Saturday, Sep 26, 2009
Gulf News
Al Ain Pain can cripple patients, especially when it is brought on by diseases that require aggressive treatment, health experts say, noting that an active approach is needed for pain management.
Exchange of ideas, medical techniques, and experience at international level can help health care professionals develop a wide-ranging approach for those suffering pain, said Dr Rasha S. Jabri, chairperson of the Comprehensive Pain Management Programme at Tawam Hospital here.
The programme committee, she said, has invited health care professionals from different parts of the world to attend the first International Pain Management Conference being held next month in this oasis city.
The two-day event will open on October 27 at Al Ain Intercontinental Hotel.
"Doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and other care providers will have the opportunity to hear and meet the distinguished speakers in pain medicine and share their experiences from all over the world," she said.
Pain management is a vital part of any therapeutic process and involves several practices and methods that range from holistic, pharmacological, topical or a combination of therapies for specific types of pain.
Effective pain management includes intervention procedures, medication management, physiotherapy or chiropractic therapy, psychological counselling and support, acupuncture and other alternative therapies.
Ultimately pain management determines the exact source of the pain and the most effective treatment, the expert said. To arrive at this point, doctors and therapists have to consider the history of the pain, its intensity, duration, aggravating and relieving conditions, and parts of the body involved in causing the pain.
Dr Jabri, who is also division head of the Pain Medicine Section at the Anaesthesiology Department of Tawam Hospital, said the event will be a unique opportunity for professionals to advance in pain management by promoting the exchange of current scientific knowledge and new strategies in order to overcome the difficult challenges and provide excellent care for those suffering from pain.
Medical practitioners are in the business to ease the pain and suffering, the by-product of several conditions. "Their responsibilities extend beyond curing illnesses but also controlling the damage they can leave behind. We are determined to make a difference and give our patients peace of mind, knowing that we will enlist our best talent to fight against pain," she said.
Riad Abdul Karim, chairman of the scientific committee of the conference, said the conference will comprise of two days of educational sessions together with an exhibition and hands-on workshops that will be held at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Science of the UAE University.
"This conference presents a global forum at which all those involved in pain management can learn from renowned scientists, researchers, academics and professionals to discuss treatment options and overcome the challenge of pain problems and promote health care providers to stop the suffering and say no to pain," said Abdul Karim.
Tawam is owned and operated by Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (Seha), which is responsible for the curative activities of all the public hospitals and clinics in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
By Aftab Kazmi, Bureau Chief
Gulf News 2009. All rights reserved.
