One stop multidisciplinary pain clinic for survivors of torture.

Abstract

Bianca Kuehler and Susan Childs speak to Jade Parker, Commissioning Editor: Dr Bianca Kuehler initially qualified in Germany as an anesthetist in 1993 and is on the specialist register in the UK. After moving to the UK she obtained a Diploma in Occupational Health to supplement the understanding and implication of chronic pain on the work environment. She is very interested in multidisciplinary approaches in treatment of chronic and acute pain patients and, therefore, working closely with Dr Childs opened a plethora of opportunities to develop new services including a fibromyalgia clinic and a specialist clinic for patients who are survivors of torture. Dr Susan Childs is an experienced clinical psychologist who has worked within health psychology and mental health since 1997. Her particular area of expertise is chronic pain. Alongside this, she has developed expertise in the assessment and treatment of a wide range of psychological issues. She has more recently focused upon co-developing services alongside her medical lead and co-facilitator, Dr Bianca Kuehler, for patients who are survivors of torture. Susan leads therapy services at a major London National Health Service trust in a Consultant capacity and supports a team of physicians, surgeons, pain specialist physicians, physiotherapists and clinical specialist nurses.