Does Referral Need to Begin at Pain Clinic?

Possibly not, if the patient is being considered for SMP or Back Pack.

However, the majority of patients begin specialist pain care in the Pain Clinic before coming to the Pain Management Centre. Any possible options for pain relief can be considered and their pain medication is optimised.  The Pain Clinic Consultant contributes important information on overall health and medical condition(s) which is important for forming a plan of care for rehabilitative pain management.

The next step is then for the patient to attend a 1:1 assessment with one of the PMP team. This adds further information to build a profile of the ways they have adapted, their current level of functioning physically, psychologically and socially, along with any complications or barriers that need to be taken into account. We will work out together with your patient what the scope and priorities will be in forming a plan of care.