Sander L Hitzig1,2,3, Judith P Hunter4, Elena C Ballantyne5,6, Joel Katz1,7,8, Linda Rapson3,9, B Catharine Craven3,10, Kathryn A Boschen11. 1. a School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Faculty of Health , York University , Toronto , Ontario , Canada. 2. b Institute for Life Course and Aging, Faculty of Medicine , University of Toronto , Toronto , Ontario , Canada. 3. c Lyndhurst Centre, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute , University Health Network , Toronto , Ontario , Canada. 4. d Department of Physical Therapy , University of Toronto , Toronto , Ontario , Canada. 5. e St- Joseph's Healthcare , Hamilton , Ontario , Canada. 6. f Bieman-Copland & Associates , St. Catharines , Ontario , Canada. 7. g Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health , York University , Toronto , Ontario , Canada. 8. h Toronto General Research Institute , University Health Network , Toronto , Ontario , Canada. 9. i Department of Family and Community Medicine , University of Toronto , Toronto , Ontario , Canada. 10. j Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine , University of Toronto, Toronto , ON , Canada. 11. k Graduate Department of Rehabilitation Science , University of Toronto , Toronto , Ontario , Canada.
Abstract
Context/ Objective: Chronic pain following spinal cord injury (SCI) is a prevalent secondary health condition that significantly impacts quality of life (QoL). Although growing, the number of available effective pain management approaches for SCI is limited. Recognizing the need to "kick-start" activity on this topic, a consensus-building workshop on developing a research agenda for SCI-related chronic pain was held in 2006 with an expert panel. The present paper describes the processes of the consensus-workshop and its associated outcomes towards advancing the research agenda for SCI-related pain in Canada. A commentary on the current state of knowledge regarding SCI-related pain is also provided. METHODS: Thirty-nine stakeholders (researchers, clinicians, policy-makers, SCI advocates, and people with SCI) attended the consensus-workshop. A modified Delphi approach was employed to gain consensus on identifying the top five SCI pain research priorities for improving QoL post-SCI. As well, project planning along with infrastructure support opportunities were discussed. RESULTS: The top five pain research priorities were: 1) pain management and treatment; 2) measurement tools; 3) health services policy and advocacy; 4) knowledge transfer; and 5) mechanisms of pain. Recommendations related to the priorities and related resources were generated, and pilot work was initiated. CONCLUSIONS: The consensus workshop provided an initial roadmap for research on SCI-related chronic pain, and supported five pilot projects on the identified priorities. Reflections on the current research landscape in Canada and abroad suggest increased activity towards addressing pain post-SCI but evidence-based approaches are still lacking.
Context/ Objective: Chronic pain following spinal cord injury (SCI) is a prevalent secondary health condition that significantly impacts quality of life (QoL). Although growing, the number of available effective pain management approaches for SCI is limited. Recognizing the need to "kick-start" activity on this topic, a consensus-building workshop on developing a research agenda for SCI-related chronic pain was held in 2006 with an expert panel. The present paper describes the processes of the consensus-workshop and its associated outcomes towards advancing the research agenda for SCI-related pain in Canada. A commentary on the current state of knowledge regarding SCI-related pain is also provided. METHODS: Thirty-nine stakeholders (researchers, clinicians, policy-makers, SCI advocates, and people with SCI) attended the consensus-workshop. A modified Delphi approach was employed to gain consensus on identifying the top five SCI pain research priorities for improving QoL post-SCI. As well, project planning along with infrastructure support opportunities were discussed. RESULTS: The top five pain research priorities were: 1) pain management and treatment; 2) measurement tools; 3) health services policy and advocacy; 4) knowledge transfer; and 5) mechanisms of pain. Recommendations related to the priorities and related resources were generated, and pilot work was initiated. CONCLUSIONS: The consensus workshop provided an initial roadmap for research on SCI-related chronic pain, and supported five pilot projects on the identified priorities. Reflections on the current research landscape in Canada and abroad suggest increased activity towards addressing pain post-SCI but evidence-based approaches are still lacking.
Entities:
Keywords:
Consensus development; Pain; Quality of life; Spinal cord injuries
Authors: James Milligan; Joseph Lee; Matt Smith; Lindsay Donaldson; Peter Athanasopoulos; Kent Bassett-Spiers; Jeremy Howcroft; Jennifer W Howcroft; Tara Jeji; Phalgun B Joshi; Upender Mehan; Vanessa Noonan Journal: J Spinal Cord Med Date: 2018-12-17 Impact factor: 1.985