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The need for a national strategy for chronic pain management in Ireland

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Abstract

Background

Chronic pain is defined as pain on a daily basis for more than six months.1 It affects 13% of the Irish population.2 Despite its prevalence and the impact on patient’s quality of life there is no national strategy for this problem.

Aim

To determine the need for a national strategy for chronic pain in Ireland.

Methods

The cost of low back pain (LBP) (common chronic pain condition), the level of education and research and current chronic pain clinic resources were investigated.

Results

The cost of LBP in Ireland is enormous: disability payments from the Department of Social and Family Affairs amounted to €348 million and insurance payments cost €10.5 million.The number of teaching hours timetabled for pain education in the schools of Medicine, Physiotherapy Dentistry, Nursing and Psychology in Ireland’s six universities varied significantly (e.g. 11.5-72 hrs in nursing). Research grants awarded from state organisations were limited to one over a four-year period. No current chronic pain clinics comply with recommended International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) guidelines.3

Conclusion

A national strategy is needed to reduce costs, standardise teaching and increase pain clinic resources to maximise patient care.

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References

  1. EFIC (European Federation of IASP Chapters). Declaration on chronic pain as a major healthcare problem, a disease in its own right. EFIC Publications 2001

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Correspondence to B. Fullen.

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Fullen, B., Hurley, D.A., Power, C. et al. The need for a national strategy for chronic pain management in Ireland. Ir J Med Sci 175, 68–73 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03167954

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