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Welcome to your PAIN PASS

1 in 2 women feel their pain was dismissed because of their gender.1

When it comes to recognising bias, here are some signs to look out for:

  • Were you consistently interrupted when talking about your pain?
  • Did you feel dismissed when you explained your symptoms?
  • Were assumptions made based on your gender? "It's normal for women..."

This free tool is designed to help you tackle bias and have a constructive conversation with your healthcare professional. Track your pain, record your symptoms and learn what to do when facing bias.

Let's get started...

Step 1: Remember to “PASS”

Unconscious bias exists all around us, even in healthcare.

If you feel like you aren’t being heard, pause the conversation "can we pause here, and discuss this in a bit more detail together?”

Clarify with your healthcare professional how they came to their diagnosis and what their treatment plan is.

Your pain is valid, have the confidence to know you can speak up if you feel like your concerns have been ignored or dismissed.

If you continue to feel like your healthcare professional does not fully understand your situation, you're entitled to ask for a second opinion, "I'd like another opinion, could you refer me to someone else?"

Step 2: Have your details ready

Keeping notes, or an account of your symptoms, can make the most out of your time at your appointment. The Pain PASS can help you record these details.

For severe pain or if you're worried, always seek help immediately!

Step 3: Can’t find the words?

Describing how your pain feels can be difficult. Here are some common terms that you might find useful to use in conversation with your doctor.

  • Stabbing
  • Burning
  • Cramping
  • Shooting
  • Sharp
  • Heaviness
  • Aching
  • Dull
  • Twisting
  • Pinching
  • Tightness
  • Spasms
  • Throbbing
  • Tingling

Step 4: Does pain disrupt your life?

Knowing how your pain impacts your life can be useful in looking for a diagnosis.

Use this scale to explain how much your pain disrupts your life.

Explaining the everyday reality of your pain to a Healthcare Professional can help them understand you and your experience of pain as an individual.

  • Minimally

    1

    I can carry on as normal

  • 2

    I’ve noticed some changes

  • 3

    I’m struggling more than usual and need help from others to manage

  • 4

    I’m noticing a lot of disruption to my life, sleep, work and family

  • Severely

    5

    I can’t manage with my normal routine, everything is affected

Step 5: Things to remember

It's hard when you're asking for help, you may not have much time and there's so much to say.

  • Always remember the PASS acronym

  • Your family history is relevant, do share it.

  • Your pain matters, you are entitled to ask for help.

  • If you feel you need additional support, consider bringing a close friend or family member with you to your appointment

Download and start now

Download your personal Pain Pass here to track and articulate your pain, helping you and your healthcare professional have more constructive conversations.

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Pain Pass, help break the bias and navigate your pain journey with confidence
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All information presented on these web pages is not meant to diagnose or prescribe. In all health matters for further information or medical advice, please speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Incorrect use could be harmful.

For short term pain, mild to moderate pain and inflammation relief.

References

  1. Nurofen Gender Pain Gap Index Report 2024 (Reckitt Sponsored).