Supporting Chronic Pain Management across Provincial and Territorial Health Systems in Canada

Chronic pain is a serious health problem given its prevalence, associated disability, impact on quality of life and the costs associated with the extensive use of healthcare services by people living with chronic pain. Overall, provincial and territorial health systems do not adequately support the management of chronic pain. An evidence brief and a stakeholder dialogue involving participants drawn from across Canada, examined the problem in order to develop creative, sustainable ways to support those with chronic pain. A second dialogue and issue brief focused on engaging health system decision-makers in supporting comprehensive pain management. (Dialogues held December 9, 2009 and April 11, 2011)