Abstract

TORRALBA, A.; MIQUEL, A.  and  DARBA, J.. Current status of chronic pain in Spain: “pain Proposal” initiative. Rev. Soc. Esp. Dolor [online]. 2014, vol.21, n.1, pp.16-22. ISSN 1134-8046.  https://dx.doi.org/10.4321/S1134-80462014000100003.

One in five Europeans (19 %) is estimated to suffer from chronic pain. The Pain Proposal initiative represents perspectives from a range of stakeholders from across 15 European countries concerning chronic pain, including people with chronic pain, clinicians from different medical specialties, policy experts, industry members and health economists. This article sets forth the recommendations and opinions of the Pain Proposal in reference to the present chronic pain care model in Spain. The data presented in this report have highlighted a number of inadequacies in the way chronic pain is currently managed in Spain. Patients have reported long waiting times for referral and persisting pain despite treatment, with consequences for their ability to work and their relationships with partners and family. Healthcare professionals have also reported dissatisfaction with aspects of chronic pain management and a desire for greater support. Improving pain management will bring substantial economic benefits: More efficient use of existing resources for pain management, less absenteeism, greater productivity, and a reduced burden on social security budgets. Everyone involved in the chronic pain area, from healthcare professionals to government departments, needs to work together to improve pain management across Spain.

Keywords : Chronic pain; Survey; Impact of pain; Cost of illness.

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