In a focused symposium chaired by Emilio "Louie" Puentedura, from the US, pain neuroscience education (PNE) was examined in underserved and understudied populations. Joining him on the panel were Saurab Sharma and Mukesh Pokharel, both from Nepal, and Anabela Silva, from Portugal.
The session focused on chronic pain and how it is a highly prevalent condition disproportionately affecting some populations, such as older adults and people from low socioeconomic status, which are also populations that are often underserved and understudied. Saurab and Mukesh presented case studies and examples from Nepal, where the prevalence of chronic pain in rural areas is 50%. Saurab emphasised the importance of building a strong patient/client relationship to enhance trust and adherence to treatment programmes, stressing that success is very dependent on patients’ active engagement in treatment.
Anabela shared studies she had been involved in with older adults with low educational levels. Conclusions drawn included how they can understand PNE concepts and reconceptualise pain, resulting in adjusted cognitions, more positive emotions and adjusted behaviours. It was also found that group intervention and alliance were highly valued.
This symposium brought together physiotherapists with both clinical and research experience to show how PNE can be personalised to different individuals, cultures and clinical contexts to improve its utility and efficacy.
Later in the day an inspiration session was held on pain - managing the clinical encounter with Clare Ardern, from Sweden, Peter O'Sullivan, from Australia, and Joletta Belton, from the US. This session brought together professional and patient voices to explore the lived experience of pain and what we can learn and advance together. The advantages of asking patients to “tell their stories” was explored to gain insights into how pain is affecting their identities and ways of being in the world.
Clare, Peter, and Joletta will come together again on the third day of congress to discuss pain and the lived experience - approaching education and explaining pain.
Congress sessions are available on demand to all registered participants until 8 July 2021.
