The focus on opioid deprescribing began in 2018, clinicians across the PCN identified a need for services to support Chronic Pain patients to minimise and deprescribe opioids. We recognised both a clinical and holistic management strategy was necessary. It was clear to see that patients felt alone and unsupported which effected the management of their condition. They felt misunderstood and “not believed” which spiralled into negativity into how they were being managed in general practice. We began to offer pain management consultations, as a clinical pharmacist, I was able to offer more time, longer appointment sessions, seek further advice from colleagues and provide consistency, following up amendments and changes to medication.
With the number of patients referred to the chronic pain clinics increasing I realised that offering a platform where these patients could meet in a comfortable safe environment would strengthen the support network.
To provide the “holistic support,” in July 2019 the monthly North Wilts Chronic Pain Group (NWCPG) began. Guest speakers are invited to join us and talk about alternative pain management strategies. To date, the topics covered have ranged from clinical psychologists, nutritionist's, Tai Chi Instructors, talks from the local Hydrotherapy Pool and much more….
We established not all patients felt comfortable in a face-to-face group environment or able to manage the commitment of meetings, therefore in addition, we provide a mailing list and send out regular information and services that may be beneficial including an update on the meeting content.
The active number of group attendees varies from ten up to twenty, depending upon the speaker and time of year. Our mailing list currently sits at 120 and continues to grow.
At the end of 2021 we took a further step to offer taster Tai Chi classes to develop muscle strengthening in line with Chronic Pain NICE Guidance [NG193]. The success of these sessions led to the group continuing to self-fund because of the benefit to both mind and body.
We provide Chronic Pain resources to support these patients on our website which are shared by all clinicians.
The success of the project is clearly demonstrated in the NHS opioid data. To date, we have reduced high opioid prescribing by 48% across the PCN and opioid prescribing in general by 10%.
