Chronic pain management in veterans

The increased risk of certain health conditions in our ex-service men and women is well-known. Compared to non-veterans, veteran patients are exposed to higher rates of diseases such as arthritis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and mental illness. In addition to these health concerns, chronic pain is a highly prevalent finding among veterans. Persistent pain has far-reaching impacts for these patients, taking a toll on quality of life, daily functioning, and mental health. 

In this one-hour webinar, you will be equipped with the tools and knowledge to provide best-practice care for your veteran patients battling chronic pain. With insights into the unique challenges faced by veterans returning to civilian life, this webinar will enable you to:

• apply strategies for effective communication and engagement with veterans experiencing chronic pain, considering their unique experiences and needs 

• assess the impact of chronic pain on veterans' daily lives, including their physical and mental wellbeing, social functioning, and overall quality of life

• identify and address the specific challenges and barriers veterans face in accessing and receiving appropriate care for chronic pain

• develop personalised comprehensive interdisciplinary management plans for veterans with chronic pain that incorporate evidence-based pharmacological and non-pharmacological management strategies

• recognise and manage the interplay between chronic pain and mental health conditions, such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression, in the veteran population

Key topics

1. Understanding the veteran experience

• • The impact of military culture on help-seeking behaviors

  • Recognising potential mental health issues masked by physical symptoms

  • Building rapport and trust with veteran patients

2. The interplay of chronic pain and mental health

• • How the brain processes physical and psychological pain

  • The link between chronic pain, PTSD, anxiety, and depression

  • Recognising and addressing moral injury in veterans

3. Comprehensive chronic pain management

• • DVA resources and support for veterans with chronic pain

  • Pharmacological and non-pharmacological management strategies

  • Multidisciplinary approaches and the role of allied health professionals

4. Opioid management and deprescribing

• • Risks and benefits of long-term opioid use

  • Strategies for safe and effective opioid tapering

  • Alternative pain management options

5. Emerging therapies

• • Neuroplasticity and brain retraining techniques

  • Pain neuroscience education

  • Combining brain retraining strategies for optimal pain recovery

This is a Medcast Continuing Medical Education (CME) course.

Funded by the Department of Veterans Affairs through the Veterans Healthcare eLearning Platform Program.

For more free Veterans Health education, check out VETs HeLP Hub on Medcast