McGill.CA / Alan Edwards Pain Management Unit

Why should you refer your patient to AEPMU?

  1. Because severe unrelieved pain can have severe adverse physical and psychological effects on patients, with associated emotional, social and spiritual effects causing suffering in patients, their families and those close to them (IASP)
  2. Because chronic pain patients have the right to be cared for by health professionals with training and experience in assessment and management of pain, and who maintain such competencies by all necessary means. Failure to do so violates the United Nations (UN) Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs (1961) and Article 5 of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948).
  3. Because moderate-to-severe chronic pain is affecting our country’s economy. In the past three months, 32% all Canadians report having suffered a loss of income, booked off sick days, experienced a reduction in workplace productivity and responsibility, or even lost their jobs as a result of their pain. Estimates place direct health care costs for Canada at >$6 billion/year and by 2025, these costs are expected to rise to more than $10 billion/year (Canadian Pain Society)
  4. Because although chronic pain often cannot be cured, it can be effectively managed when approached from a multidisciplinary point of view. Combined efforts from physicians, psychologist, physiotherapist and other health care professionals result in effective pain reduction, functional recovery and improved quality of life of patients and families.
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