Patient Self-Care Resources  - New 4/24/13

This document was created by the OPMC as a collection of self-management tools and resources for individuals with chronic pain to use. Patient Self-Care Resources (pdf)*

*To request a MS Word version, please contact dorothy.e.allen@state.or.us, subject line:  Patient Self-Care Resources

As directed by ORS 409.560 and 409.565, the Pain Management Commission provides one (1) hour of Oregon specific training required for certain licensed health care professionals.  Completion of the Pain Management Module directly below fulfills this requirement.
 
The module has been updated with current and new information.

Please use MS Internet Explorer as your browser. Before beginning the module, please download the latest version of Adobe Reader if accessing the PDF version. 
 
After you have read the module, you will be able to complete a survey and to print a certificate of completion. There is no test required for the module. Please save your printed certificate for your own records in case you are audited by your licensing board.  

If you are unable to print the certificate, please email your full name, professional designation (MD, RN, DMD etc), license number and the date you completed the module to Kathy.M.Kirk@state.or.us. You will receive a return email with a PDF copy of your certificate. 
 
You are required to complete six (6) additional continuing education hours in pain or palliative care.  These CEUs must be approved with proper accreditation required by your licensing board.  If you have questions regarding the additional 6 CEUs please contact your licensing board.                                 
 

• Provides connections to information to help people manage chronic pain
• Raises awareness about chronic pain issues among health care providers, policy makers and the general public 

 
As you use the resources available through this Web site, remember that people experience pain in many ways. Those with chronic pain should work with their health care providers to develop strategies that work best for them.

Information is essential to successful pain management.
Chronic, unrelieved pain exacts a huge toll — in human suffering, in lost productivity, in high use of health care resources. Pain is the No. 1 reason for absence from work and for visits to physicians. Chronic pain often leads to domestic strife, and to abuse of alcohol or other drugs.

According to a 2011 report from the Institute of Medicine, chronic pain affects roughly 100 million American adults and costs up to 635 billion annually.

Appropriate use of pain management techniques can enhance independence and quality of life, and reduce the medical and other costs involved.

Through this Web site and other means, Oregon's Pain Management Program disseminates information that helps patients and health care providers address chronic pain.