Urgent Need for Pain Supported Self Management in Local Healthcare

Pain self-management news

Posted by WebAdmin, Mon, January 20, 2025

As we all know, pain supported self management isn't always readily available to people around the world.  Below is a "suggested' message to send to policy, commissioners, politicians or decision makers locally or nationally.

Urgent Need for Supported Self Management in Local Healthcare

Dear (MP’s Congress  Name)

Successfully managing persist pain requires education and self-mastery of key skills.

International Association for the Study of Pain says…* “Self-management is the first rung of the ladder in pain care—followed by primary care, with specialty care and pain centre's most appropriately used for the most complex problems.”

I am writing to you as a constituent deeply concerned about the lack of Pain Supported Self Management (PSSM) living with persistent pain in our communities. This vital approach not only empowers patients but also alleviates pressure on our healthcare systems and workforce.

Pain Supported Self Management has been a game-changer for me and many others who navigate the complexities of persistent pain. Unfortunately, despite its proven benefits, PSSM is not systematically offered in primary or secondary care. PSSM not generally taught in our Medical Schools.  This gap in our healthcare provision means that people must often seek out these resources independently, which is not only disheartening but also inconsistent with the quality of care we deserve.

Implementing PSSM could transform lives by helping individuals regain control over their health, thereby reducing unnecessary visits to GPs and A&E /ER departments, and minimising reliance on medication and vital healthcare resources. With a more proactive approach to managing persistent pain, we can significantly enhance the quality of life for many while simultaneously easing the burden on our over-stretched healthcare services.

I urge you to raise this issue with local and national healthcare commissioners or policy makers and inquire why Pain Supported Self Management is not readily available or accessible to those who need it most. It is essential that we prioritise this approach in our healthcare strategy to foster a community where patients feel empowered and supported in their journeys.

Thank you for your attention to this pressing matter. I look forward to your response and hope to see positive changes in our local and nations healthcare services. I am also happy to meet with you in person if useful.

Warm regards,

 

Name

Email

Phone Number

 

* https://www.iasp-pain.org/resources/fact-sheets/promoting-chronic-pain-self-management-education/#:~:text=Successfully managing chronic pain requires,4, 7, 17).