This is a unique, interdisciplinary, medical and psychological program based within St. Paul’s Hospital. The length of stay within this residential program is generally between one and three weeks, depending on the patients’ needs.

The Program specializes in:

• The medical investigation and diagnosis of all chronic and complex pain disorders
• The treatment and management of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), Post Traumatic Headaches, Cerviogenic Headaches, Migraine Headaches, and other complex chronic pain disorders e.g. abdominal pain, pelvic pain

What makes the Inpatient Program unique?

• Our hospital-based program allows rapid access to diagnostic tests, medical consults, and advanced medical treatments. These interventions are not available in other Pain Management Centres
• The Pain Centre is one of only three centres in B.C. to use advanced techniques such as implantation of Spinal Cord Stimulators and Intrathecal Pumps
• The Pain Centre is the only centre in B.C. that specializes in the treatment of Cervicogenic Headaches using Radio Frequency Neurotomy
• The team works closely with the referring physician or case manager to provide a comprehensive discharge follow-up plan with recommendations for future management
• Each patient's program is tailored to meet his or her particular medical and psychological need
• Members of the interdisciplinary team work intensively with the patient on an individual basis

Inpatient Program Admission Criteria

The program serves:

• The patient whose pain management is complex
• The patient who requires a comprehensive medical investigation, a diagnosis, and medical treatment in a closely monitored setting
• The patient who requires an intensive, individual interdisciplinary assessment and treatment approach
• The patient who is experiencing severe, incapacitating chronic pain and may not be ambulatory
• The patient who does not meet the criteria for or has not achieved successful outcomes in the Outpatient Treatment or Day Programs
• The patient who requires an indwelling catheter, an infusion, a spinal cord stimulator or an intrathecal pump

Inpatient Program Staff

Members of the Inpatient Program staff include a medical intern pain specialist, an anesthesiologist, a neurosurgeon, a pharmacist, clinical nurse specialists, a psychologist, a psychiatrist, an occupational therapist and physiotherapists.

Information for the Referring Physician or Third-Party Payer

The referral source (family physician, medical specialist, or third-party payer) may expect to receive a report from the initial consultation with a recommended course of action, a discharge summary upon completion of the Inpatient Program, and a short report from each follow-up (post discharge) visit.

The attending physician and therapists are available for individual consultation by the referring agent.

Information for Inpatient Clients

The Inpatient Program is a four-bed unit located on Medical Ward 7C, Providence Building, St. Paul’s Hospital.

Please arrange hotel reservations if you are traveling (from outside the lower mainland) the day before the admission date. If driving a vehicle, you will need to make parking arrangements.

What to expect..........

Each day is slightly different, but typically you will meet with most team members on an individual basis. Between these sessions you may be scheduled for diagnostic tests and/or medical procedures depending on your diagnosis and medical treatment plan.

Weekends and weekdays after 4:00 pm are generally free unless you are receiving specific medical treatment which requires you to stay in the hospital. During this free time, you are encouraged to practice learned pain management strategies as well as your prescribed exercise routine. Relaxation videos, relaxation tapes, and cassette players are available for your use.

A telephone for your personal use is situated by your bed. A small TV is available to rent by each bed. PLEASE DO NOT BRING ANY VALUABLES WITH YOU.

Upon discharge from the program, you will be followed by various members of the team, depending on your needs. There is a support group which meets once a month under the direction of the team psychologist. Participants in the support group must have participated in one of the programs offered at the centre.

What to bring.......

• Your medications
• Running shoes
• Comfortable clothing plus shorts or sweat pants for exercise routines
• Your own pillow(s). Max. 2 pillows. Bring coloured pillowcases.
• Notebook and pen
• Books/activities/hobbies
• Toiletries
• Small padlock for your locker
• Any splints, orthotics, adaptive equipment, or walking aids you may be using
• CD or MP3 player with headphones (if you have one)