Enabling Self-management and Coping
with Arthritic Pain using Exercise

Referrals 

 

ESCAPE-pain is a group-based, rehabilitation programme for the management of chronic knee and hip pain or back pain. It is available widely across the UK and is supported by NHS England and associated with Versus Arthritis. ESCAPE-pain has attained multiple awards and endorsements. 

This information is intended for those who might refer people into the ESCAPE-pain programmes:

  • ESCAPE-pain for knees/hips: designed to benefit people with chronic knee/hip pain
  • ESCAPE-pain for backs: designed to benefit people with chronic low back pain

 

Why refer into the ESCAPE-pain programmes?

ESCAPE-pain for knee/hip OA ESCAPE-pain for backs 
  • The programme offers an opportunity to reduce the number of GP consultations for knee and hip pain, and reduce prescriptions of painkillers for this group.
  • Other benefits - supported by clinical evidence (link):
    • Reduces pain
    • Improves physical function
    • Improves mental well-being, self-confidence and self-esteem
    • Reduces healthcare and utilisation costs
  • The Telegraph published an arthritis feature that recommended ESCAPE-pain (for knees/hips) as an ideal pathway for osteoarthritis (chronic joint pain). 

 

 

 

 

  • The programme was piloted in 2019, to test whether the model and principles behind the evidence-based ESCAPE-pain (for knee / hip osteoarthritis) would be effective in the self management of non-specific low back pain.
  • The evaluation showed that ESCAPE-pain for backs delivers effective care, managed in line with NICE guidelines, that significantly improves participant outcomes. 
  • All pilot sites saw mean improvements in participant clinical outcome measures, found ESCAPE-pain for backs beneficial for participants and have since adopted the programme into regular practice.
  • Participants valued the programme and felt the group environment was a great way to connect and share experiences. Read the evaluation report. 
  • Facilitator training is now available to providers interested in implementing the ESCAPE-pain for backs programme. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How to refer into the programmes:

If you would like to refer into either programme please consult each of our site maps (ESCAPE-pain for knees and hips & ESCAPE-pain for backs) to find out what provision there is in your area and how participants can access the programme. We advise contacting your local ESCAPE-pain sites directly to find out what their process for referrals is.

 

How do the referral pathways work?

It is up to local services to determine according to local context. In the majority of cases, patients are triaged into the ESCAPE-pain programme, either directly by the MSK triage service, or via the GP, physiotherapy provider or an orthopaedic surgeon. We also strongly encourage self-referral to the programme and can supply resources and recommend ways to generate public awareness for commissioners who wish to engage the public in this way.

As part of your referral pathway, consider what local services and facilities are available to help sustain behaviour changes after participants complete the 6-week programme. Often, providers signpost participants to the local gym or leisure centre, or other self-management, on discharge or programme completion.

 

Participant eligibility criteria 
ESCAPE-pain for knee/hip OA ESCAPE-pain for backs 

 

  • Patients over 45 years of age with chronic joint pain (at least 3 months’ duration)
  • Clinical  diagnosis of osteoarthritis
  • Needing a supervised exercise programme
  • Independently mobile
  • No contraindications to carrying out a regular exercise programme.

Tool: Information for Referrers: This is an information tool for referring clinicians such as GPs or consultants, and support staff. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  • Adults (over the age of 18)
  • No contraindications to exercise
  • Non-specific LBP for >3 months or recurrent episodes (with or without radicular (sciatic) pain)
  • Identified as medium risk using STarT back. However, if a participant is identified as low and would benefit from the programme and wishes to participate in the programme, consideration can be given for their inclusion. 
  • Would benefit from a group-based rehabilitation programme with exercise
  • Independently mobile and able to participate in a group-based exercise programme with minimal supervision

Tool: Information for Referrers: This is an information tool for referring clinicians such as GPs or consultants, and support staff. 

 

 

For further information please email: hello@escape-pain.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Page last reviewed: 6 January 2022. Page last updated: 6 January 2022. Next review date: March 2022