4 Efficacy of multidisciplinary pain centres: an antidote to anecdotes

Secondary prevention of chronic pain: can internet help?

Chronic pain is common and strongly impacts the individual and society as a whole. Although there are effective multidisciplinary treatments available, they are often not easily accessible and designed for people with severe long-lasting problems. The main aim of this paper is to propose and stimulate debate about how the internet can help to increase accessibility and promote a shift toward secondary prevention. Specifically, internet can help by providing access to educational websites containing information for professionals and the general population. Internet can also be useful for creating accessible interventions designed to reduce risk factors for the development of long-term disability. The involvement of society in general and the professionals working in the field is fundamental for advancing in this direction.

Changes in pain-related beliefs, coping, and catastrophizing predict changes in pain intensity, pain interference, and psychological functioning in individuals with myotonic muscular dystrophy and facioscapulohumeral dystrophy

OBJECTIVES

The primary aim of this study was to test hypothesized associations between changes in psychological variables (ie, pain beliefs, catastrophizing, and coping strategies) and changes in pain intensity and related adjustment (ie, pain interference and psychological functioning) in individuals with myotonic muscular dystrophy (MMD) and facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD).

METHODS

A sample of 107 adults with a diagnosis of MMD or FSHD, reporting pain in the past 3 months, completed assessments at 2 time points, separated by approximately 24 months.

RESULTS

Results showed that changes in pain-related psychological variables were significantly associated with changes in psychological functioning, pain intensity, and pain interference. Specifically, increases in the belief that emotion influences pain, and catastrophizing were associated with decreases in psychological functioning. Increases in the coping strategies of asking for assistance and resting, and the increases of catastrophizing were associated with increases in pain intensity. Finally, increases in pain intensity and asking for assistance were associated with increases in pain interference.

DISCUSSION

The results support the use of the biopsychosocial model of pain for understanding pain and its impact in individuals with MMD or FSHD. These findings may inform the design and implementation of psychosocial pain treatments for people with muscular dystrophy and chronic pain.

[New information and communication technologies in the treatment of chronic pain]

OBJECTIVE

To review the literature for evidence of the effectiveness of chronic pain treatments that apply new information and communication technologies, namely, the Internet and computer-assisted treatments.

METHODS

We carried out a systematic search of the literature indexed on MEDLINE and PsycInfo.

RESULTS

Eight articles were selected. In 5, the new technologies were used to implement treatments online while in the other 3 studies technology was used to create forums for patient discussion.

CONCLUSIONS

In general the results of the studies reviewed demonstrate that treatments based on new technologies are effective and efficient and that patients hold positive attitudes toward them. However, reviewed results were not always consistent, probably because of differences in how the studies were designed.

Patients' Perceptions of Their Pain Condition Across a Multidisciplinary Pain Management Program

OBJECTIVES

The primary aim of this study was to determine whether changes in cognitive processes are related to improved functional outcomes across a multidisciplinary pain management program.

METHODS

A longitudinal design was employed where patients completed 6 versions of the same questionnaire at the beginning, middle, and end of the 4-week treatment program and at 1, 3, and 6 months follow-up. Seventy-six patients consented to participate in this study. Outcome was assessed using the physical and mental component scores of the Short Form Health Questionnaire. Measures of cognitive processes included the Illness Perceptions Questionnaire Revised, the Pain Catastrophizing Scale, and the Pain Vigilance and Awareness Questionnaire. Fifty-eight patients (76%) completed all 6 questionnaires.

RESULTS

We found reductions in catastrophizing and beliefs about the serious consequences of pain were most strongly associated with improved physical functioning, whereas reductions in pain vigilance, emotional representations of pain, and sense of coherence about pain were the best predictors of improved mental functioning. Overall, change in cognitive processes accounted for 26% of the variance in improved physical functioning and 23% of the variance in mental functioning.

DISCUSSION

These findings suggest that interventions that specifically target cognitive processes may enhance treatment effects for patients with chronic pain.

Chronic non-malignant pain patients and health economic consequences

A prospective cohort study on chronic non-malignant pain patients was performed to describe health consequences and changes in use of health care resources and social transfers following multidisciplinary pain treatment. Patients, referred to a Danish Multidisciplinary Pain Center (MPC), were evaluated during four periods: six months prior to referral, waiting list period, intervention, nine months follow-up.

OUTCOME MEASURES

pain intensity (VAS), The Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), The Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWB), The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD). Use of health care resources and social transfers were retrieved from public registers. Statistically significant improvements were obtained in pain intensity, SF-36 bodily pain, PGWB index and subscores vitality, and general health at discharge and follow-up. Intervention costs amounted to EUR 1102 (SD 721). Health care costs were not significantly reduced, but significant reductions in social transfers were seen.

Pharmacoeconomics of opioid therapy for chronic non-malignant pain

Chronic non-malignant pain (CNMP) is widely prevalent and associated with significant costs. Costs related to chronic pain include medical services and medications, treatment of medication-related toxicity and work absenteeism. The use of non-narcotic analgesics is associated with inadequate pain-relief for many patients, as well as significant and costly organ toxicity. When used appropriately and judiciously, opioid medications can be a useful addition to the treatment plan for patients with CNMP. Opioids can provide long-term, safe and cost-effective pain relief.

Economic evaluation of multidisciplinary pain management in chronic pain patients: a qualitative systematic review

In this qualitative systematic review, we have evaluated studies of the economic effectiveness of multidisciplinary pain treatment in chronic non-malignant pain patients. Published reports were identified from a systematic search of bibliographic databases (MEDLINE and EMBASE) and reference lists of retrieved reports. Fourteen reports of nine studies of patients suffering from back pain, fibromyalgia, and mixed chronic pain conditions were considered to be appropriate as economic analyses. In the selected studies, we found serious methodological problems in study designs and application of outcome measures. The quality of the cost measurements was characterized by an apparent lack of tradition using economic methodology. This review does not give an answer to whether multidisciplinary pain management in chronic pain patients is cost-effective or not. Application of standard methods of costing and outcome measurement are essential before studies of cost-effectiveness in multidisciplinary pain treatment can be used in decision-making and planning.