Meeting Pain Patients Where They Are and Moving Forward Together

Leonard Kish called patient engagement the wonder drug of the 21st century. The Affordable Care Act requires it, and the evidence shows that people engaged in their own care, including those with chronic pain, experience improved health outcomes, lower costs, improved patient care, and decreased medical errors. Engaged individuals with chronic conditions are also more likely to adhere to treatment regimens. This session looks at the evidence that supports the benefits of patient engagement and the barriers pain patients often face. It provides specific strategies for pain practitioners to meet the need for increased patient engagement among pain patients. This session provides practical information about shared decision-making and tools for implementation. It provides suggested vehicles to encourage the provider and the pain patient to move forward together. (Recorded at PAINWeek 2016)