When to refer to a pain clinic

Abstract

This chapter addresses the questions of which patients might profitably be referred to pain clinics, as well as when this should happen for the optimum results. Since there are many different types of pain clinic, the question of to which pain clinic should a patient be referred is also examined. The development of multidisciplinary pain clinics and the types of services (assessment and treatments) they offer are reviewed as well as evidence for the effectiveness and cost-benefits of pain clinics. In order to make constructive use of pain clinics the potential misuse of pain clinics, by, for example, seeing them as 'last resorts' for hopeless cases or through inadequate preparation, is explored. Common criticisms of pain clinics, such as long-waiting lists and poor linkages to referrers and primary practitioners, and ways in which these are being addressed are also considered. A number of issues to be considered by the doctor when making a referral to a pain clinic are also identified.