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Evidence to Improve Care

Chronic Pain

Care for Adults, Adolescents and Children



Summary

This quality standard addresses care for people with chronic pain lasting longer than 3 months, and where any signs of serious underlying pathology (i.e., “red flags,” such as cancer, infection, or fracture) or other treatable conditions requiring medical or surgical management have been ruled out. It addresses care for adults, adolescents, and children, but excludes infants. It applies to care for chronic pain delivered in outpatient settings, including primary care, community pain clinics, and interprofessional pain programs.

This quality standard does not specifically address headache, pain from active cancer, or pain experienced during end of life. See Health Quality Ontario’s quality standards Palliative Care and Opioid Prescribing for Chronic Pain for quality statements related to palliative care and the use of opioids for chronic pain.


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