Management of chronic pain
Current status
This guideline will replace SIGN 136: Management of chronic pain.
Summary
This guideline will focus on assessing and managing chronic pain (pain lasting longer than 12 weeks) in adults. It will apply to non-specialist healthcare settings that are not specifically designed for treating chronic pain. Self management, pharmacological, psychological, physical, complementary and dietary therapies are covered. Pain related to cancer is not covered.
Who it's for
The clinical guideline will be of interest to healthcare professionals in primary and secondary care involved in assessing and treating patients with chronic pain, including
- general practitioners
- pharmacists
- anaesthetists
- psychologists
- psychiatrists
- physiotherapists
- rheumatologists
- occupational therapists
- nurses
- patients, carers and voluntary organisations with an interest in chronic pain.
We will also be producing a booklet for patients, families and carers that will cover:
- how you can get your pain assessed
- ways of helping to manage your pain
- information about the care you are likely to receive.
Timeline
| Guideline development group recruitment | June/July 2023 |
|
Scoping Identifying key areas, population, outcomes and settings |
August/September 2023 |
|
Development Guideline, quick reference guide and patient booklet |
October 2023 to May 2024 |
|
Consultation Gathering feedback from healthcare professionals, people with lived experience and carers |
May/June 2024 |
| Publication | November 2024 |
How this guideline is being developed
This guideline is being developed using a standard methodology based on a systematic review of the evidence. Further details can be found in SIGN 50: A Guideline Developer’s Handbook.
Current 3-7 years
Some recommendations may be out of date, declaration of interests governance may not be in line with current policy.
ISBN 978 1 909103 16 0