Waiting in Pain II: An Updated Review of the Provision of Persistent Pain Services in Australia.

Malcolm N HoggAnthony KavanaghMichael J Farrell Anne L J Burke

Published in: Pain medicine (Malden, Mass.) (2021)

Specialist pain services have expanded since the original WIP survey, facilitating treatment access for many. However, wait time range suggested that the most disadvantaged individuals still experienced the longest wait times, often far exceeding the recommended 6-month maximum wait. More needs to be done. Numerous developments (e.g., National Strategic Action Plan for Pain Management, health system changes as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic) will continue to influence the delivery of pain services in Australia, and repeated analysis of service structures and wait times will optimize our health system response to the management of this condition.

Keyphrases

pain management
chronic pain
healthcare
mental health
primary care
neuropathic pain
palliative care
cross sectional
mass spectrometry