One month follow up
One month after leaving the group returns for a half day. In the first
month people are expected to have had a go at integrating pain management strategies into their own everyday lives and they return to discuss how it is going. Using a problem solving approach, the achievements and difficulties are discussed. It is also an opportunity to take stock, review personal goals and the next steps that need to be taken in order to work towards them. There are also stretch and relaxation sessions.

Nine month follow up
The group returns again 9 months after leaving. This is a further opportunity for people to step back and review the integration of pain management strategies into their lives and the benefits of this.

To help people get the most out of coming, we ask them to reflect on their longer term goals and encourage them to set new goals for the future.

paIN PUT in perspective ‘PPIP’

PPIP is a support service run by ex-Input patients for Input patients once they have been discharged from the Input Pain Management Service. It is supported by Clare Grey and Sarah Barker as well as other members of the INPUT staff team, and operates under the auspices of the Guy’s and St. Thomas’ Charity.

PPIP was set up in September 2008 with the aim of supporting patients when they have completed the residential chronic pain self management course. Its main purpose is to create a forum for ex-patients of INPUT, and their family and friends, with the aim of offering information and support to assist in the management of chronic pain.

PPIP aims to actively promote the continued application of self management of chronic pain and to promote a shared experience with fellow chronic pain suffers. PPIP therefore aims to also promote the (current) best practice in the management of chronic pain.

An important aim of PPIP is to assist all chronic pain sufferers to achieve and maintain an improved quality of life. It also endeavours to promote awareness of chronic pain and therefore provide links to other support organisations and to encourage support of each other through the facilities of a web based forum/chat rooms, newletters and regional support groups.

All Input patients will be invited to become members of PPIP when discharged from the Input pain management program. For further information please see our website www.ppip.org.uk or contact admin@ppip.org.uk