Northern Pain Workshop

The 2024 Northern Pain Workshop was held on 25th October 2024 at Hotel Seri Malaysia Taiping, organised by Persatuan Rawatan Kesakitan Jabatan Anesthesia (PEKA) Hospital Taiping in cooperation with Malaysian Association for the Study of Pain (MASP). With the theme of “Smart Ways in Handling Pain” this workshop brought together 100 healthcare professionals from northern states to discuss the current practices and latest advancements in pain management. The workshop aimed to provide comprehensive education and practical skills to improve the quality of life for individuals suffering from acute and chronic pain.

 

Keynote Speakers

The workshop featured several distinguished keynote speakers, including:

  • Dr. Mary Suma Cardosa - A renowned pain specialist and President-Elect of International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) who discussed about the challenges in chronic pain management and how to address them.
  • Professor Dr. Zubaidah Jamil - A leading researcher in pain psychology and the President of Malaysian Association for the Study of Pain (MASP), who presented on cognitive-behavioral approaches to pain management.
  • Dr. Kerpagam Nadarajan – A senior anaesthesiologist and pain specialist, who talked about enhancing acute pain management and current updates on Enhancing Recovery After Surgery (ERAS)

 

Workshops and Sessions

Participants had the opportunity to attend various hands-on workshops and interactive sessions, such as:

  • Role-play focusing on patient-centered care – role-play supervised by pain specialists followed by feedback sessions on how to effectively involve patients in their own pain management plans
  • Acute pain services – An interactive session on various acute pain techniques such as epidural analgesia, peripheral nerve blocks and patient-controlled intravenous analgesia
  • Pharmacy – An educational session by pharmacists on pharmacotherapy commonly used in pain management followed by quizzes.
  • Physiotherapy - Exercise sessions with the physiotherapists
  • Occupational Therapy - An interactive session exploring the role of mindfulness and meditation in pain relief.
  • Kahoot! – participants competed in pairs to answer questions based on topics discussed throughout the workshop

 

Outcomes

The workshop fostered collaboration between different disciplines and gave valuable insights into pain management. Attendees were empowered with knowledge and practical strategies to better support their patients.

 

Pain Clinic Family Day

The Pain Clinic Family Day took place on 26th October 2024 at Hospital Seri Malaysia Taiping, offering a supportive environment for patients and their families to learn more about pain management, holistic care approaches and to have fun with their loved ones. The event aimed to foster community, provide education, and offer resources for ongoing support.

 

Activities and Programs

The Family Day included a variety of activities and programs designed to engage participants of all ages:

  • Educational Seminars - Sessions on “Smart Ways in Handling Pain” and “Challenges in Facing Pain”
  • Interactive Session – Stretching and strengthening exercises and relaxation techniques.
  • Exciting Performances – Staffs from participating pain clinics put together entertaining performances with active involvement of the audiences

 

Family Involvement

Families were encouraged to participate in all activities, fostering a sense of understanding and cooperation. The event featured:

  • Table games – Patients, staffs and their families worked in teams to win the top three prizes
  • Lucky draw – RM1500 worth of prizes were given to the lucky ones
  • Birthday & retirement party – Patients and clinic staffs born in October were celebrated with birthday song and cakes, as well as the longest serving pain clinic nurse in Hospital Taiping, Nor Azuwa was celebrated as she retires from public service.
  • Field trip – A fun visit to the famous Kilang Kopi Antong marked the end of the family day

 

Outcomes

The Family Day successfully created a supportive community atmosphere, offering valuable resources and fostering stronger family bonds. Participants reported feeling more informed and empowered to manage chronic pain within the family context.

 

Conclusion

Both the Northern Pain Management Workshop and the Pain Clinic Family Day were highly successful events that provided significant benefits to attendees. They offered comprehensive education, practical skills, and emotional support, contributing to the overall well-being of individuals dealing with chronic pain and their families. The collaboration and connections made during these events are expected to have a lasting positive impact on pain management practices and patient care.