Chronic Pain Management Program

The Chronic Pain Management Program is an interprofessional, time limited, goal-oriented, team approach to self-management of chronic pain. The program aims to enable clients with chronic pain to enhance their ability to function in all aspects of their lives. This holistic program focuses on maintaining and improving physical, psychological, behavioural, recreational, spiritual, and vocational aspects of the individual’s life.

Who Can We Help?

• Individuals over 16 years old living in Northwestern Ontario
• Individuals living with chronic pain that interferes with daily activities
• Individuals who are ready to learn and practice self-management strategies

What Happens Once I Am Referred?

Welcome Workshop (Group)

The Welcome workshop is a chance to learn about our program offerings and ask any questions you may have.

Complete Entry Questionnaire Session (Group)

At the Entry Questionnaire Session, you will complete forms and outcome measurement tools so that we can evaluate your progress throughout the program.

Program Admission and Initial Decision Guide Meeting

During the Initial Decision Guide Meeting, you will have the opportunity to discuss your condition and begin to establish SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time Based) goals with the decision guide who will meet with you to assist in determining your needs.

Program Services

The Program Services are offered at St. Joseph’s Health Centre (710 Victoria Avenue) and include our 6-week program and our PACE-IT (Pain Assessment Collaborative Education Interprofessional Therapy) program.

What is Chronic Pain?

• Pain that is ongoing longer than 3-6 months
• Pain that has not improved with other treatments
• Pain that affects many, is complex, and impacts all aspects of your life (physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual)

What is the Chronic Pain Management Program (CPMP)?

An interprofessional team with the intent of helping you.

• Learn and develop coping strategies to manage your pain (e.g. pacing, planning, relaxing, goal setting, communicating assertively, and thinking in adaptive ways)
• Set realistic goals to start regaining control over your life, while increasing your knowledge of chronic pain and chronic pain self-management
• Remain active and engage in meaningful activities (e.g. recreation, household, vocational, hobbies, and social)
• Identify other community services you can access
• Improve posture, overall physical fitness, emotional health, and quality of life

What Services Are Available?

Program Services

Offered at St. Joseph’s Health Centre  (710 Victoria Avenue, Thunder Bay, Ontario)

The 6-week Program is an intensive, daily (half day) outpatient interprofessional self-management program focused on skills, support, and education to help participants cope with pain.

Pain Assessment Collaborative Education Interprofessional Therapy (PACE IT) is a combination of: weekly education sessions (1 hour), light movement exercises (30 minutes), and individual appointments with clinicians that have been identified to assist you with your goals during your initial decision guide meeting.

Who is on the Chronic Pain Management Program Team?

• Administrative Support
• Consulting Pain Physician
• CPMP Manager
• Family Physician/Nurse Practitioner
• Kinesiologist
• Mental Health Clinician
• Occupational Therapist
• Physiotherapist
• Psychological Associate
• Psychologist
• Rehabilitation Assistant
• Social Worker
• Therapeutic Recreationist

How Can I Get Started With These Services?

Please talk with your Family Physician or Nurse Practitioner who can refer you to our program

How We Support Physicians, Nurse Practitioners and Allied Health?

Through ongoing consultations, education sessions, and communication. Join our ECHO sessions on Chronic Pain & Opioid Stewardship for case-based learning.

Referral Form

• Referrals can be made at northwestaccesspoint.ca

 

- Udpated on November 7, 2023 -