Pharmacy Magazine recently hosted a comprehensive webinar in partnership with Haleon to address the evolving role of pharmacists in pain management. The session featured presentations by Prof Romy Parker and pharmacist, Nishern Govender, alongside a detailed discussion on the pharmacology of pain and patient expectations.
UNDERSTANDING PAIN AND ITS MANAGEMENT
Prof Romy Parker delved into the complex nature of pain, distinguishing between nociception (the physiological detection of harmful stimuli) and pain as an emotional response. Pain was categorised into acute and chronic types, with chronic pain further classified into nociceptive, neuropathic, and nociplastic pain. Chronic pain conditions such as low back pain, fibromyalgia, and complex regional pain syndrome were highlighted, emphasising the significant prevalence and impact of pain on individuals' lives.
PHARMACISTS' ROLE IN PAIN MANAGEMENT
Nishern Govender's presentation focused on the critical role pharmacists play in pain management. A survey revealed that 91% of pharmacists seek more support in encouraging patients to adopt healthier behaviours. Underscoring the importance of personalised conversations between pharmacists and patients regarding pain management, Govender advocated for a new approach in pain relief.
PHARMACOLOGY OF PAIN
The pharmacology of pain was addressed, detailing the use of OTC analgesics like paracetamol and NSAIDs. The modified WHO analgesic ladder was discussed for managing pain of varying severity, and the need for pharmacists to take patients' pain seriously and understand its impact on quality of life was emphasised.
PATIENT EXPECTATIONS AND EXPERIENCES
Patient expectations were a significant focus, with 72% of patients wishing for better training for pharmacists on individual pain experiences. Negative experiences during treatment were noted, with many patients feeling dismissed or poorly treated by healthcare professionals when discussing their pain. Govender called for pharmacists to be better equipped with resources to address these issues effectively.
EMPATHETIC VALIDATION AND NON-MEDICATION TREATMENTS
The emotional and social impacts of pain were highlighted, noting that individuals suffering from pain often feel withdrawn, judged, and isolated. Prof Parker and Govender suggested providing empathetic validation, identifying patients' fears related to pain, and empowering them with knowledge about various non-medication treatment options, such as exercise, mindfulness, and sleep hygiene.
The webinar concluded with a call to action for pharmacists to enhance their expertise in pain management and to adopt a more empathetic and personalised approach in their practice. By doing so, pharmacists can significantly improve the quality of life for patients experiencing pain.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE WEBINAR REPLAY
