Multicultural Communities

Cultural differences, including communication styles and language, can sometimes impact on the chronic pain experience for people in multicultural groups.

People from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) populations tend to seek out a doctor who speaks their language and can understand their view of pain and pain management. However, this is not always available.

It is important that patients find a doctor who will listen to their needs and offer best practice pain management. Patients can take an interpreter with them, and doctors can also access communication tools such as the CALD tool to help them assess pain in non-English speaking patients.

Multidisciplinary pain management and, where possible, self-management will be most helpful for improvements in pain.

Some pain resources are available in different languages. These are listed below.