Pain Management Panel consultations: report

Ministerial Foreword

Maree Todd MSP, Minister for Public Health, Women’s Health and Sport:

“I welcome this report on engagement with the Pain Management Panel, made up of people with lived experience of chronic pain, which was commissioned by the Scottish Government and delivered by an independent provider. This report helps to provide an insight into the challenges faced by people with chronic pain, as well as the opportunities to improve their experience of care and services.

“One of the key findings in this report is that while people with chronic pain have obtained support from a range of services, for the majority, GPs and primary care services remain the most crucial point of contact when seeking advice and support. The report also highlights the challenges people with chronic pain face in maintaining their independence, and the emotional, social and peer support that many feel they need.

“Alongside these challenges, the report sets out positive examples of support and services people have experienced, as well as their expectations for what effective care for chronic pain should look like. We will ensure that these views are heard as we work to ensure everyone with chronic pain has the same opportunity to benefit from good practice and compassionate healthcare.

“While some of the findings in this report are challenging, the Scottish Government remains committed to tackling these in our ambition to improve the quality of life and wellbeing for people with chronic pain. This represents the first stage of what we intend to be continued engagement with a diverse range of people with chronic pain, including seldom-heard voices. This will help to shape the improvement work we have set out in our Framework for Pain Management Service Delivery – Implementation Plan.”