Overview
Some Pain Flow overview text needs to go here
Persistent pain can impact every part of a person’s life — their physical health, mental wellbeing, relationships, employment, and sense of self. For many, the experience of long-term pain is compounded by frustration….
Pain Flow supports adults living with chronic or persistent pain in Northern Devon who are under the care of the hospital-based Pain Team and would benefit from personalised support alongside clinical treatment….
This is split into three specific areas, the individual – improved confidence and wellbeing, the NHS Trust – more effective pain management, or the wider system – greater integration of physical social care….
Pain Flow is embedded within the multidisciplinary Pain Team at North Devon District Hospital and offers tailored, non-clinical support utilising dedicated Flow Coordinators, relational support around a whole person approach….
Pain flow is currently funded by the Royal Devon University Healthcare HNS Foundation Trust and One Northern Devon (via One Devon ICB) and delivered by RDUH Pain Team in partnership with….
Feedback from individuals and clinicians shows that Pain Flow increases confidence and hope whilst also helping people to regain a sense of control over their condition to reduce pressure on specialist services….
The problem we are addressing
Persistent pain can impact every part of a person’s life — their physical health, mental wellbeing, relationships, employment, and sense of self. For many, the experience of long-term pain is compounded by frustration, isolation, and a feeling of not being believed or understood.
Traditional clinical approaches often focus on symptom management alone, but pain is rarely just physical. Without support that looks at the whole person, many people struggle to engage with treatment plans or find meaningful ways to live well. Pain Flow addresses these gaps with personalised, holistic support that complements clinical care.
The intended beneficiaries
Pain Flow supports adults living with chronic or persistent pain in Northern Devon who:
- Are under the care of the hospital-based Pain Team
- Would benefit from personalised support alongside clinical treatment
- Face barriers to recovery such as mental health, housing, social isolation, or financial insecurity
What we want to achieve
For Individuals:
- Improved confidence and emotional wellbeing
- Increased engagement with pain management strategies
- Reduced reliance on medication or clinical appointments
- Greater ability to self-manage and participate in daily life
- Stronger social connections and sense of identity
For the NHS Trust:
- More effective pain management and care planning
- Improved patient experience and satisfaction
- Reduced repeat appointments and avoidable demand
- Support for clinical teams to focus on specialist care
For the Wider System:
- Greater integration of physical, psychological, and social care
- Reduction in long-term system use driven by unmanaged pain
- Contribution to tackling health inequalities and improving access
- Support for personalised care and Core20PLUS5 priorities
How we want to achieve it
Pain Flow is embedded within the multidisciplinary Pain Team at North Devon District Hospital and offers tailored, non-clinical support:
- Dedicated Flow Coordinators: Work alongside pain consultants, psychologists, and physiotherapists
- Relational support: One-to-one coaching and problem-solving over time
- Whole-person approach: Addressing social and emotional needs alongside clinical care
- Asset-based thinking: Helping people recognise their strengths and rediscover purpose
- Community connections: Supporting access to peer support, physical activity, volunteering, and local resources
- Flexible delivery: Support is shaped by what matters most to each person
Funding and Partners
- Funded by: Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and One Northern Devon (via One Devon ICB)
- Delivered by: RDUH Pain Team in partnership with community and VCSE organisations
- Embedded within: North Devon District Hospital Pain Service and wider Integrated Care pathways
Results & Impact
Feedback from individuals and clinicians shows that Pain Flow:
- Increases confidence and hope
- Helps people regain a sense of control over their condition
- Reduces pressure on specialist services
- Improves outcomes that matter to individuals and their families