Tom Tefft

Sen. Orrin Hatch

Congress and the Institute of Medicine (IOM) of the National Academy of Sciences have released a study exploring the issue of pain management in the United States titled Relieving Pain in America: A Blueprint for Transforming Prevention, Treatment, and Research.

Completed by the IOM Committee on Advancing Pain Research, Care, and Education, the study was originally commissioned by Congress as part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010. Global leader in medical technology Medtronic Inc, Minneapolis, MN, released a statement expressing hope that the study’s findings will lead to much-needed advances in pain care research, treatment, access, and education for the millions of Americans who suffer with chronic pain.

“Chronic pain is a major public health issue and we applaud Congress, the IOM, and members of the Committee for their thoughtful recommendations on improving pain management in the United States,” says Tom Tefft, president of the neuromodulation business and senior vice president at Medtronic. “We also want to thank Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Representatives Lois Capps (D-CA) and Mike Rogers (R-MI) for championing the legislation that led to this study, and for their ongoing commitment and attention to this important issue.”

Although the company is still currently reviewing the study’s findings and recommendations, it remains optimistic about future advancements in medical device technology to treat chronic pain. “Medtronic looks forward to continuing its work with physicians, professional societies, and patient communities to improve access to care and advance research that may one day lead to more treatments that provide relief to people suffering from chronic pain,” says Tefft.

To review the report or learn more about the IOM, visit www.iom.edu/relievingpain.