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spring 2007 |
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E
x e c u t i v e D i r e c t o r ' s M e s s a g
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Team approach to chronic pain absent in our province
Is our health care system
today meeting the needs of those who endure constant suffering? Will we
be able to meet the ever-increasing challenges of tomorrow?
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By Rob Ritter |
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According to a report from Statistics
Canada last June, there are approximately 77,000 residents of
Newfoundland and Labrador who are afflicted with chronic pain. This
already enormous number will likely become even greater over the
next decade as our over-65 population increases at an unprecedented
pace. Is our health care system today meeting the needs of those who
endure constant suffering? Will we be able to meet the
ever-increasing challenges of tomorrow?
Sadly, the answer to the first question is
no. Too many of our people are unable to get the medical care they need
and those who do, wait and suffer unnecessarily for far too long.
Dealing with chronic pain is a complex undertaking that involves not
only physical but also psycho-social elements, which correspondingly
necessitates an inter-disciplinary approach. A successful treatment plan
demands a comprehensive assessment and follow-up process involving not
only physicians but a variety of other health professionals, including
nurses, psychologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists,
pharmacists, addiction specialists and the like. This kind of
coordinated team approach has been unquestionably absent in our
province.
Last year, task forces in Nova Scotia and
Quebec issued extensive reports to improve the organization and delivery
of chronic pain services in their respective jurisdictions. The
concepts, principles and recommendations in both reports were remarkably
consistent and provide a “common sense” template for addressing the
challenge in our own province.
The government here, through provincial
health authorities, is now launching a similar initiative and the
opportunity to capitalize on the good work that has already been
completed by others is now within our reach. This should expedite our
efforts to develop a suitable blueprint and to build a comprehensive and
effective service for the future within short order.
The answer to the second question is in
the hands of the government. A clear and public commitment to take
definitive action is an essential first step. And, timing is important.
For the thousands who endure ceaseless pain, time goes very slowly and
they have waited long enough.
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