Chronic pain service delivery - draft framework: consultation

Framework 'at a glance'

Our shared vision is to ensure timely access to effective, safe and person-centred care that improves the quality of life and wellbeing of people living with chronic pain in Scotland. The Framework focuses on the needs of adults with chronic pain, which is defined as persistent or recurrent pain lasting longer than three months.^[1]

The Scottish Government is committed to equality and diversity. This draft Framework is intended to support improvements in healthcare for everyone, regardless of their age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or any other status. Suggested aspects to consider and recommended practice through the draft Framework should be interpreted as being inclusive of everyone living in Scotland. We have carried out assessments for likely impact of the Commitments in the Framework on the nine equality protected characteristics as stated in the Equality Act 2010, including the Fairer Scotland Duty. Summaries of these exercises are available in Annex A accompanying this document and we invite feedback on this and other evidence on inequalities that should be considered as part of this consultation exercise. We also intend to carry out engagement activity during the consultation with island communities and children and young people to further explore the potential impact of the Framework policies and inequalities faced by these groups.