Stepped care management, or chronic disease management, has been an evolving health systems approach to common chronic diseases, such as diabetes. This approach to the care of pain in the office and community is beginning to occur in a variety of healthcare systems. This method provides a more comprehensive treatment model on a community-wide or health system basis, with improved integration of effective health services through delivery of best practice care. Essentially, the core principles are accountability, delivering care through a multidisciplinary approach, improved communication between providers, using evidence-based care and measuring outcomes. Emphasis is placed on using non-pharmacological interventions for pain management such as stress reduction techniques, increasing physical activity, focusing on improved sleep and learning meditation techniques. The overall goal is to prevent the transition of acute to chronic pain and long-term disability, in turn saving productive lives and preventing transition to federal and state disability systems.
Access “Providing Stepped Care Management for Pain in Your Practice and Community” at: https://pcssnow.org/event/providing-stepped-care-management-for-pain-in-your-practice-and-community/