation has compiled a Plain Talking – Journey Booklet that may help you prepare before attending your healthcare professional so that you can be truly heard.
They share decisions with you
Both clinicians and patients have valuable expertise to contribute when choosing the right treatment plan for chronic pain. You know yourself better than anyone and the healthcare professional knows the current available treatments. Because pain is complex and affects multiple systems in our body, it is rare that one treatment will resolve it in the long-term.
Treatment is usually composed of a variety of different therapies which should be targeted at your physical, psychological and social well being. Modern healthcare practice calls for healthcare professionals to put you - the person in pain - at the centre of the treatment plan. It is important that you have a voice and are included in discussions around any potential therapies for your pain. Ask all the questions that you have, and remember that you do not need to accept the first treatment offered without knowing all the information.
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From RTÉ Radio 1's Drivetime, advice for chronic pain sufferers from pain management specialist Dr Dominic Hegarty
They treat you as a whole person
A diagnosis of chronic pain can be life changing but it should not define you. We know that chronic pain affects not just physical health, but also heavily impacts our social and psychological wellness. Your healthcare professional’s treatment recommendations should acknowledge and reflect this.
They need to know you and your context, what you like and don’t like, your personal beliefs and previous experiences. Your treatment plan should reflect who you are and what you value. Effective treatments should make life larger, not limit it via medical side effects or restricting the activities that you love.
They empower you
When it comes to chronic pain, healthcare professionals are the backroom team and you are the star player. They are there to step in when you need additional support, such as during a pain flare, and to take a step back when you have pain under control.
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From RTÉ Brainstorm, all you need to know about back pain
They are also there to help you find the tools and resources that you need to self-manage your pain and live a fulfilling life. Lower levels of pain, anxiety and depression are associated with feeling competent in your own ability to self manage your pain. It's important therefore to ensure your healthcare professional supports you as you need it and keeps you in the driver's seat.
Waitlists and referrals mean access to healthcare professionals with experience in pain management can sometimes take time. There are steps you can take in the meantime while sourcing your healthcare support team and national patient advocacy groups are a great place to start. There are websites such as Chronic Pain Ireland and Arthritis Ireland which offer educational courses and workshops related to overcoming chronic pain. Living well with pain is possible, and all the resources you need to get back in the driving seat are out there.
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The views expressed here are those of the author and do not represent or reflect the views of RTÉ
