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Dr Lee Ji Kwan (Shawn)
Monas Univeristy
The Opioid Epidemic: Why Health and Clinical Psychology Should be the Future of Chronic Pain Management
Speaker Profile
Shawn Lee is a practicing Clinical Psychologist, specialising in using cognitive behavioural therapy and clinical hypnosis to manage depression, anxiety and pain.
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Shawn holds a part-time academic and teaching position at Monash University Malaysia. He is the Chief Clinical Pychologist of MuHeal, a digital health technology company based in China. In addition, Shawn is a visiting psychologist at Hospital Selayang’s Pain Clinic. He also runs a private psychological services centre, Psycle Consultancy and Training, where he sees selected clients, as well as providing supervision and training to clinical psychologists in training. Shawn completed his PhD at Universiti Putra Malaysia, on psychological techniques to manage chronic pain. He earned his Masters in Clinical Psychology from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, and Bachelor of Psychology from HELP University. Shawn’s professional affiliations are with the Malaysian Society of Clinical Psychology, Malaysian Association for the Study of Pain, American Society of Clinical Hypnosis, and International Association for the Study of Pain.
Abstract
This plenary lecture explores the urgent need for a paradigm shift in chronic pain management amidst the devastating opioid epidemic. It advocates for incorporating health and clinical psychology into the forefront of treatment, presenting a comprehensive, patient-centered approach that addresses the biological, psychological, and social factors associated with chronic pain.
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The lecture begins by highlighting the alarming statistics surrounding the opioid epidemic and its profound impact on individuals, families, and communities worldwide. It delves into the limitations and risks of relying solely on opioids for chronic pain management, including addiction, overdose, and long-term adverse effects.
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Drawing on extensive research and clinical evidence, this lecture showcases the benefits of integrating health and clinical psychology into chronic pain management. The emphasis is on the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in chronic pain management. We advocate for a holistic framework that integrates pharmacological, psychological, and rehabilitative interventions to provide comprehensive care for individuals with chronic pain.
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By recognizing the multifaceted nature of chronic pain and implementing evidence-based psychological interventions, healthcare professionals can offer more effective and personalized care, ultimately improving the lives of those impacted by chronic pain while mitigating the risks associated with opioid use.