Moderators: Greg Whitcomb, DC and Sherri Weiser, PhD
For decades research has called into question a purely pathoanatomical basis for axial pain. High quality evidence confirms that most physical spine treatments are of limited effect, particularly in halting progression from acute to chronic back pain disability.
Despite this disconnect, a systemic emphasis on biomedical spine treatments remains the dominant approach to spine care. Without clearly commensurate gains to patients or society, skyrocketing health-care costs have led concerned stakeholders to rightly demand improved value [cost-to-outcome] in spine care.
Against this background, extensive and mounting science is showing that psychosocial factors are equally predictive of the transition from acute to chronic disabling spine pain with ramifications for return to normal activity and work and global health.
Nevertheless, barriers to implementation of such psychologically-informed practice [PiP] remain widespread. This is particularly evident at the grass roots level of clinical practice where PiP implementation strategies often fail to balance with other evidence-informed spine care.
This course will assemble faculty and attendees in an experiential learning process informed by the latest evidence on the neurophysiological and psychological aspects of pain and with special emphasis on patient-centered communication in a biopsychosocial care model.
Upon completion of this session, participants should gain strategies to:
- Learn how to apply concepts of Psychologically Informed Practice (PiP) with special emphasis placed on patient-centered communication strategies during initial patient encounters to set the stage for successful treatment;
- Identify at least one behavioral change the attendee can implement immediately in their practice as a result of the course.
Agenda
Part II
Group Exercise II: "Yes-But"
Sherri Weiser, PhD & Greg Whitcomb, DC
Group Feedback
Q & A
- Faculty Discussion: Barriers and Facilitators to PiP Implementation
- What's Next for PiP at NASS?
Greg Whitcomb, DC
Closing Remarks
Todd Wetzel, MD