Six weeks ahead of National Pain Week (July 22-28), TerryWhite Chemmart (TWC) is launching a new consumer campaign that will include information to pharmacists and their staff on non-medical pain management solutions, up-to-date advice from allied health professionals and a new `Real’ talk webinar sessions.
The campaign is partly in response to recently released data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) suggesting that Australia is on the verge of a pain endemic with pain costing the country a staggering $140 billion dollar every year.
According to Painaustralia CEO Carol Bennett, lack of general awareness around effective pain management has resulted in a 67% increase in GP visits over the last decade and a stronger dependence on prescription opioids to manage what is a complex condition that needs more sophisticated responses.
“We need better awareness among consumers about holistic pain management treatment options – and we need to ensure those options exist. That’s why we are happy to be working with the team and pharmacists at TWC to shine a light on the importance of people living with chronic pain staying in touch with their allied health network and their role in providing practical advice and support to consumers about managing their pain conditions,” says Ms Bennett.
While the COVID-19 health crisis has seen a significant drop in the number of GP presentations due to social isolation, Ms Bennett sees “a small glimmer of a silver lining” with an increase in GP telephone consultations improving accessibility to pain management for Australians living in rural and regional areas.
Data released by Painaustralia shows that Australians in rural and remote areas tend to experience higher rates of medication prescription, including opioids, likely due to higher prevalence rates of the condition and decreased access to appropriate pain management interventions.
According to TWC CEO Duncan Phillips, the Real talk series is great for customer engagement particularly when isolation factors and lack of accessibility to healthcare in rural and regional areas are considered.
“The series of pain webinars we are offering are part of our broader series of Real talk webinars we have put together over the next few months by working with a number of key health organisations such as Painaustralia.
“These webinars provide an opportunity to engage, ask questions but more importantly, ensure the appropriate support and guidance is provided to help those with chronic conditions during this health crisis,” says Mr Phillips.
TWC also provides an online consumer resource through its Pain Hub Information Centre, which provides practical tips and advice for those living with pain.
For more information, visit: terrywhitechemmart.com.au/realtalk.
