Transitional Pain Clinics

The TPC serves clients in pain who (a) have a planned surgery or (b) recently had surgery or trauma services at any VCH hospital in the past 4 months and are at risk of developing Chronic Post-Surgical Pain (CPSP) and long-term opioid use.  

This is a non-emergency clinic and cannot prescribe opioids or provide client services until pain-specific assessments have been completed. 

The TPC offers specialized pre-operative pain management services with the following key goals:

Pre-operative services goals

1. Enhance readiness for surgery.
2. Empower clients to make positive behaviour changes through education and knowledge related to pain science and self-management.
3. Reduce pain and the risk of developing chronic post-surgical pain by optimizing pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.
4. Address risks associated with prolonged opioid consumption.

Post-operative services goals

1. Reduce pain and the risk of developing chronic post-surgical pain by providing pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.
2. Address risks associated with prolonged opioid consumption.
3. Improve coping and functioning to help clients reach their goals and increase their quality of life.
4. Empower clients to make positive behaviour changes through education and knowledge related to pain science and self-management.

Care is provided through a combination of individual appointments with our clinical staff and physicians, as well as group education sessions. When in-person appointments are not possible, we offer telephone or video consultations, provided they are appropriate for the patient's needs. We see patients both before and after surgery, offering continuity of care at all stages of the surgical process.

Download the program guide to learn more.

What happens after completing TPC Services

Upon completion of the TPC services, patients are discharged to their Primary Care Provider or to other community resources. Discharge plans will include recommendations for pain and opioid management, and when appropriate, referral to community resources, including other pain clinics. 

After discharge, the TPC team will be available by phone to support primary care teams for a maximum of three months.