In my attempt to implement PainTrain My Health Summary (PainTrain MHS) formally into the healthcare industry, I'm now heading past what feels like planet Pain Management and toward the Health Tech solar system. It is exciting! There are movers and shakers here, and I'm standing at the Talking Healthtech (THT) station.
THT was founded by Peter Birch. Peter worked in management roles in healthcare organisations for over 15 years; big ones and small ones, innovative startups and slow-moving beasts, he's seen all different kinds. Pete has experienced the exciting developments and the frustrating stagnation of all the ups and downs in health.
Now, I'm not saying chronic pain researchers aren't movers and shakers, but I feel like I'm static in their world, just repeating my story over and over. 'Lived experience' is becoming as tiresome as 'journey'. Now there's 'Narrative Medicine', which are all great descriptors, but the effect of those words on people living in pain right now feels still?
How many times can we repeat the same information? We get it, practitioners hear it; pain is complex, and you need to listen to the patient more... but can you fix it now, please?
I'm hopeful my new world will lead to some kind of collaboration or new opportunity. It undoubtedly has led to significant new connections, one of whom is Dr Valerio Vittone, a PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology & Virology. In other words, a specialist in personalised DNA based nutrition, health & lifestyle advice! So stay tuned; my DNA kit is in the mail!
We know the need to progress healthcare is a serious one – but if you consider it took a pandemic to get telehealth functioning, it's scary!