Pain Management Facilitator Program

Researchers from Charles Sturt University are evaluating the implementation of a pain management facilitator program in the Port Macquarie – Hastings region.

This is informed by previous research work completed by the University, that highlighted the challenges our local community face in accessing care for persistent pain.

The facilitator program is designed to empower and assist individuals to overcome personal and system level barriers by coordinating care, building health literacy and supporting engagement with appropriate services.

What does involvement In the study entail?

  • Participants will meet with the Pain Management Facilitator over an 8‑week period.
  • Sessions can be in person, online, or by telephone, depending on participant preference.

What the PMF sessions may include

  • Understanding how pain works (pain education).
  • Creating a personalised pain management plan.
  • Support to communicate this plan with your GP or other providers.
  • Information about local, regional and online pain resources.
  • Mindfulness, relaxation and pacing strategies.
  • Improving sleep and planning for pain flare‑ups.
  • Reviewing medication use to support discussions with your GP. The Pain Management Facilitator will not prescribe medications or recommend medication changes.

Project resources

We will provide links in the future to workbooks/ resources for this section.

Disclaimer – This is not tailored information to your condition. You may however wish to discuss these workbooks with your healthcare provider.

Research team

We are fortunate to have a broad research team to assist in delivering this project. We extend our appreciation to our wonderful community members and local clinicians for their ongoing assistance and consultation that guides our project

Joint Project Leads

Dr Ian Skinner

Senior Lecturer (Physiotherapy)
Charles Sturt University

Roberta Power

Senior Physiotherapist
Coffs Harbour Chronic Pain Service
Mid North Coast LHD

Co-Investigators

Bree McGrady

Community Member with lived experience of chronic pain

Associate Professor Dawn Martin

Network Director Emergency Services HMCN
Senior staff specialist
Mid North Coast LHD & Charles Sturt University

Dr Chris Brunsdon

Anaesthetist (VMO)
Mid North Coast LHD
Port Macquarie Private Hospital

Dr Katharine Freire

Senior Research Fellow, Charles Sturt University
Three Rivers Department of Rural Health

Dr Vagner Dos Santos

Senior Lecturer (Occupational Therapy)
Charles Sturt University

Associate Professor Clara Murray

Associate Professor (Clinical Psychology)
University of New England

Associate Professor Nicolette Hodyl

Chief of Research Translation and Healthcare Improvement
Hunter Medical Research Institute

Olivia Pottinger

Research Officer
Charles Sturt University

Funding

The project is funded by New South Wales Regional Health Partners, Charles Sturt University and supported by the Mid North Coast Local Health District.

Contact us

If you have any questions, concerns or you are interested to hear more about the project, don't hesitate to reach out: facilitatestudy@csu.edu.au.