Chronic pain service delivery - draft framework: consultation

Foreword

We are committed to improving the quality of life and wellbeing of people in Scotland, to enable them to enjoy healthy and independent lives. For many people living with chronic pain, this means accessing care and support that can help them to overcome challenges in the way pain impacts their day to day activities. I am therefore pleased to share the draft Framework for Pain Management Service Delivery for public consultation.

We know everyone's experience of pain is unique, and people need support that addresses their individual needs. We will take action to improve access to information people need to understand their condition, to make informed decisions and choices about their care, and to be empowered to manage its impact on their physical and mental wellbeing.

Our aim is to inform and inspire collective action and collaboration between people with chronic pain, healthcare workers, service planners, the third-sector and other partners to deliver the improved care and support people with chronic pain require.

We will work with local partners and people with chronic pain to enhance the planning of how and where pain management services are delivered, including using digital technology, to improve access to the right care, at the right time. This will build on our world-leading guidance on safe and effective management to provide more consistent access to effective and sustainable treatment options for chronic pain across the country.

This consultation on the draft Framework comes at a crucial time, given the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on both people with chronic pain and the services they use. Our shared experience over the past 18 months has demonstrated the importance of ensuring our public services are adaptable, sustainable and well-resourced. The Framework intends to support pain management services to achieve these goals by empowering its workforce, enhancing the use of data, and ensuring research and best-practice is implemented to improve care.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone involved in developing this draft Framework including people with chronic pain, healthcare practitioners, charity partners and the National Advisory Committee for Chronic Pain. I welcome the feedback, ideas and opportunities shared as part of this public consultation, and ask that you support and contribute to our shared vision to improve the lives of people with chronic pain in Scotland.

Maree Todd MSP

Minister for Public Health, Women's Health and Sport

December 2021