To support Gloucestershire ICB’s action plan to reduce inappropriate prescribing of high-strength painkillers, patients can be referred to the Living Well with Chronic Pain creative programme, which is run by Artlift.
Sessions were co-produced with researchers, pain management specialists, NHS Gloucestershire ICB chronic pain managers and people with lived experience of chronic pain as part of NHS Gloucestershire’s Test and Learn Programme. Programmes include activities such as crafting, music, painting, creative writing, dance and puppet making. Patients can self-refer or be referred by any professional working with people with chronic pain.
In 2022-23, 96% of participants in the programme reported a statistically meaningful improvement in general wellbeing. There was an average 16% increase in ability to self-manage pain. Over two years, 37% reported a decrease in GP attendance.
