Starting January 1, 2022, CHANGEpain Clinic is transitioning from an individual service-based model to a program-based model funded under MSP.
CHANGEpain’s Core Pain Program is a 12-month outpatient program focused on providing layered care to patients with persistent pain. The goal of this program is to diagnose the root cause of the pain, manage the pain at CHANGEpain Clinic, empower the patient to make informed decisions about managing their pain and following that either:
1. Transition the patient either to rehabilitative services or to the community care management. OR,
2. Refer the patient to other services based on the diagnosis.
Throughout the 12 months, various types of treatments and therapies are offered to first help each patient diagnose the root cause of the pain, second educate patient to achieve individualized goals for functional recovery, and third to determine if their pain can be managed at CHANGEpain Clinic.
Program’s Purpose and Structure
The program is designed to help patients gain greater insights into various aspects of their pain and lives that they can cope when a cure for the pain is not possible. The concepts taught at CHANGEpain's educational interventions include differentiating between acute and chronic pain, minimizing pain behaviors, relaxation, minimizing and eliminating the use of analgesic pharmacotherapies (including narcotics as well as OTC drugs), daily exercise, moderation, stress management techniques and coping with the emotional aspects of chronic pain.
The core team of healthcare professionals providing care for patients in CHANGEpain’ s Core Pain Program include physicians, psychologists, nurses, chiropractors, physical therapists, kinesiologists, and pain coaches.
Under the MSP funding, patients would have no-cost access to the majority of CHANGEpain’s medical services (some specialised procedure may have an upgrade fee associated); however, special procedures like infusion therapy, Botox injections, PRP, Prolotherapy, and access to other healthcare professionals including psychologists, nurses, chiropractors, physical therapists, kinesiologists, and pain coaches are not covered under MSP – they are available on a private pay basis or under third party payor.
Expectations
CHANGEpain’s Core Pain Program entails participation as a partnership between the patient and the provider. The team will work together with the patients to help them meet their goals and provide assistance as needed.
As a patient, the following expectations can be made of the treatment team:
Patients will be treated with respect.
Everything will be explained in a manner that the patient can understand.
Every patient’s personal health history and medications will be reviewed during the program.
Patients will have access to group medical visits to receive education and training on skills to effectively manage chronic pain.
To receive skilled and compassionate care from all staff involved in the program.
The treatment team of CHANGEpain’s Core Pain Program can expect the following of patients in the program:
Patients will honor every person’s right to confidentiality.
Patients will treat staff and clinicians of the program with respect.
Patients are expected to participate regularly in their co-created pain program, regardless of pain or other distress.
If a patient is unable to follow through the program, patient will get in touch with CHANGEpain Clinic to discuss the situation with their Primary Physician at CHANGEpain.
Patient understands that the length of participation in the program may need to be adjusted based on the outcomes
Patients will be expected to establish specific goals and demonstrate efforts toward those goals each day, including attempts to increase overall level of functioning, such as decreasing habits previously used to cope with pain (called “pain behaviors”).
Patients should be willing to have the treatment team contact appropriate resources such as their family doctor.
Patients will be asked to comply with a medication plan, including taper off pain medication, as applicable.
Patients may be expected to provide urine or blood samples when requested (applicable for a few specialised procedures)
Patients will discuss any concerns regarding program policies and procedures with a member of the treatment team.
Making the Decision to Participate in the CHANGEpain’s Core Pain Program
Participating in CHANGEpain’s Core Pain Program is a demanding yet rewarding process which requires a serious commitment. As you consider admission to CHANGEpain’s Core Pain Program, please ask yourself these questions:
Am I willing to take a Holistic approach to managing my pain?
Am I committed to achieve my functional goals irrespective of how I feel everyday?
Am I committed to make change to my current pain condition?
Answering ‘yes’ to any one of these questions may indicate that CHANGEpain’ s Core Pain Program is a good fit for you.