Speaker

During a long GP partnership in Kent, David developed an interest in patients with complex, chronic and multimorbid conditions. In order to help these patients develop composure, engagement and motivation toward rehabilitation, it was necessary to broaden, deepen and enliven, conventional therapeutic concepts, and tackle polypharmacy.

Anthroposophic or Rudolf Steiner-inspired therapies have since proven the backbone for two medical charities which serve the NHS, especially in chronic pain and long-term mental health problems. Blackthorn Trust & Garden in Maidstone www.blackthorn.org.uk  has served the local NHS for 40 years, winning several national awards.

For the last 15 years, David has led Kairos Rehabilitation Trust’s Pain Management Service www.kairosrehabilitation.org.uk, in Greenwich, taking GP and specialist MSK referrals with any complex chronic condition unresponsive to usual interventions. Evidence for the approach saw Kairos finalist in the BMJ 2017 Awards.
 “A clinical evaluation of a community-based rehabilitation and social intervention and social intervention programme for patients with chronic pain with associated multi-morbidity”. Wright E, Zarnegar R, Hermansen I, McGavin D. J Pain Manage 2017;10(2):149-159.