Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (LUHFT) has launched a pilot with Wellmind Health to support patients on waiting lists to better manage their chronic musculoskeletal (MSK) pain using the clinically proven Pathway through Pain digital pain management programme (PMP).
Patients on waiting lists for face-to-face treatment at Aintree University Hospital, Broadgreen Hospital and Royal Liverpool University Hospital will be assessed by the pain management service and those found suitable with MSK pain will be offered the digital PMP while they wait.
Patients who complete the programme will be assessed at the end to see if further treatment is required, with the aim of reducing the need for face-to-face appointments. Additionally, patients who are already receiving treatment will also be able to choose this digital self-management route via their pain consultant.
Pathway through Pain teaches the self-management of pain through a multi-disciplinary team of experts, including in mindfulness and cognitive therapy. A Class I medical device, it contains all the elements of an intensive face-to-face PMP and has been used in the NHS for over a decade to help patients manage their chronic MSK pain.
"It is crucial that we continue to explore innovative ways of supporting patients whilst they wait for treatment. The Pathway through Pain pilot provides an opportunity to offer immediate, evidence-based support to suitable patients following clinical triage, helping them to actively manage their condition rather than remaining on a waiting list without intervention. At the same time, by providing an alternative treatment option for some patients, we can create additional clinical capacity within our workforce and focus face-to-face resources on those with the greatest need. We are excited to evaluate the impact of this pilot on both patient outcomes and service delivery."
LUHFT clinicians will monitor engagement and outcomes in real time through Wellmind Health's proprietary Management Portal. Validated measures including GAD-7, PHQ-9 and MSK-HQ are recorded, alongside participant feedback, with data available to be downloaded and submitted as reports to the Trust and its commissioners.
"We are delighted to begin working with LUHFT’s pain service to accelerate access to treatment for patients on waiting lists and provide a digital option to patients already receiving face-to-face treatment. Patient demand for support with chronic pain issues is at an all-time high due to an increase in chronic pain conditions. The addition of Pathway though Pain to the pain service offers a clinically validated digital treatment option that waiting list patients can begin immediately. We look forward to supporting more patients in the northwest of England through this pilot."
