Dorset NHS pain management team move part of service online
Introduction appointments now don't need to be arranged in person
It's hoped people in Dorset needing treatment for ongoing pain issues can now save time and travel costs.
A team of NHS specialists has moved its introductory stage of treatment online, delivered through an animated video, rather than pre-arranged interview.
Dorset HealthCare has created the tool in collaboration with volunteer "Experts by Experience" teams.
Those who can't access the internet can still have a one-to-one appointment with a pain management practitioner.
Ed Cvijan, Operations Manager for the service, said: “In the past, face-to-face group sessions were arranged across the county to explain how the service works and introduce the concept of self-management.
“But when COVID-19 hit, we had to consider how we could do things differently.
“Thankfully, we have some creative and talented team members who were able to work with our Experts by Experience – people with direct experience of healthcare services – to deliver a digital solution. This has made our service more accessible and represents a huge time saving for patients and staff alike.
“It also ensures service users know what to expect from us as a service and how we can support them to lead as fulfilling and independent a life as possible.”
Dorset’s Pain Management Service is made up of a team of specialists, including consultants, psychologists, therapists, nurses and therapy assistants.
Together, they provide a range of services that can be tailored to match a person’s needs and help them deal with pain with greater knowledge and confidence.
Ben Benjamin, 64, from Dorchester, is a former Pain Service patient and now an Expert by Experience. He said: “Before I received support from the Pain Service, I was in despair. I’d been suffering neck pain for five years, and a hip replacement caused me a number of complications. The pain slowed me down and I relied on medication. I felt there was nothing else that could be done.
“But the Pain Management Service has successfully assisted me to live a more fulfilling life. It has helped me cope and manage the intensity of my pain, so I can be more active and mobile on a daily basis.”
If you are in pain and suffering in silence, visit www.dorsetpain.org.uk and find out if the service could help you.