APS free webinar Partnering with the Partner: Why Family Matters in Chronic Pain Care

Link https://australianpainsociety.org/courses/partnering-with-the-partner-why-family-matters-in-chronic-pain-care/

Partnering with the Partner: Why Family Matters in Chronic Pain Care

Why family and partner dynamics are central to chronic pain outcomes. With Prof. Toby Newton-John

Chronic pain is rarely experienced in isolation — 70% of adults are in cohabiting relationships, making family context central to care. Evidence shows that partner responses can profoundly shape pain outcomes: solicitous or punishing reactions can reinforce disability and distress, while empathic, validating, and autonomy-supportive behaviours can foster resilience and self-efficacy.

This talk will argue that effective chronic pain management should involve “partnering with the partner,” integrating family dynamics and considering couple interventions to optimise outcomes for both patients and their loved ones. Recent literature in this area will be presented, as well as relevant clinical options.