Assessment
This is a specialist assessment for ongoing pain problems. Persons attending for this assessment will generally have had pain for longer than 6 months and have noticed limitations from their pain in terms of the impact it has on their physical function and mood and emotional well being. Many persons have had pain for much longer and tried many other treatments without success.
The assessment involves one of more disciplines (physician, physiotherapist, psychologist, occupational therapist) depending on the problems experienced by the sufferer and the needs of the referrer.
Client group
Persons troubled by musculoskeletal pain for more than 6 months with alteration to function and well being.
Referral source
Secondary care, primary care, occupational health services, therapists, legal process, case workers, self referral
Assessors
One or more members of RealHealth interdisciplinary team
Process
Clients booked centrally with RealHealth for an initial assessment. Individual proforma sent to patient for completion prior to their assessment and scored on arrival at RealHealth. Decision made according to RealHealth clinical care pathway algorithm based on evidence based analysis of scores and clinical interview. Feedback in the form of an assessment report is sent to the clients, referrer and other parties involved (GP, Solicitors etc) with clinical advice and explanation of RealHealth treatments if recommended.
Time
One to three hours.
Components
Physician interview 45 minutes. Psychologist interview 60 minutes. Physical examination and measures 30 minutes. Feedback 30 minutes
Outcome
Treatment offered according to evidence based protocols. Further medical investigation or treatment. Intensive residential rehabilitation package. Not suitable for interdisciplinary treatment
