2012 Conference

Abstract: Our innovation study involved service users in planning, implementing and evaluating a pain management programme for people with back pain. Our novel approach offered early access to pain management aiming to prevent pain from becoming chronic. Components of the programme were psychology, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, relaxation and medical input.

Additional tiers of peer support were provided by service users who had used the pain management programme. Web based support – Dorset Pain Society website, a wiki and facebook and a mentor system (the Pain Chain) – were included.

Participants of the programme rated it highly including the continued support it offered after completion of the programme, both web based and the Pain Chain for the individualised support it offered.

What do you hope that people will learn?
Engaging service users in innovation projects can encourage them to take ownership of their condition, enhance the quality of service and allow participants to better understand the process of care delivery leading to improved clinical outcomes and quality of life.

Key issues we will raise for discussion will be:
Service users may be well placed to support people seeking pain management programmes in conjunction with the relevant professionals.

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Authors

Carr ~ Caroline

Service user and carer, Dorset Self Help Pain Forum. Caroline is a French national who has lived and worked as a secondary school teacher in the UK for 18 years. Following her recuperation from a chronic back injury she has embraced the opportunity to consult and advise on service users' needs and experiences when living with chronic pain.

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Das ~ Meherzin

Meherzin Das, Clinical Lead of the Dorset Pain Management Unit and Project Lead for STOP! heads a multi-disciplinary team of committed clinicians who are passionate about working with pain and championing the cause of people who need it the most.

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Phillips ~ Christopher

Service user and carer, Dorset Self Help Pain Forum. Chris served as a Royal Naval Officer in Telecommunications, Intelligence and Training Design. Chris then worked in telecommunications, quality, and organisation and methods consultancy, with a number of industrial, commercial and financial clients, then as a Management Trainer, Personal Adviser, Counsellor (he holds a Diploma in Counselling) and EFT Teacher.

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Worswick ~ Louise

Louise Worswick is a researcher at the School of Health and Social Care at Bournemouth University. Louise has expertise in qualitative research including focus group and interview methods. A PhD student and former health service manager and clinician, her interests are quality improvement, primary care and service user involvement. Her doctoral research explores the experiences of service users involved in health research.

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