Quality Prescribing for Chronic Pain 2026-2029

Overview

We want to hear your views on the draft 'Quality prescribing for Chronic Pain: a guide for improvement 2026-2029'.

Chronic pain, defined as persistent pain lasting beyond three months, can significantly impact quality of life, affecting physical and mental wellbeing.  In Scotland, the Scottish Health Survey 2022 indicates that approximately 38% of adults live with chronic pain. The prevalence of chronic pain is significantly higher in areas of socioeconomic deprivation.

The Guidance is focused on meeting the following aims:

• Improved patient outcomes
• Supporting the use of non-pharmacological approaches
• Using medicines where appropriate, minimising risks of harm
• Improving understanding of and communication around chronic pain

We have included the draft guide, within the consultation paper. We have asked a series of questions, and your answers to these will help us to finalise the guide.

We are intending to hold a virtual consultation event during the consultation period and you can register your interest in attending by emailing EPandT@gov.scot.

Read the consultation paper. The consultation paper contains full background information for this consultation. You may find it useful to read or refer to while responding.