December 19, 2019

Episode 162 | Dr. Jeremy Fletcher, PT, DPT: Peer To Peer Models Of Pain Management

41 minutes

We will look at a case study as to how one physical therapist is creating and evolving peer-to-peer models for the treatment of chronic pain. Adults living with chronic health conditions are more likely than other adults to seek peer advice and support from those that are experiencing or have overcome similar health challenges.Peer-to-peer support can happen online or offline via email, phone or even through social media. In fact, a Cochrane review described positive outcomes in people with chronic health conditions,including a reduction in pain, disability and fatigue once self-management programs were led by lay individuals rather than licensed health professionals.

Here to discuss peer-to-peer models for chronic pain is Dr. Jeremy Fletcher. He is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a Professor at the University of South Alabama, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program.Prior to his career in academia, he served in the US Army as a physical therapist. He continues to serve his community through nonprofit board membership and organizational consultation with a focus on improving health-related quality of life. In addition to his role as a consultant, he’s also been trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and combines it with his treatment of physical therapy.

In this episode,you will learn what is missing from our current management of patients with persistent pain from the social perspective of the bio psycho social model, how peer-to-peer interaction can bring value to the recovery process, the opportunities and challenges with integrating peers into clinical practice and should peers deliver clinical interventions such as the bulls eye that is used in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I'm excited to share Jeremy's work with you,as well as to discuss peer-to-peer models for the treatment of chronic pain and other health conditions. As we move in to the next year,you're going to see a lot more group programs happening both online and offline.

With those group programs,they'll often have a peer-to-peer component, which has been very helpful for those overcoming chronic pain. We will also talk a little bit about how practitioners can infuse Acceptance and Commitment Therapy into their treatment of chronic pain and other health conditions. If you're any practitioner who treats chronic pain, make sure to hop on the waiting list for the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Chronic Pain Program that I'll launch in mid-January. Make sure you go to the Integrative Pain Science Institute.com, click on Courses and you'll see a tab there where you can join the wait list for the ACT for Chronic Pain Program. The program is appropriate for any health and wellness professionals. Let's meet Dr. Jeremy Fletcher.

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