1
|
Vandermost M, Bagraith KS, Kennedy H, Doherty D, Kilner S, Sterling M, Henry D, Jones M. Improvement in pain interference and function by an allied health pain management program: Results of a randomized trial. Eur J Pain 2021; 25:2226-2241. [PMID: 34242463 DOI: 10.1002/ejp.1836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic pain is a significant health problem worldwide and requires a biopsychosocial treatment approach. Access to traditional pain medicine specialist services is limited and innovative treatment models are required to support patients in tertiary care. The study evaluated the clinical effectiveness and safety of the Treatment Access Pathway (TAP), an allied health expanded scope model of care which included innovative group assessment and collaboration with patients to create individualized treatment plans. METHODS One hundred and eighty-one patients referred to a tertiary level chronic pain service were randomly allocated to either the TAP or the waitlist study groups. Primary (pain interference) and secondary outcome measures were collected at recruitment and again at 6 months. Per-protocol analyses were utilized due to high participant attrition (46% across groups). RESULTS The TAP group reported greater reductions in pain interference at 6 months than waitlist group (0.9, 95% CI: 0.2-1.6), with more than half of the TAP group (52%) reporting clinically significant improvement. In addition, statistically significant differences between the TAP and waitlist groups were observed for objective measurements of walking endurance (5.4 m, 95% CI: 1.7-9.1); and global impressions of change (1.4 unit decrease, 95% CI: 1-1.9). Nil adverse events were recorded. CONCLUSIONS The study suggests that an expanded scope allied health model of care prioritizing patient choice and group-based interventions provides modest benefits for tertiary-referral chronic pain patients. TAP warrants further investigation as a potentially viable alternative for tertiary healthcare where traditional pain services are unavailable or have long waiting lists. SIGNIFICANCE The study tests effectiveness and safety of an expanded scope allied health-led chronic pain program. Despite a high attrition rate, the study showed reduced pain interference and increased physical function in those who completed the protocol. The results are promising and support introduction of this model as an adjunct to existing traditional chronic pain models of care, with a particular focus on improving participant retention in the program. Additionally, the model of care can be used as a standalone chronic pain model of care where no other pain management resources are available. The study was registered on ANZCTR (Trial ID: ACTRN12617001284358).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Vandermost
- Interdisciplinary Persistent Pain Centre, Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Karl S Bagraith
- Interdisciplinary Persistent Pain Centre, Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Hannah Kennedy
- Interdisciplinary Persistent Pain Centre, Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Darren Doherty
- Interdisciplinary Persistent Pain Centre, Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Simon Kilner
- Interdisciplinary Persistent Pain Centre, Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Michele Sterling
- Recover Injury Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - David Henry
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mark Jones
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Brown-Taylor L, Beckner A, Scaff KE, Fritz JM, Buys MJ, Patel S, Bayless K, Brooke BS. Relationships between physical therapy intervention and opioid use: A scoping review. PM R 2021; 14:837-854. [PMID: 34153178 DOI: 10.1002/pmrj.12654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To synthesize available evidence that has examined the relationship between physical therapy (PT) and opioid use. TYPE: Scoping Review LITERATURE SURVEY: Data sources including Google Scholar, Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL were searched for English articles up to October 24, 2019 using terms ("physical therapy"[Title/Abstract] OR physiotherapy[Title/Abstract] OR rehabilitation[Title/Abstract]) AND (opiate*[Title/Abstract] OR opioid*[Title/Abstract]). METHODOLOGY Included studies evaluated a PT intervention and reported an opioid-use outcome. Data were extracted to describe the PT intervention, patient sample, opioid-use measurement, and results of any time or group comparisons. Study quality was evaluated with Joanna Briggs checklists based on study design. SYNTHESIS Thirty studies were included that evaluated PT in at least one of these seven categories: interdisciplinary program (n = 8), modalities (n = 3), treatment (n = 3), utilization (n = 2), content (n = 3), timing (n = 13), and location (n = 2). Mixed results were reported for reduced opioid-use after interdisciplinary care and after PT modalities. Utilizing PT was associated with lower odds (ranging from 0.2-0.8) of using opioid medication for persons with low back pain (LBP) and injured workers; however, guideline-adherent care did not further reduce opioid use for persons with LBP. Early PT utilization after index visit for spine or joint pain and after orthopedic surgery was also associated with lower odds of using opioid medications (ranging from 0.27-0.93). Emergency department PT care was not associated with fewer opioid prescriptions than standard emergency department care. PT in a rehabilitation center after total knee replacement was not associated with lower opioid use than inpatient PT. CONCLUSIONS The relationship between timing of PT and opioid use was evaluated in 13 of 30 studies for a variety of patient populations. Eight of these 13 studies reported a relationship between early PT and reduced subsequent opioid use, making the largest sample of studies in this scoping review with supporting evidence. There is limited and inconclusive evidence to establish whether the content and/or location of PT interventions improves outcomes because of heterogeneity between studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey Brown-Taylor
- Informatics, Decision-Enhancement, and Analytic Sciences (IDEAS) Center of Innovation, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.,Medpace Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Aaron Beckner
- Informatics, Decision-Enhancement, and Analytic Sciences (IDEAS) Center of Innovation, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.,Ochsner Health System, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Katie E Scaff
- Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center, Walla Walla, Washington, USA
| | - Julie M Fritz
- Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training, College of Health, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Michael J Buys
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Shardool Patel
- Informatics, Decision-Enhancement, and Analytic Sciences (IDEAS) Center of Innovation, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Kim Bayless
- Department of Anesthesiology, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Benjamin S Brooke
- Informatics, Decision-Enhancement, and Analytic Sciences (IDEAS) Center of Innovation, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.,Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
White R, Bruggink L, Hayes C, Boyes A, Paul C. Feasibility of patient-focused behavioral interventions to support adults experiencing chronic noncancer pain during opioid tapering: a systematic literature review. Transl Behav Med 2021; 11:1481-1494. [PMID: 33677606 DOI: 10.1093/tbm/ibab007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Guidelines for chronic noncancer pain prioritize behavioral treatments. In clinical practice transition from opioids to behavioral treatments is often not endorsed by patients or providers. Feasible interventions to support opioid tapering are needed, particularly in primary care. The objectives of this paper is to review the feasibility of behavioral interventions to support opioid tapering. Electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and CINAHL) were searched from inception to June 2019 to identify original studies reporting feasibility (consent rates; completion rates; patient-reported acceptability; integration into clinical practice; and adverse events) of opioid tapering and transition to behavioral treatments for adults experiencing chronic noncancer pain. Google scholar and contents tables of key journals were also searched. Two authors independently extracted data and assessed methodological quality using The Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies. Eleven publications met inclusion criteria, of which three were conducted in primary care. Consent rates ranged from 27% to 98% and completion rates from 6.6% to 100%. Four studies rated at least one component of patient acceptability: helpfulness from 50%-81%; satisfaction 71%-94%, and "recommend to others" 74%-91%. Three studies reported provider perspectives and two studies reported adverse events. Quality assessment indicated all 11 studies were moderate or weak, primarily due to selection bias and lack of assessor blinding. There was also considerable heterogeneity in study design. The limited available data suggest that attempts to translate opioid tapering interventions into practice are likely to encounter substantial feasibility challenges. One possible way to ameliorate this challenge may be a clear policy context, which facilitates and support opioid reduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruth White
- Hunter Integrated Pain Service
- Surgical Services, John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Laura Bruggink
- Hunter Integrated Pain Service
- Surgical Services, John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Chris Hayes
- Hunter Integrated Pain Service
- Surgical Services, John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Allison Boyes
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Public Health Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, NSW, Australia
| | - Chris Paul
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
De Sola H, Dueñas M, Salazar A, Ortega-Jiménez P, Failde I. Prevalence of Therapeutic use of Opioids in Chronic non-Cancer Pain Patients and Associated Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:564412. [PMID: 33364942 PMCID: PMC7750787 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.564412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with the use of opioids among patients with chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP). Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Comprehensive literature searches in Medline-PubMed, Embase and SCOPUS databases. Original studies published between 2009 and 2019 with a cross-sectional design were included. The quality of the studies was assessed with Critical Appraisal Checklist for Studies Reporting Prevalence Data from the Joanna Briggs Institute. Protocol registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews with reference number: CRD42019137990. Results: Out of the 1,310 potential studies found, 25 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Most of the studies were of high quality. High levels of heterogeneity were found in the studies included. In the general population, the prevalence of long-term opioid use was 2.3% (95% CI: 1.5–3.6%), the prevalence of short-term opioid use was 8.1% (95% CI: 5.6–11.6%), and among people with chronic low back pain it was 5.8% (95% CI: 0.5–45.5%). The prevalence of opioid use among patients from the health records or medical surveys was 41% (95% CI: 23.3–61.3%). Finally, in patients with musculoskeletal pain, the prevalence was 20.5% (95% CI: 12.9–30.9%) and in patients with fibromyalgia, 24.5% (95% CI: 22.9–26.2%). A higher prevalence of opioid use was observed among men, younger people, patients receiving prescriptions of different types of drugs, smokers and patients without insurance or with noncommercial insurance. In addition, non-white and Asian patients were less likely to receive opioids than non-Hispanic white patients. Conclusions: The prevalence of opioid use among patients with CNCP was higher in subjects with short or occasional use compared to those with long-term use. Men, younger people, more chronic pain conditions, and patients without insurance or with noncommercial insurance were most related to opioid use. However, non-white and Asian patients, and those treated by a physician trained in complementary medicine were less likely to use opioids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helena De Sola
- The Observatory of Pain, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain.,Preventive Medicine and Public Health Area, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain.,Biomedical Research and Innovation Institute of Cádiz (INiBICA), Research Unit, Puerta del Mar University Hospital, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain
| | - María Dueñas
- The Observatory of Pain, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain.,Biomedical Research and Innovation Institute of Cádiz (INiBICA), Research Unit, Puerta del Mar University Hospital, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain.,Department of Statistics and Operational Research, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Alejandro Salazar
- The Observatory of Pain, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain.,Biomedical Research and Innovation Institute of Cádiz (INiBICA), Research Unit, Puerta del Mar University Hospital, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain.,Department of Statistics and Operational Research, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Patricia Ortega-Jiménez
- The Observatory of Pain, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain.,Department of Statistics and Operational Research, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Failde
- The Observatory of Pain, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain.,Preventive Medicine and Public Health Area, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain.,Biomedical Research and Innovation Institute of Cádiz (INiBICA), Research Unit, Puerta del Mar University Hospital, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
De Sola H, Maquibar A, Failde I, Salazar A, Goicolea I. Living with opioids: A qualitative study with patients with chronic low back pain. Health Expect 2020; 23:1118-1128. [PMID: 32558064 PMCID: PMC7696128 DOI: 10.1111/hex.13089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioids are one of the most prescribed treatments for chronic pain (CP). However, their long-term use (>3 months) has been surrounded by controversy, due to loss of beneficial effects. OBJECTIVE To explore the experiences of people with chronic non-malignant low back pain in Spain undergoing long-term treatment with opioids. DESIGN Qualitative study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS We conducted 15 semi-structured interviews at the Pain Clinic with persons taking opioid treatment. METHODS The interviews were analysed by qualitative content analysis as described by Graneheim and Lundman, and developed categories and themes discussed in light of a biomedicalization framework. MAIN RESULTS We developed one overarching theme-Living with opioids: dependence and autonomy while seeking relief-and three categories: The long pathway to opioids due to the invisibility of pain; Opioids: from blind date to a long-term relationship; and What opioids cannot fix. DISCUSSION The long and difficult road to find effective treatments was a fundamental part of coping with pain, involving long-term relationships with the health system. This study reflects the benefits, and drawbacks of opioids, along with struggles to maintain autonomy and make decisions while undergoing long-term treatment with opioids. The paper also highlights the consequences of pain in the economy, family and social life of patients. CONCLUSIONS Patients' experiences should be considered to a greater extent by health-care professionals when giving information about opioids and setting treatment goals. Greater consideration of the social determinants of health that affect CP experiences might lead to more effective solutions to CP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helena De Sola
- The Observatory of Pain, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain.,Biomedical Research and Innovation Institute of Cádiz (INiBICA), Cádiz, Spain.,Preventive Medicine and Public Health Area, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Amaia Maquibar
- Department of Nursing I, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Failde
- The Observatory of Pain, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain.,Biomedical Research and Innovation Institute of Cádiz (INiBICA), Cádiz, Spain.,Preventive Medicine and Public Health Area, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Alejandro Salazar
- The Observatory of Pain, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain.,Biomedical Research and Innovation Institute of Cádiz (INiBICA), Cádiz, Spain.,Department of Statistics and Operational Research, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Isabel Goicolea
- Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Frølund Pedersen H, Holsting A, Frostholm L, Rask C, Jensen JS, Høeg MD, Schröder A. "Understand your illness and your needs": Assessment-informed patient education for people with multiple functional somatic syndromes. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2019; 102:1662-1671. [PMID: 31023608 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2019.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Revised: 03/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Patients suffering from multiple functional somatic syndromes (FSS) such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, or irritable bowel syndrome, often lack both a clear diagnosis and tangible illness explanations, which is a barrier for treatment engagement. We tested a short-term intervention taking the unifying concept of Bodily Distress Syndrome (BDS) as a point of departure. The intervention consisted of a clinical assessment, group-based patient education, and one follow-up consultation. METHODS 174 patients were included and received questionnaires at baseline, after clinical assessment, after patient education, and median 19 weeks after baseline. Data were analyzed using random effects models and simple t-tests. Qualitative data were thematically analyzed. RESULTS We found small reductions in symptom levels, considerable reductions in illness worry, and improvement of illness perceptions and illness-related behaviors. Overall, patients evaluated the intervention positively and expressed high expectations for further treatment. Qualitative results mainly supported these findings. CONCLUSION Targeting illness perceptions through patient education is crucial to obtain patient engagement in self-help management or further treatment. This may lead to improved outcomes. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS Physicians in primary and secondary care should strive to give patients with multiple FSS a clear understanding that their various FSS diagnoses are related and provide tangible illness explanations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H Frølund Pedersen
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Noerrebrogade 44, 8000 Aarhus C., Denmark.
| | - A Holsting
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Noerrebrogade 44, 8000 Aarhus C., Denmark
| | - L Frostholm
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Noerrebrogade 44, 8000 Aarhus C., Denmark
| | - C Rask
- Centre for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juel-Jensens Boulevard 175, Entrance K, 8200 Aarhus N., Denmark
| | - J S Jensen
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Noerrebrogade 44, 8000 Aarhus C., Denmark
| | - M D Høeg
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Noerrebrogade 44, 8000 Aarhus C., Denmark
| | - A Schröder
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Noerrebrogade 44, 8000 Aarhus C., Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Björnsdóttir SV, Triebel J, Arnljótsdóttir M, Tómasson G, Valdimarsdóttir UA. Long-lasting improvements in health-related quality of life among women with chronic pain, following multidisciplinary rehabilitation. Disabil Rehabil 2017; 40:1764-1772. [DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2017.1312565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sigrún Vala Björnsdóttir
- Centre of Public Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
- HNLFI Rehabilitation Clinic, Hveragerði, Iceland
| | - Jan Triebel
- HNLFI Rehabilitation Clinic, Hveragerði, Iceland
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Akademiska, University Hospital Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Gunnar Tómasson
- Centre of Public Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Unnur Anna Valdimarsdóttir
- Centre of Public Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Smith N, Jordan M, White R, Bowman J, Hayes C. Assessment of Adults Experiencing Chronic Non-Cancer Pain: A Randomized Trial of Group Versus Individual Format at an Australian Tertiary Pain Service. PAIN MEDICINE 2017; 17:278-94. [PMID: 26814305 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnv048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the outcomes of a new group assessment format with conventional individual assessment. DESIGN A randomized controlled trial. SETTING An Australian tertiary hospital multidisciplinary pain service. PATIENTS Adults referred with chronic non-cancer pain. METHODS Following attendance at an education and orientation group, 211 participants were randomized to either a group assessment format (focused on supported self-assessment) or individual assessment. Follow-up occurred 3 months post-assessment and prior to subsequent pain service intervention. Outcome measures were pain intensity, pain interference, self-efficacy, psychological distress, health care utilization beyond the pain service, waiting time, participant satisfaction, and implementation of self-management strategies. RESULTS Seventy-two participants undertook group assessment and 90 were assessed individually. Follow-up data were collected on 57 group and 72 individual assessment participants. Results revealed no significant differences between the two assessment formats in outcome with the exception of wait-times. Median wait-time to the first offer of assessment was 47 days for the group format and 144 days for individual. CONCLUSIONS Group assessment provides a viable alternative to conventional individual assessment. The group assessment reduced wait-times while delivering otherwise comparable outcomes.
Collapse
|
9
|
Hållstam A, Löfgren M, Benson L, Svensén C, Stålnacke BM. Assessment and treatment at a pain clinic: A one-year follow-up of patients with chronic pain. Scand J Pain 2016; 17:233-242. [PMID: 29229208 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjpain.2016.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Revised: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 08/15/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Pain is one of the most common reasons for patients to seek primary health care. Pain relief is likely to be achieved for patients suffering from acute pain, but for individuals with chronic pain it is more likely that the condition will persist. These patients have the option of being referred to specialised pain clinics. However, the complexity surrounding chronic pain patients is not well studied in these settings. This study aimed to describe patients with chronic pain referred to a pain clinic by using the information submitted during their first visit and one year later and also to identify associations between baseline characteristics and improvements in health-related quality of life in the follow-up. METHODS This was a longitudinal observational study of a sample consisting of 318 patients referred to a pain clinic. One group of patients containing 271 individuals (median age 48, 64% females) was assessed and received conventional pain treatment (CPT group) and a second group of 47 patients (median age 53, 64% females) was assessed by a pain specialist and referred back to their physician with a treatment recommendation (assessment only, AO group). Patient-reported outcome measures in health-related quality of life (EQ-5D), pain intensity (VAS), mental health (HADS), insomnia (ISI), pain-related disability (PDI), kinesiophobia (TSK) and sense of coherence (SOC) were collected at the first visit and one year later. RESULTS At baseline, the CPT group reported a low EQ-5D Index (median (md) 0.157) and EQ VAS (md 40) as well as considerable high, current pain intensity VAS (md 58), HADS anxiety (md 8), ISI (md 17), PDI (md 36) and TSK (md 39). The AO group showed similar problems (no significant differences compared to the CPT group), except for ISI, where the AO group reported less severe problems. At the one-year follow-up, the CPT group had a statistically significant improvement in EQ-5D, VAS, ISI, PDI and TSK. In the AO group no significant changes were observed. In the CPT group there was an association between a high ISI level at baseline and an improved EQ-5D Index in the follow-up. CONCLUSIONS The study describes rarely explored groups of patients with chronic pain at a pain clinic. Severe pain problems were present in both groups at their first visit. A statistically significant improvement could be seen in the group that was conventionally treated while this was not the case among those subjects who were assessed and referred. The results imply, that relatively limited treatment strategies were helpful for the patients' health-related quality of life. Despite these improvements, the patients were not fully recovered, pointing to the chronicity of pain conditions and the need of support for many patients. IMPLICATIONS Increased knowledge about assessment, selection and treatment at pain clinics is important to improve the quality of the work performed at these clinics. Despite limited resources, further efforts should be made to collect comparable, valid data on a regular base from pain clinics in order to develop recommendation models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Hållstam
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Södersjukhuset, Karolinska Institutet, and Unit of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Södersjukhuset, SE-11883 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Monika Löfgren
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, and Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Danderyd Hospital, SE-18288 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Lina Benson
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Södersjukhuset, Karolinska Institutet, SE-11883 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christer Svensén
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Södersjukhuset, Karolinska Institutet, and Unit of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Södersjukhuset, SE-11883 Stockholm, Sweden; University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, UTMB Health, Department of Anaesthesiology, Galveston, TX, USA.
| | - Britt-Marie Stålnacke
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, and Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Danderyd Hospital, SE-18288 Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rehabilitation Medicine, Umeå University, SE-90185 Umeå, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Björnsdóttir SV, Arnljótsdóttir M, Tómasson G, Triebel J, Valdimarsdóttir UA. Health-related quality of life improvements among women with chronic pain: comparison of two multidisciplinary interventions. Disabil Rehabil 2015; 38:828-36. [DOI: 10.3109/09638288.2015.1061609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
|
11
|
|