Peripheral Nerve Care Network
People with peripheral nerve problems (PNPs) live with chronic pain, loss of sensation, or paralysis of an extremity. PNPs represent a substantial public health issue that impacts 20-30 million people in the United States alone. PNPs are unrecognized, underdiagnosed, and poorly referred, causing patients to live for years with a severely diminished quality of life. This delay to care increases the chance for poor clinical outcomes.
A goal of the Global Nerve Foundation is to shorten time to care for PNP patients to improve clinical outcomes.
A goal of the Global Nerve Foundation is to shorten time to care for PNP patients to improve clinical outcomes.
Peripheral nerve healthcare is currently fragmented across specialties such as orthopedics, plastic surgery, and sports medicine, leading to confusion about where patients should go to seek proper care. A recent study highlighted that over 40% of patients with nerve injuries endure chronic pain for at least three years before receiving appropriate treatment and relief (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34036022/). During this time, many patients suffer from ongoing pain, loss of sensation or partial paralysis.
This delay in care also significantly reduces the likelihood of a positive clinical outcome.
This delay in care also significantly reduces the likelihood of a positive clinical outcome.
The overall objective of the Peripheral Nerve Care Network is to shorten time to care for patients and improved clinical outcomes. The output of the program will be educated healthcare providers and patients . Education will take place through in-person and virtual events for referring physicians (family practice and emergency medicine) and the public on peripheral nerve issues. By educating both populations, nerve problems will be more easily recognized. Resources will also be freely available for patients and family practices.
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The GNF has received support from the David, Helen, and Marian Woodward Fund to hold educational events in the Atlanta area! If you live in this region, and would like to learn more as the events are planned, please leave your information below.