Pain Free Programme
OVERVIEW
In 2008, the MOH initiated the Pain As 5th Vital Sign (P5VS) initiative. This initiative was followed by the Pain Free Hospital concept in 2011. The Pain Free Hospital concept emphasized on holistic pain management by using a multidisciplinary team approach that include Pharmacological (Anaesthesia and Analgesia), Modern Surgical Techniques (Minimally Invasive Surgery and Day Care Surgery), NonPharmacological (Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Traditional and Complementary Medicine).
Pain as the 5th Vital Sign was implemented in stages in MOH hospitals from 2008, and subsequently implemented in all healthcare facilities. To date, there are 30 hospitals and 1 institution that have been certified with the Pain Free Hospital status. As the Pain Free Program grows, the P5VS initiative has been expanded to the Public Health Program and Oral Health Program.
GOVERNANCE
Medical Care Quality Section, Medical Development Division
TERM OF REFERENCE (TOR)
OVERVIEW
The scope of pain as 5th vital sign is expanded in all health facilities of the Ministry of Health Malaysia, as directed by the Director General of Health ref: KKM.600-28 / 2/10 Vol. 2 (43), 30 August 2017 on Pengukuhan Dan Peluasan Skop Pain As 5th Vital Sign Dan Program Pain Free Bagi Fasiliti Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia. Implementation and expansion of pain free programs is divided into 2 phases. Phase one focuses on the implementation of Pain as 5th Vital Sign which is expected to be implemented in all health clinics started on 2018 until 2024. This is an initiative to further strengthen the quality of existing services in health clinics by taking pain as an important vital sign with other vital signs. Pain score as the 5th vital sign, should be evaluated in all patients using pain ruler and managed accordingly. The second phase started on 2024 focusing on implementation of pain management requires the involvement of all disciplines as well as the need for additional medications and services. Pain management at the health clinic focuses more on chronic pain because most patients who seek treatment at the health clinic experience chronic pain rather than acute pain.
GOVERNANCE
TERM OF REFERENCE (TOR)
FOCAL PERSON
- Principal Assistant Director
- Clinical Audit Unit
- Medical Care Quality Section
- Medical Development Division
- Ministry of Health
- Tel : +603-8883 1208
FOCAL PERSON
- Public Health Physician
- Primary Medical Care Section
- Family Health Development Division
- Tel : 03-8883 2169
- Email : drmarhayu@moh.gov.my
- Senior Principal Assistant Director
- Primary Medical Care Section
- Family Health Development Division
- Tel : 03-8883 2187
- Email : drfatimah.mh@moh.gov.my