Per the 2019 national health interview survey, 20.4% of adults had chronic pain in the last three months, and 7.4% of adults had chronic pain that frequently limited life or work activities. Chronic pain was most common in people over 65 and those who lived in rural areas. Chronic pain is among the most common reason adults seek medical care, is associated with decreased quality of life, opioid dependence, and poor mental health (CDC, 2020). Central Oregon did not have tertiary pain care, though various clinics and providers that addressed pain.
“The aspects of the emotional components of the pain and the part about retraining the brain are very helpful.”
“The yoga is a very key piece to the recovery here. Without the yoga, I would not be where I am today.”
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- The Tertiary Pain Program aims to improve the quality of life for individuals suffering from chronic pain syndromes.
- The program was implemented by Pain Advisors.
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The project attempted to provide:- Medical assessment/monitoring.
- Pain education.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy.
- Behavioral modification.
- Nutrition and sleep counseling.
- Physiotherapy.
Established with the State of Oregon as a single-member LLC, developed a business website, and marketing materials to stimulate referrals.
Defined workflows, intake processes, and billing for pain specialty consult.
Recruited and contracted with a Pain Specialist/ Physiatrist, and recruited healthcare providers to provide multidisciplinary care visits (Pain Psychology, Physical Therapy, Nutrition Consult, Sleep Medicine).
Offered six, four-week online pain school programs.
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- Challenges with computer technology and internet access were the most significant barriers affecting patients who wanted to enroll in the online pain school. Some patients who could not join the live broadcast were able to participate via our recorded sessions that are made available the day after a class has been presented.
- The Covid-19 pandemic severely compromised many aspects of initial program roll-out, communication, and marketing.
51 referrals were received, with 47 (93% conversion rate) individuals registering for the first class in each cohort.
32 patients (70% of enrollees) graduated, and completed the pre/post assessment tools and satisfaction survey.
99% of program graduates reported being Very Satisfied or Satisfied with their online pain school experience.
Increased the visibility of pain issues within the local community and built a network of pain advocates to help people in pain increase their understanding of pain and quality of life.