Chronic pain affects 1 in 5 people worldwide, but finding effective treatments can still be challenging. To help, we’re creating a free, online tool called the Chronic Pain Recommendation Map (RecMap). This resource will provide clear, trustworthy guidance on three key areas: opioids, medical cannabis, and spine-related procedures for chronic pain. The RecMap will provide clear, reliable information to support people living with chronic pain, as well as those making treatment decisions. Features like easy-to-understand summaries and decision aids will make it easier for patients and healthcare providers to work together, ensuring care aligns with the patient’s needs and preferences.

Dr. Andrea Darzi is an Assistant Professor at the Departments of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact and Anesthesia at McMaster University. She is also an Associate Convenor of the Cochrane equity thematic group and leads the equity in implementation tools working group. Andrea is trained as a medical doctor, a public health professional and a health research methodologist. She is an advocate for ensuring that medical, public health and policy practice are supported by the best available evidence and consider relevant values and preferences. Her research interests are in guideline development and knowledge mobilization and the integration of equity in those areas specifically for chronic pain and chronic conditions such as post covid condition.