What is it about?
A practical approach to assist clinicians when assessing and managing patients with chronic pain is proposed using the R.E.L.I.E.F. mnemonic: RULING out serious pathology guides diagnostic considerations. EDUCATE patients to understand factors that can ramp up pain sensitivity. LESS of the iatrogenic harm from imaging misinterpretation is key to avoiding nocebic disease labelling. INTRODUCE goals to encourage a future-focused state and adaptation. EXERCISE and movement without fear is beneficial. F(PH)ARMACOLOGY requires deliberation and typically has a small effect.
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Why is it important?
Doctors typically receive very little training dedicated to the management of chronic pain. RELIEF aims to avoid iatrogenic harm and to improve prescribing, investigation and referral. It also seeks to encourage effective and safer care for a challenging, often long-term illness, which is a significant burden to public health.
Perspectives
Chronic pain is a challenging common presentation in primary care which can leave doctors struggling to understand how to help. RELIEF combines bio-psycho-social theory into a memorable methodology to more easily approach such consultations.
Dr Imran Sajid
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: RELIEF: A practical primary care approach to chronic pain, InnovAiT Education and inspiration for general practice, September 2018, SAGE Publications,
DOI: 10.1177/1755738018789446.
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