In our latest episode of The Modern Pain Podcast, we had the privilege of hosting Bronnie Lennox Thompson, an authority in pain management and a postgraduate academic coordinator for studies in pain and pain management at the University of Otago. This enlightening conversation delves into the often-underestimated skills of active listening and compassion, both crucial elements in effective pain management. We discuss how healthcare's increasing focus on cost containment, efficiency, and productivity often leads to a loss of humanity and how we, as clinicians, can bring it back.
Bronnie provides valuable insights into why clinicians need to give themselves the grace of more time and skills to truly hear and understand their patients. This not only enriches the therapeutic process but also addresses the growing issue of clinician burnout. With over three decades in the field, Bronnie argues that no patient ever complained about being listened to too much. She emphasizes that it's not just about meeting the patient's stated expectations; it's about letting them know you're listening and you care.
***CHAPTER MARKERS****
00:00 - Start
02:19 - Bronnie's background and how ACT came about
04:02 - The tension between working as an operator versus interactor
08:23 - Can we go wrong getting strong?
16:32 - Mindfulness and its role in ACT
21:57 - Bronnie's thoughts on patient Mark is working with
26:53 - The self as a context in ACT
35:00 - Helping patients with self-compassion
37:58 - The difficulties of emotions in the treatment room
41:09 - How would Bronnie change the healthcare system?
****HELPFUL LINKS*****
• Bronnie's blog - an absolute treasure trove on content to help you better utilize ACT and improve your overall pain management strategy - https://healthskills.wordpress.com/
• DANCING AROUND THE HEXAFLEX: USING ACT IN PRACTICE 1 -https://healthskills.wordpress.com/2023/08/21/dancing-around-the-hexaflex-using-act-in-practice-1/
• DANCING AROUND THE HEXAFLEX: USING ACT IN PRACTICE 2 - https://healthskills.wordpress.com/2023/08/28/dancing-around-the-hexaflex-using-act-in-practice-3/
• DANCING AROUND THE HEXAFLEX: USING ACT IN PRACTICE 3 - https://healthskills.wordpress.com/2023/08/28/dancing-around-the-hexaflex-using-act-in-practice-2/
• DANCING AROUND THE HEXAFLEX: USING ACT IN PRACTICE 4 - https://healthskills.wordpress.com/2023/08/28/dancing-around-the-hexaflex-using-act-in-practice-4/
