BPS Patient Publications

Managing pain after your surgery (2022)

Stimulated by the publication of the international consensus guidance on perioperative opioids, a number of organisations began to develop independent guidance for patients on postoperative opioids. Conversations on Twitter led to an international working party comprising two IASP chapters, professional bodies and service users to collaboratively produce single guidance.

This publication is also available in additional formats (e.g. A5 booklet for professional printing and Welsh language). These can be accessed HERE.

Information for Adult Patients Prescribed Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammmatory Drugs (NSAIDS) for the Treatment of pain (2018)

This patient information leaflet has been prepared by a working party led by the Faculty of Pain Medicine of the RCoA with representation from  Pain UK, the Royal College of Nursing and The British Pain Society.

Understanding and Managing Pain After Surgery - Information for patients and their carers (2017)

Over 7 million operations are performed in the UK each year, with the majority of these being day cases. The adoption of enhanced recovery protocols means that, following major surgery or trauma, inpatients are discharged earlier with the expectation that they will manage their pain and rehabilitation at home. Although pain is normal after surgery it does affect people and may slow their recovery.

A taster version of the publication is avaliable to view by clicking the image.

Bulk orders of hard copies can be purchased by contacting the secretariat via the above contact details. 

Intrathecal drug delivery systems for treating pain and spasms - Information for patients (2015)

The updated version of booklet provides helpful information on intrathecal drug delivery systems that may support the patient in decision making regarding their treatment.  

Opioids Aware: A resource for patients and healthcare professionals to support prescribing of opioid medicines for pain

This resource, developed by UK healthcare professionals and policymakers,  has been compiled to help patients make an informed decision about starting opioid therapy. Please note Opioids Aware is a web-based resource, funded by Public Health England and hosted by the Faculty of Pain Medicine, Royal College of Anaesthetists. It can be accessed here: http://www.fpm.ac.uk/faculty-of-pain-medicine/opioids-aware

Web resource:

http://www.fpm.ac.uk/faculty-of-pain-medicine/opioids-aware

Understanding & Managing Long-term Pain (2015)
The updated version of the popular booklet 'Understanding and Managing Pain' has been rewritten to encompass the latest evidence, guidance and expert opinion. It has been produced to help patients understand and manage their pain. Whether the pain is recent or long-term, severe or less severe, this booklet explores how to get the best out of the patient and healthcare professional partnership. It explains what pain is, what can be done about it and who can help. 

A watermarked full pdf version of the publication is avaliable to view by clicking the image.

Please note that the British Pain Society Secretariat are currently working remotely due to Covid-19 and we are unable to send out free print copies of this publication. 

Amitriptyline (2014)
This patient information leaflet has been prepared by a working party led by the Faculty of Pain Medicine of the RCoA with representation from the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, Pain UK, the Royal College of Nursing and the British Pain Society.

Duloxetine (2014)

This patient information leaflet has been prepared by a working party led by the Faculty of Pain Medicine of the RCoA with representation from the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, Pain UK, the Royal College of Nursing and the British Pain Society.

Gabapentin (2014)

This patient information leaflet has been prepared by a working party led by the Faculty of Pain Medicine of the RCoA with representation from the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, Pain UK, the Royal College of Nursing and the British Pain Society.

Nortriptyline (2014)

This patient information leaflet has been prepared by a working party led by the Faculty of Pain Medicine of the RCoA with representation from the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, Pain UK, the Royal College of Nursing and the British Pain Society.

Pregabalin (2014)

This patient information leaflet has been prepared by a working party led by the Faculty of Pain Medicine of the RCoA with representation from the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, Pain UK, the Royal College of Nursing and the British Pain Society.

Participant Infomation for Pain Management Programmes (2013)

This document aims to provide updated guidance on what a pain management programme (PMP) is, its position within care plans for people with persistent (non-cancer) pain and desirable content.

Use of medicines outside of their UK marketing authorisation in pain management and palliative medicine - information for patients (2012)

This document is an information booklet prepared on behalf of the Association for Palliative Medicine and the British Pain Society. This leaflet will help patients understand some important aspects of medicine licensing regulations and how these issues may affect them.

Managing cancer pain - Information for patients (2010)

April 2014 update: The joint BPS/APM Cancer Pain Working Party chairs have considered the review of this existing document and find the information to still be valid. The publication will next be reviewed in late 2014

A perspective from the British Pain Society, supported by the Association for Palliative Medicine and the Royal College of General Practitioners.

Managing your pain effectively using "Over the Counter" (OTC) Medicines (2010)

Spinal cord stimulation for pain: information for patients (2009)

February 2014 Update: The Chair of the publication working group has considered the review of this publication and as no new evidence is currently available the guidelines still stand. The publication will next be reviewed in Spring 2015.

This leaflet has been produced in conjuncton with the publication Spinal cord stimulation for the management of pain. The leaflet tells the patient about spinal cord stimulation and provides some information that may support the patient in decision making regarding the treatment. 

Help the Aged - Pain in Older People: Reflections and Experiences from an older person's perspective (2008)

Pain and problem drug use: information for patients (2007)

**PLEASE NOTE THIS GUIDELINE IS CURRENTLY UNDER REVIEW**

This leaflet can help patients understand their problem and helps patients work with their healthcare team to decide the most effective and safe treatments.  It includes information about opioid medicines for pain relief, what healthcare teams need to know about the patient and why, assessing treatment and what a patient can expect from healthcare teams.  Following a year-long consultation process, the final guidelines were launched at the Society's Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) in Glasgow on Thursday 26 April 2007.