Chronic Pain

Chronic pain affects around 1 in 5 people in Scotland and is often associated with polypharmacy. 1 in 20 people experience severe, disabling chronic pain which adversely affects all aspects of their physical, psychological and social health. It is often coupled with other conditions such as coronary heart disease, COPD and heart failure.

Our aspiration is to ensure everyone in Orkney living with chronic pain is able to access the best possible care and support, and benefit from healthcare services that are safe, effective and put them at the centre of their care. To do this we need to improve how we support individuals with chronic pain and ensure a multidisciplinary tiered model of care is in place. A Scottish Service Model for Chronic Pain has been developed and we need to ensure this is implemented locally. This is a four-Level model encompassing Community Care, Primary Care, Specialist Care, and Tertiary Care.

Using this tiered service model we will ensure people have access to:

• Information – helping them to navigate, understand their condition, develop plans and tools
• Pathways – providing the right support at the right time
• Emotional and psychological support - counselling at key stages and peer support
• Employment support - guidance for employers, support to stay in work
• Digital support - online chat, access to results, input symptoms, computerised cognitive behaviour therapy

We will develop the knowledge and understanding of our staff so they can work alongside people experiencing chronic pain to develop clear management plans, promote self management and utilise non pharmaceutical approaches wherever possible in line with the Quality Prescribing for Chronic Pain Improvement Guide.