Targeting Health System Change To Provide Better Care For People With Chronic Pain
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,562,250.00
Summary
Chronic pain causes serious impacts to quality of life but the healthcare system is not well suited to managing the problem. This research addresses 3 barriers to evidence-based care. A new model that integrates clinical care with health coaching will be adapted for different settings. A training program to help clinicians incorporate research into their practice will be designed and evaluated. A pain education program aimed at empowering people in regional areas will be rolled-out and assessed.
Pain is a prevalent condition and a major cause of disease burden. The research program will address important questions in the clinical management of pain to reduce its the enormous burden. The program will: 1) investigate whether opioid medicines and oral steroids are effective in treating acute low back pain and neck pain, and sciatica, and 2) assess and improve the appropriate use of strong pain medicines in primary care.
From Understanding The Mechanisms To Implementing Conservative Management Of Musculoskeletal Conditions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,339,215.00
Summary
Musculoskeletal pain is the leading cause of disability internationally and outcomes are worsening. This work will take a unique approach to study back pain from the mechanisms that occur at the cellular level to the interaction between a person’s physiology and psychology to understand why pain fluctuates, to understand how treatments can be more appropriately tailored for individuals, and to test how people with back pain can be supported to change behaviours and achieve recovery.
My research aims to improve health care for back pain. First, I will conduct and summarise clinical trials to identify the best treatments for back pain. Second, I will develop data systems to check that the health care delivered is of the highest quality. Third, I will improve understanding of low back pain amongst the general public and health workers. Last, I will work with health services to develop better ways to deliver health services for back pain.