Pain can’t be carved at the joints: defining function-based pain profiles and their relevance to chronic disease management in healthcare delivery design

Overall, we provide evidence for a shift in pain medicine delivery systems from the conventional, body-part-based approach to one anchored in the pain experience and holistic profiles of patient function. This transition facilitates a more comprehensive management of chronic diseases, wherein pain treatment is integrated into broader health strategies. By focusing on holistic patient profiles, our approach not only addresses pain symptoms but also supports the management of underlying chronic conditions, thereby enhancing patient outcomes and improving quality of life. This model advocates for a seamless integration of pain management within the continuum of care for chronic diseases, emphasizing the importance of understanding and treating the interdependencies between chronic conditions and pain.