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![Pain [ the 5th vital sign ]](images/logo_pain5.gif)
PAIN [ the 5th vital sign ] 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."
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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
PAIN [ the 5th vital sign ], we invite you to:
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write to your local MP, PCT, hospital or doctor surgery asking them to pledge their support
>>>
PAIN [ the 5th vital sign ] campaign letter
use our campaign logo on websites,
emails and documentation to help get the message across
>>> PAIN [ the 5th vital sign ] campaign logo
help us to distribute campaign information and the ten point scale to healthcare professionals
>>> PAIN [ the 5th vital sign ] ten point pain scale
sign our online petition, and encourage others to do so
>>> PAIN [ the 5th vital sign ] petition
The 5th Vital Sign campaign is a trademark of the American Pain Society and is used here with their kind permission. The ten point pain scales are produced by the British Pain Society. These have been adopted by the Chronic Pain Policy Coalition as one part of their work to help improve the lives of people who live with chronic pain in the UK.
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