Altogether, some important lessons emerged that will help ACTION Ontario as it works to advance the development of a chronic pain strategy for Ontario, as follows:
• The solution needs to be one that involves coordination and continuity of care.
• ACTION Ontario cannot do it alone. We must build a coalition by involving well-recognized, credible partners.
• Patients at the grassroots level must be involved from the start. Their voices count and are a major and absolutely necessary part of the process.
• A comprehensive approach for diagnosis and management must include self-management skills that will help the patient assume a primary role in better managing his/her condition.
• While each individual is different (a person-centre approach is required), we also need to look at population as a whole.
• We must develop a strong case built on evidence that clearly shows the need for the strategy.
• We must also show governments and policy holders that the proposed solution can work.
• All of us must keep a close eye on key influencers who can help and promote our cause.
• There is no “quick fix” when dealing with a chronic disease or condition – chronic diseases outlive a political cycle or a government.
• “Stick to the vision”. Have perseverance. It takes a lot of time, collective effort and unwavering commitment to carry the process.

CARP members who are affected by chronic pain either directly or indirectly (through loved ones who suffer) must join their voice with us and other pain organizations, so that we can all carry the message forward and present our “asks” to people in power.

In my next column I will address some of the questions CARP members had through the “[email protected]” address.

Read one of Doctor Mailis-Gagnon’s previous columns

Chronic Pain: The Elephant in the room that no one wants to see Read more

A primer on Neuropathic Pain Read more

Neuropathic Pain treatments Read more

Neuropathic pain treatments: Medicines other than conventional drugs Read more

Invasive treatments for neuropathic pain Read more

Neuropathic pain: Physical and psychological treatments Read more

Invasive treatments for neuropathic pain Read more

Dr Mailis-Gagnon Answers your questions on Neuropathic Pain Read more

You can also obtain also a lot of information on neuropathic pain at www.actionontario.ca

Keywords: pain