Description of Psycho-Educational Group for Rural Chronic Non-Cancer Pain Patients
| Description of Psycho-Educational Group | |
|---|---|
| Development | Developed by clinic providers in consultation with pain psychologist |
| Time frame | One 90-minute session per week for 8 weeks |
| Staffing | family physician assistant and registered nurse |
| Group size | 6–12 patients |
| Format | Welcome; patient self report on application of last week's topic; didactic presentation; gentle stretching, relaxation techniques and mindfulness practice; questions and weekly assignment |
| Topics | Types of pain; Risks of opioids and mitigation strategies including naloxone; bio-psycho-social-spiritual basis of pain; Realities of chronic pain and pain management; pain pyramid; role of inflammation, anti-inflammatory diet and smoking cessation; maximizing non-medication pain treatments; maximizing non-opioid pain medications; treatment of depression, anxiety and insomnia; Importance of physical activity; role of spirituality |