Our campaign

The Chronic Pain Policy Coalition's A NEW PAIN MANIFESTO was launched by the  in Parliament on 20th June 2007. This outlines the recommendations proposed to help improve the lives of those living with chronic pain.
 
An effective approach to the management of chronic pain requires:
 
Education: so that pain is an integral part of all professional training
Empowerment: to support people to make decisions about their condition
Collaboration: so that all stakeholders share in a joined up patient strategy
Early Access: to prevent acute pain becoming chronic pain
Measurement: of pain as the 5th Vital Sign (see below for more details)

These recommendations fit well with the current emphasis on quality, the personalisation agenda and getting people back to work.
 
In preparation for the publication of A NEW PAIN MANIFESTO, the Chronic Pain Policy Coalition undertook a series of listening panel meetings with key stakeholders with SHAs and PCTs, the Royal Colleges of medical professions, human resources and occupational health specialists and patient groups.
 



PAIN [ the 5th vital sign ] is designed to raise awareness and encourage early assessment of pain in order to help improve the prevention, management and treatment of chronic pain in the UK.

While it is common for health service professionals to measure the temperature, blood pressure, respiratory and pulse rates of their patients on a regular basis and at the earliest opportunity, Dr Beverly Collett, Chair of the Chronic Pain Policy Coalition, says:
 
 
"If pain were routinely assessed with the same priority as the other vital signs, then a great deal of unnecessary suffering, stress and anxiety could be avoided."

"It is not unusual for people living with chronic pain to fall into a vicious circle of repeat doctor appointments, deteriorating physical and mental health, job loss, relationship breakdowns and depression before they receive the help they need."

"Chronic pain has consistently failed to attract the attention it deserves. A renewed focus on early assessment of pain is long overdue and could bring about significant benefits for individuals as well as their families, friends, employers and the wider economy." 

Find out more about the CPPC’s activity in News, Pain in Parliament and Events. 

Whether you are someone living with chronic pain or know someone who does, or whether you are an organisation or parliamentarian, read about how you can get involved in our campaign. 
 

ISAP Global Year Against Pain


The CPPC supports the International Association for the Study of Pain (ISAP) Global Year Against Pain. This is year long campaigned designed to raise awareness worldwide of a specific issue regarding pain. 

In October this year, IASP announced the 2009-2010 Global Year Against Musculoskeletal Pain. This campaign will draw attention to the disabling pain experienced by people around the world suffering from musculoskeletal disorders. The CPPC will be looking at ways to support this campaign in the new year. 

You can find out more about this campaign and previous ones, please visit the IASP web pages.
 

Baroness Rennie Fritchie

President, CPPC
"I ask you to join us as we shift the level of thinking about prevention, treatment and management of chronic pain to really make a difference to patient’s lives."

Neil Betteridge

National Patient and Public Champion & Chief Executive, Arthritis Care
“We have a pressing duty to act on the CPPC manifesto… for the longer term, the manifesto is a great place to be.”

Dr Bill Gunnyeon

Director: Health, Work and Wellbeing, Department for Work and Pensions
"In terms of our desire to support people to remain in or return to work, addressing the issue of chronic pain is clearly going to be an important element in achieving success. "

Baroness Julia Cumberlege

"Constant pain is a misery - all absorbing, debilitating and energy consuming. The Chronic Pain Policy Coalition is a marvelous initiative. " 

 

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