Chronic pain: psychological formulation and MDT working: a COVID-19 pandemic reflective update. Issue 9 (September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Robinson, Louise; Fox, Amy
• Is Part Of: Anaesthesia and intensive care medicine. Volume 23:Issue 9(2022)
• Page Start: 540
• Page End: 543
• Publication Date: 2022-09
• Subjects: ACT -- acceptance and commitment therapy -- chronic pain -- cognitive behavioural therapy -- COVID-19 pandemic -- formulation -- pain management -- psychology; Anesthesiology -- Periodicals; Critical care medicine -- Periodicals; Anesthesia -- Periodicals; Intensive care -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 617.9605
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mpaic.2022.04.020
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1472-0299

Abstract

Abstract: Chronic pain management is complex and often a challenge to manage. Patients' expectations are frequently at odds with the treatment outcomes which can be a significant source of distress. This is been further compounded by the significant impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic with patients' access to pain clinic services reduced in many areas. Clinical psychologists work as part of the multidisciplinary pain team to draw together information and develop a biopsychosocial understanding of how to support patients to live well while experiencing ongoing pain in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. This article presents two alternative models for formulating and providing therapy for individuals experiencing chronic pain including consideration of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic: cognitive behavioural therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy. Psychologically informed strategies to support healthcare professionals in their interactions with people with chronic pain are presented.