Statement on pain devices from the Faculty of Pain Medicine
The Faculty of Pain Medicine (FPM) has released a statement on pain devices.
FPM deeply sympathises with Vicki Kelly whose story in “Raising the alarm” in Nine newspapers on Saturday 18 July describes catastrophic outcomes following surgery for back pain.
FPM is the professional organisation for training specialist pain medicine physicians and responsible for the safe clinical practice of pain medicine in Australia and New Zealand.
“In the majority of cases, pain devices are effective in relieving pain. As with any medical operation, despite best intent and evidence, regrettably all procedures carry risk,” said FPM Dean, Professor Michael Veltman.
“I encourage all people with complex pain to seek out FPM-trained specialist pain medicine physicians who can provide comprehensive assessment, evidence-based treatment options and discussion of risks and benefits.”
FPM fellows and the faculty continue to advocate for the establishment of registries and data collection to improve outcomes for people with pain, including for procedures involving implanted pain devices.
