The drive for a more person-centred approach in the broader field of clinical medicine is also gaining traction in chronic pain treatment. Despite current advances, a further departure from ‘business as usual’ is required to ensure that the care offered or received is not only effective but also considers personal values, goals, abilities, and day-to-day realities. Existing work typically focuses on explaining pain symptoms and the development of standardised interventions, at the risk of overlooking the broader consequences of pain in individuals’ lives and individual differences in pain responses. This review underscores the importance of considering additional factors, such as the influence of chronic pain on an individual’s sense of self. It explores innovative approaches to chronic pain management that have the potential to optimise effectiveness and offer person-centred care. Furthermore, it delves into research applying hybrid and individual formulations, along with self-monitoring technologies, to enhance pain assessment and the tailoring of management strategies. In conclusion, this review advocates for chronic pain management approaches that align with an individual’s priorities and realities while fostering their active involvement in self-monitoring and self-management.

We are pleased to have Dr Martin Cheatle from U Penn visiting us. His talk was informative and entertaining. A hit for our audience!

Check out our new paper published in the Journal of PainLink opens in a new window on mental defeat and suicidality. This is our first publication based on data collected for the WITHIN study. We thank our staff and research participants for their invaluable contribution!

Results from this prospective cohort study suggest that mental defeat is a significant predictor of increased suicide risk among patients with chronic pain, along with depression, perceived stress, head pain, and active smoking status. These findings offer a novel avenue for assessment and preventative intervention before risk escalates.

Congratulations to our fellow, @KristyThemelis who is shortlisted for 'best poster' and gave a fantastic presentation on our predictors of suicidality in #ChronicPain findings as part of the WITHIN study #BPSASM2023 pic.twitter.com/rTuP1yOOjC

— WITHIN Study (@StudyWithin) May 9, 2023

Very well done to @JennaLGillett and @KristyThemelis from the WITHIN team who have two posters at the @BritishPainSoc ASM in Glasgow! #BPSASM2023 pic.twitter.com/HRNUbd8ACz

— WITHIN Study (@StudyWithin) May 9, 2023

Check out our study protocol published in the BMJ Open. Free access to all. Link: https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/13/2/e066577