What the Chronic Pain Policy Coalition stands for

The Chronic Pain Policy Coalition's A NEW PAIN MANIFESTO was launched by the  in Parliament on 20^th June 2007. This outlines the recommendations proposed to help improve the lives of those living with chronic pain.

An effective approach to the management of chronic pain requires:

Education: so that pain is an integral part of all professional training

Empowerment: to support people to make decisions about their condition

Collaboration: so that all stakeholders share in a joined up patient strategy

Early Access: to prevent acute pain becoming chronic pain

Measurement: of pain as the 5th Vital Sign (see below for more details)

These recommendations are designed to fit well with the Government's current health policies, and encourage people back into work.

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is designed to raise awareness and encourage early assessment of pain in order to help improve the prevention, management and treatment of chronic pain in the UK.

While it is common for health service professionals to measure the temperature, blood pressure, respiratory and pulse rates of their patients on a regular basis and at the earliest opportunity, Dr Beverly Collett, Chair of the Chronic Pain Policy Coalition, says:

"If pain were routinely assessed with the same priority as the other vital signs, then a great deal of unnecessary suffering, stress and anxiety could be avoided." "It is not unusual for people living with chronic pain to fall into a vicious circle of repeat doctor appointments, deteriorating physical and mental health, job loss, relationship breakdowns and depression before they receive the help they need." "Chronic pain has consistently failed to attract the attention it deserves. A renewed focus on early assessment of pain is long overdue and could bring about significant benefits for individuals as well as their families, friends, employers and the wider economy."

The Chronic Pain Policy Coalition recommends that GPs, paramedics and hospital staff measure pain using a quick and simple ten point scale which triggers prompt and appropriate action.

To support

Listening Panel Meetings

In preparation for the publication of A NEW PAIN MANIFESTO, the Chronic Pain Policy Coalition undertook a series of listening panel meetings with key stakeholders:

Human Resources and Occupational Health specialists

25 September 2006, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists

Meeting Report

Strategic Health Authorities and Primary Care Trusts

11 January 2007, Royal Society of Medicine

The Royal Colleges of the medical professions

25 January 2007, Royal Society of Medicine

Patient Groups