For 20 years, the Pain Network has had the mission of contributing, through basic, clinical, evaluative and epidemiological research, to improving the quality of life of Quebecers suffering from persistent pain.
Here is a glimpse of its history.
how it all began
For decades, pain research has been one of Quebec’s greatest strengths. Studying pain is internationally valued, in part thanks to Ronald Melzack’s contributions, to whom we owe such important breakthroughs in the understanding of pain modulation. Like Ron Melzack, Gary Duncan, Jim Lund and Jim Henry have developed innovative research programs that addressed complex issues associated with pain, with its treatment and its impact on the quality of life of patients suffering from this condition. Despite the high quality of the research taking place in Quebec, there was still a lack of an organization that could bring these efforts together. Such a group would ensure the effective use of resources and prevent duplication of projects. It would also be a scientific catalyst as well as a stepping-stone towards the next generation of researchers. The first version of the Quebec Pain Research Network started in 2001 and was initially called the Quebec Pain Initiative. This group of about thirty researchers from all around the province of Quebec got together to identify the major areas that would remain priorities in pain research today. Opportunities to work together on common objectives multiplied and increased the number of new collaborative projects developed at an impressive speed. It finally led to the creation of the Quebec Pain Research Network, which 20 years later continues to engage, empower and elevate research in the field of pain.
The collaboration, a must in the QPRN
In order to be impactful, a research network must be connected to knowledge users. The creation of partnerships with patients, the industry, the clinicians,the health professionals as well as decision-makers have been at the core of QPRN’s actions since it started. These collaborations were a first and necessary step to contribute to all of the efforts made in order to increase awareness of chronic pain. In Québec, Canada, we are lucky to have a unique association for people living with chronic pain. The association is active and dedicated to work together with the QPRN. From 2000 to 2010, research in collaboration with the industry has allowed major contributions to research facilities and programs. Early in the 2000s, a committee of experts, including the QPRN, was created at the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux. The initial efforts of this group led to the development of the Centres d’expertise en gestion de la douleur chronique. It specializes in the care of patients suffering from chronic pain. The establishment of such connections between the different players in the field of pain in Québec has allowed the community to focus on prioritizing the efforts put into pain research and facilitate the dissemination of the latest evidence. Over the years, the impact and outreach of our members have grown to such extent that they are invited to work on national and international initiatives. It is thanks to these long-standing partnerships that the QPRN continues to engage, empower and elevate in the field of pain.
The QPRN, up and running
The rapid response to the needs of the Quebec pain management community as well as the constant team working, have led to some of the greatest QPRN achievements. Among the most important successes, the inclusion of patients at all stages of the research that is being conducted was not only an innovation, but remains a key element in QPRN goals. The continuous strive for inclusiveness has allowed emerging researchers, such as young professors and students to be invited to participate in all discussions and to share their creativity within the pain community. The funding programs have supported early career scientists to facilitate granting of major funding and to promote their own expertise. Another significant achievement of the QPRN was the creation of a strong network between various stakeholders in the field of pain, in a friendly, open and fruitful atmosphere that allows research to progress constantly. This community is respectful of each and every member’s expertise, priorities and perspectives. It has helped to set in motion major projects and make them possible thanks to the strength of the group. For instance, the creation of the Quebec Pain Registry that gathers health data from more than 8,000 people living with pain on a daily basis, was accomplished through the extraordinary contribution of all of the QPRN’s partners: the industry, clinicians, people living with pain, researchers and the ministries. It is by implementing ambitious projects that the QPRN continues to engage, empower and elevate research in the field of pain.
The pain network and the challenges for the next 20 years
On the eve its 20th anniversary, the QPRN is acknowledging the great achievements made possible through joint efforts, collaborations and knowledge mobilization. Armed with its extensive experience, the Pain Network is well equipped to take on the challenges brought by the next 20 years. Innovation, the driving force behind our past actions and efforts, must remain a priority. It implies daring to implement new ambitious projects, while remaining connected to the Quebec pain ecosystem and providing innovative approaches in pain research and management. This innovation will require, among other things, sustained support for the next generation of researchers, who are already contributing with their creativity, their drive and their desire to reinvent themselves. It will also be crucial to maintain the focus on translational research, including fundamental, clinical, evaluative and epidemiological research. This will help to address major societal issues such as the opioid crisis, cannabis, the aging population and associated diseases, in a context where the collaborative approach is at the center of our efforts. This way, the QPRN will be able to continue to engage, empower and elevate research in the field of pain.