Communication

Communication within a chronic pain consultation can be challenging.

Relationship between pain and communication

• Chronic pain can make communication difficult as an individual may find it challenging to express what they are feeling and the impact it has, e.g. less able to complete usual activities.
• Individuals can withdraw from communication, especially if they do not feel listened to.
• Communication can be challenging due to:
  • limited time for appointments
  • limitations of practitioner training in management of chronic pain
  • varied consistency of advice (limitations of understanding of chronic pain due to evolving evidence)
  • the experience of the individual that the impact of their pain has not been recognised

Potential strategies: 

• See Consultation conversations
• Use active listening to encourage behaviour change, demonstrate empathy and validate a person’s individual experience of pain.
• Schedule a longer appointment or make a specific appointment to address issues related to pain. Assessment and management are part of an ongoing relationship, and discussion may need to extend over several appointments. 
• Use resources which help the individual to understand and express their situation so that they have the information and resources to be well-prepared for each appointment, such as use of PROMs. 

Resources

• Helping others to understand chronic pain 
• How to support a loved one with chronic pain 
• What is chronic pain? course on TURAS