NHS GGC Pain Management Service Referral Criteria

GGC - Referral Management
NHS GGC

The pain management service provides multidisciplinary knowledge and skills to support people living with chronic, non-malignant pain. There is usually no cure for chronic pain, and it often has a significant impact on quality of life.  We offer support to people living with chronic pain, with the aim of helping them improve their quality of life. Supported self-management strategies may include cognitive and behavioural approaches, activity management, and informed use of medication.  

Referral criteria for patients with chronic non-malignant pain:

  • Patient resides within GG&C Health Board* catchment area and is 18 years of age or over.
    • Patients aged 16 or 17 may be considered following discussion with a member of the pain team.
  • Pain has been present for more than 3 months with an adverse impact on quality of life.
  • All appropriate investigations and treatment should be complete.
    • If the patient requires further investigation or definitive treatment for their painful condition, please refer to the appropriate service for completion of investigations or treatment before referring to the pain service (g. orthopaedics, rheumatology).
  • Patient should be aware that the ethos of the service is based on supported self-management and they are willing to explore / able to make changes to their current activities / coping strategies.
  • Current GG&C Chronic Pain Management guidelines have been followed prior to referral
  • This includes trials of appropriate medications and referral to MSK physiotherapy where appropriate.

*Patients residing in Argyll and Clyde (as part of Highland HB) catchment can be referred but may not be able to access the full GG&C service.

Exclusion criteria:

  • Patients currently being actively investigated for their pain presentation.
  • Patients being actively treated or awaiting treatment for the same condition by other specialties (including self-management work with another service).
  • Patients with unstable addiction issues.
  • Current mental health issues severe enough to preclude engagement with a supported self-management approach.
  • Hospital inpatients with an acute admission for their chronic pain issue.
    • Inpatient referrals from FYI/FY2 medical staff will be passed on to the patient’s GP to consider referral once the patient has returned home and a more informed decision about suitability for referral can be made.

Re-referral:

Patients should only be re-referred for the same problem if it is clear any previously identified barriers to engagement with what we are able to offer have been addressed and overcome.  This should be highlighted in the re-referral.

Discussion with a pain service clinician prior to referral:

If in any doubt, a pain service clinician will be happy to discuss your patient before referring. Case discussions can be arranged by contacting the pain service secretaries on the numbers below. Please leave a telephone number and a time when you will be available to take a return phone call, as well as the patient’s name and CHI number.  We aim wherever possible to return calls within a week.



Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 01/06/2022

Next review date: 01/06/2025

Author(s): Consultant in Anaesthesia and Pain Management et al.

Version: 2

Approved By: Pain Management Service- Senior Management