Welcome to the NZPS 2024 webinar series!

Join us for a session on how to Optimise CRPS treatment with early multidisciplinary input.

This virtual event will provide valuable insights and strategies for managing Complex Regional Pain Syndrome effectively.

Case: Mrs Smith fell and broke her arm 7 weeks ago. While the orthopaedic team are happy with the xray and have now discharged her, she is suffering ongoing severe pain. Join our multidisciplinary team of specialists as they treat her.

Learning Aims:

Recognise the presentation of CRPS in the subacute phase and the importance of early intervention Understand the roles and collaborative approach of a multidisciplinary team in CRPS management.

Learn how to navigate the ACC system to access treatment during the subacute phase of CRPS.

Chair: Karen Joseph is a Gynaecologist and Specialist Pain Medicine Physician in Christchurch, New Zealand. In pursuit of providing best evidence based care for those living with pelvic pain she has completed specialist training and registration in Pain Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Sexual & Reproductive Health. She is the only doctor in Australasia with this broad expertise. Her research interests are exploring and developing ways to meet the unmet needs of those living with pelvic pain. She also teaches as a senior clinical lecturer at the University of Otago, chairs the New Zealand Pain Society Pelvic Pain SiG and sits on a number of committees to advocate for improvement in services for those who live with pain.

Speakers: Charlotte Hill is an Anaesthetist and Specialist Pain Medicine Physician (SPMP) based in Dunedin. She has previously held leadership positions in the Dunedin Persistent Pain Service and Acute Pain Service. Charlotte currently leads the development of New Zealand Aotearoa national interdisciplinary CRPS guidelines. She is a member of the IASP CRPS SIG. She has experience diagnosing and managing CRPS in public and private, hospital and community settings, in New Zealand and Australia. Charlotte is Deputy Chair of the Faculty of Pain Medicine New Zealand National Council. She is an Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer at the University of Otago and is actively involved in improving medical education regarding CRPS and, patient access to appropriate CRPS management.

Debbie Bean is a Health Psychologist and Senior Lecturer in Rehabilitation at Auckland University of Technology. With 18 years’ experience in the field of chronic pain management, she is an experienced clinician and now dedicated clinical researcher. Debbie first became interested in CRPS during her clinical work at The Auckland Regional Pain Service, and she first began researching CRPS back in 2012, soon completing her PhD on the topic. Her research now focuses on 3 streams: psychosocial aspects and experiences of CRPS, innovative treatments and technology for chronic pain, and culture and equity in pain management. Debbie’s clinical experience has included a high degree of interdisciplinary collaboration and application of psychological therapies to assist individuals, whānau and groups with chronic pain conditions, in particular complex regional pain syndrome.

Tim McVicar is an Advanced Clinician Physiotherapist at Te Whatu Ora, Auckland. He currently works as the lead physiotherapist on the 3-week PMP at The Auckland Regional Pain Service (TARPS). He has experience working at various pain management services, including the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in North London. He has recently submitted his MHSc thesis on: Living well with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. Blair Cross is an Occupational Therapist Blair who has a keen interest in chronic pain management (20 years +) including helping those with pain increase their confidence to achieve the activities and roles that are important to them, alongside pain. In addition, interdisciplinary functioning is a core interest, as part of his role of Clinical Coordinator within the Pain Management Centre, Burwood Hospital, Christchurch. He has a Masters in Health Science: Rehabilitation, and was lucky enough to have been a scarfie in the nineties.

Natalie Snaddon lives with chronic pain following a treatment injury in 2006 during cancer treatment. This led to CRPS in her trunk, auto immune arthritis and a compromised immune system (she has had shingles 19 times). She also lives with neuropathy from pernicious anaemia.Natalie brings this lived experience to her role as Peer Support Facilitator with both the Wellington and Southern Pain Services. She is co-chair of the Lived Experience Advisory Panel, NZPS. She has a background in Adult Teaching, Childbirth Education (including mentoring and supervising) and Research. Natalie is currently involved with research in chronic pain with Otago University.

You can access the recorded webinar below: