September is IVAPM Animal Pain Awareness Month. What are YOU going to "Tech" about it?

Hello #VetRehabTechs!  
We are excited to be celebrating The International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM) #AnimalPainAwarenessMonth.
........and we want to know what you are going to "tech" about it?

Tech about it?
 What does that mean?  It means Technicians "do" things.  We make important things like veterinary pain management and rehabilitation happen!  
It's our job and who we are!

The #APRVT's Top Ten Things You can "Tech" about #animalpainawareness 

#1  Pain Assessment:  Every patient.  Every time. The 2015 AAHA/AAFP Pain Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats states that "Pain management is central to veterinary practice, alleviating pain, improving patient outcomes, and enhancing both quality of life and the veterinarian-client-patient relationship. The management of pain requires a continuum of care that includes anticipation, early intervention, and evaluation of response on an individual-patient basis. The guidelines include both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic modalities to manage pain; they are evidence-based insofar as possible and otherwise represent a consensus of expert opinion. Behavioral changes are currently the principal indicator of pain and its course of improvement or progression, and the basis for recently validated pain scores. A team-oriented approach, including the owner, is essential for maximizing the recognition, prevention, and treatment of pain in animals."   Canine, feline, and equine pain assessment charts and information about signs of pain can be found on the IVAPM website.  
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​#APRVT Tech Tip:  Pick a universal scoring system for use within the entire practice. Discuss cases and assess patients together so everyone is speaking the same language. Have copies of scoring systems to share with clients so they understand and can accurately interpret their pets pain score.  Assess pet pain at every visit.  Anticipate procedures and situations that may be painful. and be ready to prevent or address pain as it occurs.    

#2  Continuing Education:  It's Up To You to Advance Your Skills and Knowledge
We recommend upgrading your pain management skills and knowledge through continuing education at conferences, seminars provided by product representatives, and courses and lectures provided by specialists in rehabilitation, pain management, and anesthesia.   The University of Tennessee offers Certificates in both Companion Animal Pain Management (CAPMC) and Osteoarthritis Case Management (OCMC)

#3  Memberships  
Here are some organizations that you can become a member of to stay up to date about Veterinary Pain Management and Veterinary Rehabilitation

#4  Certifications
Have you explored the options of becoming Certified in Veterinary Pain Management?  The Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner Designation may be for you!
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​Click the picture to find out HOW!​​

#5  Social Media  A picture says a thousand words!  Sharing case studies and treatment options (with client permission) can start the conversation inspire clients to pick up the phone and book an appointment!  From left to right we have Respond Systems Laser Therapy, Acupuncture at Coral Springs Animal Hospital, Pulse Vet Shockwave, and an Assisi Loop in action!  Click on the pictures to see the social media posts. 

#6  Client Education  Empower your clients to be part of the pain management team by providing visual resources and literature on a variety of pain management topics including assessment.  

#7  Pain Management Rounds

Ways to Make Pain Management Rounds Happen:

• Start a weekly journal club
• Present a weekly case in staff meetings
• Join the conversation at VSPN
• Have pain management product representatives in to your practice to talk about how their products could benefit your patients

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#8  Weight Loss Program
Starting a weight loss program can be a great way to combat joint disease and mobility issues in our patients.  Meet #APRVT's own #RockinRhonda.  A year ago she was a 22lb cat who could only take 5 steps before sitting down.  She had a plantigrade stance her her belly fat dragged on the ground.  After one year of a multimodal pain management, osteoarthritis, and weight loss program she is 9.7lbs and a happy active cat!  Read  her story by visiting #TheSPAW Blog

Look what one year can do!

#9  Multimodal Osteoarthritis Management Program

Providing your clients with options to manage their pets osteoarthritis will not only improve their pets mobility but improve their relationship with their pet!  Pet owners love to be active with their pets!  

#10  Read,  Share.  Talk.  Ask Questions!
Involve yourself in the #animalpainawareness discussion.  Ask questions, read articles, books, and blog posts.  Critically evaluate all sources of information, construction of studies, and research methods. Have open discussions with your colleagues and clients about pain assessment, challenges, options, success, and areas needing improvment.   Together we can "tech" a lot about #animalpainawareness.  :)