Presenters:
Dean Penney, MSW, RSW & Julie Dwyer MSc. Clinical Psychology – Centre for Pain and Disability Management
When acute pain is not addressed in a timely and effective manner it can become chronic. Chronic pain impacts an estimated 7.6 million Canadians, and its prevalence is expected to rise to nine million by 2030. Chronic pain can reduce quality of life and cause depression, increased suicidal ideation, insomnia, impaired cognitive function, and other damaging long-term effects including fear of movement, physical deconditioning and social isolation. Improving access to pain services is one of the top priorities identified among Canadians living with pain and their families. Power over Pain Portal (PoP) is a national initiative funded by Health Canada to improve connection and access for those living with pain as well as those who treat it. This presentation will explore the biopsychosocial model of chronic pain and introduce the PoP as a resource that can be used within a social work practice.
