Spanning the support gap for persistent pain sufferers
05 December 2024Persistent pain impacts 20 per cent of Australians, yet access to effective pain management remains a significant challenge. With limited resources and a clear divide between primary care and specialised tertiary-level services, many people are left without the support they need.
To address this gap, the Health Alliance this year launched the Specialist Pain Assistance Network (SPAN). By improving access to pain management services and reducing patient wait times, SPAN is transforming the way care is delivered across the North Brisbane and Moreton Bay region, and helping more people get the support they need, faster.
SPAN is a partnership between Brisbane North PHN, the Tess Cramond Pain and Research Centre (TCPRC), and the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health (IUIH), supporting a network of evidence-based treatment and pain education services for Metro North Health patients, aiming to improve access, efficiency, and positive patient outcomes for those living with persistent pain, whilst ensuring effective use of resources.
A community-based persistent pain management service was commissioned to deliver the program in North Lakes and Caboolture from 2024. A second community-based persistent pain management service was commissioned to deliver the program in North Brisbane from 2025. These providers present patients with fully funded expert allied health assessment, treatment and self-management education with the support of the Tess Cramond Pain and Research Centre (TCPRC) team and referring GPs.
Compared to TCPRC usual care, in the first six months of operation, the SPAN - PHN service achieved:
- a reduction in distance travelled by an average of 600km and eliminated parking cost
- a reduction in wait time to care from 510 days to 21 days
- an improved attendance rate from 93.3 per cent to 98.7 per cent, with 95 per cent patient satisfaction.
Referrals and support for GPs
Referral into the program is via the TCPRC.
GPs should consider referring patients experiencing persistent pain to the TCPRC. Appropriate patients (low complexity, category 3) will be selected from these referrals and offered a place in the SPAN. GPs can also mention on the referral if they would like their patient offered the community-based PHN pathway.
Appropriate patients are being seen within one month of referral. The Metro North Clinical Advice Line (1800 569 099) is available Monday to Friday from 9.00 am to 12.00 pm for persistent pain advice from a pain medicine specialist from the TCPRC. For non-urgent advice GPs can also send an electronic Request for Advice via Smart Referrals.
