The challenge
Unrecognised and undertreated chronic pain
Painaustralia reports that chronic pain affects 20 per cent of Australians, and one in three people over 65. Additionally, 80 per cent of residents in aged care homes experience pain. Pain often goes unrecognised and under-treated in people with cognitive and communication difficulties such as those living with dementia. The burden of this condition extends across the society.
Our response
Pain assessment
PainChek® is a fast and easy-to-use pain assessment app that provides carers with the ability to identify the presence of pain, quantify its intensity level, and monitor the impact of treatment to optimise overall care.
The results
Significant impact for dementia patients
PainChek is in the nascent stages of operation but well-placed to generate societal and economic benefits for Australia. It is projected to have significant benefits for dementia patients.
The present value of the total health benefits of PainChek® for Australians living with dementia (moderate to severe pain) between 2018–27 is estimated to be $1.4 billion (in 2019 dollars at a seven per cent real discount rate). The benefit‑cost ratio is estimated as 1,446.