At 6 months into the pandemic, pain services remained significantly affected. There were serious concerns about potential upcoming demand upon pain service with return of routine elective work.
Pain services have understandably not been a priority with evidence of loss of resources including staff and theatre allocations.
Inpatient services have ‘coped’ with reduced staff likely because of reduced elective work.
Remote appointments (telephone and video) improved accessibility for some patients whilst potentially reducing it for others eg those affected by mental health problems, disability and poverty.
Efficiency has been hindered by necessary COVID restrictions but benefited from new ways of working (e.g. triaging/ training etc).
Pain services were significantly affected by redeployment of their staff – this has led to some reports of feeling of fear, stress and burnout for staff.
Staff, although shielding or working from home, made positive and effective contributions to the service which helped to maintain restricted services.
Many steps have been taken to minimise risk to staff and patients, including social distancing and changes in the use of steroids.
Limitations of technology have impacted on the effectiveness and satisfaction of remote consultations.
The social interaction of MDT meetings and face to face work with patient is missed.
There appears to be genuine concerns regarding quality of patient service, with lack of examination, reduction in rapport, communication issues and fear regarding standard of care and ‘cutting corners’.
