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Writing a plan
A successful treatment plan is a written plan with agreed objectives/goals and expectations developed in consultation with the patient (and multidisciplinary pain management)1, 5. Success is generally greater when the goals are clearly defined i.e. “SMART” goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time bound (Example goal: to increase physical activity by walking to the shops everyday)2, 5. Treatment modalities and strategies are tailored to the individual’s needs in order to achieve the agreed objectives.
A multidisciplinary approach
Strategies for the management of persistent pain include pharmacological treatments and non-pharmacological treatments addressing physical, psychological, psychosocial and other factors.
A multidisciplinary team can assist in the management of patients with chronic pain and may include the GP, physiotherapist, psychologist or psychiatrist, pharmacist and other allied health professionals3, 4. The GP who is familiar with the patient’s medical history can play a central role in co-ordinating the patient’s overall medical care5.
The Australian Government Department of Health & Ageing website8 (www.health.gov.au) contains two templates for GPs: Appendix 1: A “Chronic Disease Management Plan”; Appendix 2: A “Team Care Arrangement” to assist communication with other health providers involved with the patient’s care.
Appendix 1: Chronic Disease Management Plan for GPs
Appendix 2: A Team Care Arrangement for GPs
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