Pain cafes (peer support groups) for people with pain are springing up over Cornwall, please see the website here for further information: www.pain.cafe
YOU ARE HERE (print this out to find this page)
INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS
GPs and specialists in Cornwall have teamed up to write this document to help explain the modern theories about chronic pain and give you advice on how to feel better living with your pain using supported self management.
CHRONIC PAIN - THE ANSWERS – here is all you need to get moving towards a better life. Don’t print it, use it electronically. Good luck!
INFORMATION FOR CLINICIANS - VIDEO PRESENTATIONS - PLEASE SHARE WITH YOUR COLLEAGUES
VIDEO - Most recent update March 19 here (6 mins) Cornwall's prescribing update, how last year's videos performed and introducing our NEW video...
VIDEO - “If I don’t prescribe.... what do I do?” This video takes you from meeting a pain sufferer through to making a coherent plan in 3 consultations; bosh. You’ll need the HNA questionnaire and the pain cycle paperwork in consultation 2 (18mins) March 19
VIDEO – Deprescribing opioids - when, why and how - practice based and consultation strategies (30mins) March 18
VIDEO – The opioid trial - when, why and how – when to try opioids SAFELY (30mins) March 18
July 2017 VIDEO – Cornwall’s opioid strategy – the demedicalisation of chronic pain – an overview of the opioid climate, our strategy in Cornwall and where you, the clinicians, fit into the program (15 mins)
PRINTABLE DOCUMENTS FOR PATIENTS
Here are some useful printable documents:
Thinking of trying opioids? Feeling like you might need to use an OPIOID CONTRACT? Here is written information to give patients in advance of an opioid trial with a treatment agreement and an opioid risk tool
Discussing tapering and/or stopping opioids? Here is written information to give to patients explaining the rationale of deprescribing opioids
Want to write to patients already on opioids? Here is a suggested letter to patients inviting them to make an appointment – it introduces and explains the concept of deprescribing and why it might be a good option
What information can I give to patients on weaker opioids? Here is a suggested flyer to attach to weak opioid scripts explaining how to try a “drug holiday” to see if they can come off their medications
PRINTABLE DOCUMENTS FOR CLINICIANS
Summary of NICE / SIGN indications for analgesics
AUTHORS:
Dr Jim Huddy GP and NHS Kernow clinical lead for chronic pain
Dr Keith Mitchell consultant in pain medicine
Dr Adrian Flynn consultant in liaison psychiatry
Dr Paul Fortun consultant gastroenterologist
Royal Cornwall Hospital
Last updated 2024
With thanks to the Perranporth Surgery Patient Participation Group