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Wiemann M, Blendow SL, Zimowski N, Enax-Krumova E, Fleischmann R, Penner IK, Grothe M, Strauss S. The role of fatigue in patients with complex regional pain syndrome. J Neurol 2024; 271:5246-5255. [PMID: 38849698 PMCID: PMC11319517 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12473-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Fatigue affects patients across a variety of neurological diseases, including chronic pain syndromes such as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). In CRPS, fatigue is often underestimated, as the focus lies in the assessment and managing of pain and sensorimotor deficits. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, characteristics, and influence of fatigue on CRPS severity and quality of life in these patients. Such insights could enhance the clinical management of this challenging condition. METHODS In this prospective study, 181 CRPS patients and 141 age and gender-matched individuals with injury but without chronic pain were interviewed using the Fatigue Scale for Motor and Cognitive Function to assess fatigue. Depressive symptoms and quality of life (QoL) were also evaluated as additional outcome measures. Statistical analysis was performed to examine differences in fatigue prevalence between the groups, as well as associations with CRPS severity, pain levels, and clinical phenotype. In addition, best subsets regression was used to identify the primary factors influencing QoL. Fatigue was tested in a mediation analysis as a mediator between pain and depression. RESULTS CRPS patients showed significantly higher fatigue levels compared to controls (CRPS: 75 [IQR: 57-85] vs. controls: 39 [IQR: 25-57]). Based on the FSMC, 44.2% in the control group experienced fatigue, while 85% of patients with CRPS experienced fatigue (p < 0.001), of which 6% were mild, 15% moderate, and 67% severe. In CRPS severe fatigue was associated with higher pain intensities compared to no fatigue (pain at rest: p = 0.003; pain during movement: p = 0.007) or moderate fatigue (pain during movement: p = 0.03). QoL in our cohort was mainly influenced by pain (pain during movement: adj.R2 = 0.38; p < 0.001, pain at rest: Δadj.R2 = 0.02, p = 0.007) and depressive symptoms (Δadj.R2 = 0.12, p < 0.001). Subsequent analyses indicated that pain and depressive symptoms primarily impact QoL in CPRS whereas fatigue may exert an indirect influence by mediating the connection between pain and depression (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS This pioneering study investigates the prevalence of fatigue in CRPS patients and its relation to disease characteristics. Our results indicate a high prevalence of severe fatigue, strongly correlated with pain intensity, and its importance in the interaction between pain and depression in CRPS. These findings underscore the significant role of fatigue as a disease factor in CRPS. Therefore, the evaluation of CRPS-related disability should include a standardized assessment of fatigue for comprehensive clinical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Wiemann
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Greifswald, Ferdinand-Sauerbruch-Str. 1, 17475, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Sarah-Luis Blendow
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Greifswald, Ferdinand-Sauerbruch-Str. 1, 17475, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Nikolas Zimowski
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Greifswald, Ferdinand-Sauerbruch-Str. 1, 17475, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Elena Enax-Krumova
- Department of Neurology, BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil gGmbH, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Robert Fleischmann
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Greifswald, Ferdinand-Sauerbruch-Str. 1, 17475, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Iris-Katharina Penner
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Grothe
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Greifswald, Ferdinand-Sauerbruch-Str. 1, 17475, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Sebastian Strauss
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Greifswald, Ferdinand-Sauerbruch-Str. 1, 17475, Greifswald, Germany.
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Zolotareva A, Khegay A, Voevodina E, Kritsky I, Ibragimov R, Nizovskih N, Konstantinov V, Malenova A, Belasheva I, Khodyreva N, Preobrazhensky V, Azanova K, Sarapultseva L, Galimova A, Atamanova I, Kulik A, Neyaskina Y, Lapshin M, Mamonova M, Kadyrov R, Volkova E, Drachkova V, Seryy A, Kosheleva N, Osin E. Optimism, Resilience, and General Self-Efficacy Predict Lower Somatic Burden during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:1338. [PMID: 38998872 PMCID: PMC11241252 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12131338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 06/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
There is scarce evidence of a relationship between positive and psychosomatic characteristics. This study aimed to examine the associations of somatic burden with psychological resources such as optimism, resilience, and general self-efficacy. Russian participants (n = 1020) completed measures of psychological resources at Time 1 and somatic symptoms at Time 2. The results showed that somatic burden decreased with greater levels of optimism, resilience, and general self-efficacy. Regarding health and sociodemographic characteristics, female sex increased somatic burden in the model with optimism scores, university education decreased somatic burden in the model with resilience scores, and history of COVID-19 disease increased somatic burden in the models with optimism, resilience, and general self-efficacy scores. This study has theoretical and practical contributions. It combines positive psychology and psychosomatic medicine and highlights the value of psychological resource interventions in the treatment and prevention of somatic burden. These findings may be useful for scientists, clinicians, and practitioners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alena Zolotareva
- International Laboratory of Positive Psychology of Personality and Motivation, HSE University, 101000 Moscow, Russia; (A.K.); (E.V.); (V.P.); (K.A.); (N.K.)
| | - Anna Khegay
- International Laboratory of Positive Psychology of Personality and Motivation, HSE University, 101000 Moscow, Russia; (A.K.); (E.V.); (V.P.); (K.A.); (N.K.)
| | - Elena Voevodina
- International Laboratory of Positive Psychology of Personality and Motivation, HSE University, 101000 Moscow, Russia; (A.K.); (E.V.); (V.P.); (K.A.); (N.K.)
| | - Igor Kritsky
- Institute of Immunology and Physiology, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 620049 Ekaterinburg, Russia; (I.K.); (R.I.)
| | - Roman Ibragimov
- Institute of Immunology and Physiology, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 620049 Ekaterinburg, Russia; (I.K.); (R.I.)
| | - Nina Nizovskih
- Department of Psychology, Vyatka State University, 610000 Kirov, Russia;
| | | | - Arina Malenova
- Department of General and Social Psychology, Dostoevsky Omsk State University, 644077 Omsk, Russia;
| | - Irina Belasheva
- Department of General Psychology and Personality Psychology, North-Caucasus Federal University, 355017 Stavropol, Russia;
| | - Natalia Khodyreva
- Department of Psychology, Saint-Petersburg State University, 199034 Saint-Petersburg, Russia; (N.K.); (V.D.)
| | - Vladimir Preobrazhensky
- International Laboratory of Positive Psychology of Personality and Motivation, HSE University, 101000 Moscow, Russia; (A.K.); (E.V.); (V.P.); (K.A.); (N.K.)
| | - Kristina Azanova
- International Laboratory of Positive Psychology of Personality and Motivation, HSE University, 101000 Moscow, Russia; (A.K.); (E.V.); (V.P.); (K.A.); (N.K.)
| | - Lilia Sarapultseva
- Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Russian State Vocational Pedagogical University, 620143 Ekaterinburg, Russia;
| | - Almira Galimova
- Department of Theory and Technology of Social Work, Samara National Research University, 443086 Samara, Russia;
| | - Inna Atamanova
- Department of Genetic and Clinical Psychology, Tomsk State University, 634050 Tomsk, Russia;
| | - Anastasia Kulik
- Department of Theoretical and Practical Psychology, Kamchatka State University Named after Vitus Bering, 683032 Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy, Russia; (A.K.); (Y.N.)
| | - Yulia Neyaskina
- Department of Theoretical and Practical Psychology, Kamchatka State University Named after Vitus Bering, 683032 Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy, Russia; (A.K.); (Y.N.)
| | - Maksim Lapshin
- Department of Sports Improvement, South Ural State University, 454080 Chelyabinsk, Russia;
| | - Marina Mamonova
- Municipal Budgetary Educational Institution Lyceum 11, 454091 Chelyabinsk, Russia;
| | - Ruslan Kadyrov
- Department of General Psychological Disciplines, Pacific State Medical University, 690002 Vladivostok, Russia; (R.K.); (E.V.)
| | - Ekaterina Volkova
- Department of General Psychological Disciplines, Pacific State Medical University, 690002 Vladivostok, Russia; (R.K.); (E.V.)
| | - Viktoria Drachkova
- Department of Psychology, Saint-Petersburg State University, 199034 Saint-Petersburg, Russia; (N.K.); (V.D.)
| | - Andrey Seryy
- Department of Psychology, Kemerovo State University, 650000 Kemerovo, Russia;
| | - Natalia Kosheleva
- International Laboratory of Positive Psychology of Personality and Motivation, HSE University, 101000 Moscow, Russia; (A.K.); (E.V.); (V.P.); (K.A.); (N.K.)
| | - Evgeny Osin
- Laboratory LINP2, University of Paris Nanterre, 92001 Nanterre, France;
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Hendriks G, Tan C, Vicknesan MJ, Chen HY, Sung SC, Ang ASY. Physician perceptions of medically unexplained symptoms in adolescent patients presenting to the emergency department. Asian J Psychiatr 2024; 97:104078. [PMID: 38810491 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2024.104078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Adolescents presenting with medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) in non-mental healthcare settings, particularly Emergency Departments (EDs), pose diagnostic challenges necessitating a comprehensive bio-psycho-social approach. Amid the youth mental health crisis, recognising psychological distress is imperative. This study delved into physicians' perceptions and diagnostic tendencies regarding such cases, exploring the potential overshadowing of psychosomatic presentations by medicalized diagnoses in EDs. METHODS Our study involved 74 physicians, representing 82% of eligible respondents in the Paediatric Emergency Medicine Department, and was conducted using an online questionnaire examining perceptions of case scenarios with psychosomatic presentations. RESULTS Results disclosed a prevalent inclination toward medical diagnoses, with less than 10% of physicians considering psychosomatic conditions in specific scenarios. Interestingly, psychosomatic diagnoses were more probable for symptoms like headaches, shortness of breath, and chest pain. The study uncovered a possible bias among physicians towards medical diagnoses in EDs for adolescents with MUS, possibly stemming from physicians' focus on physical care, diagnostic uncertainties, cognitive biases, and concerns about stigmatisation. CONCLUSION Adolescents with MUS seeking assistance in non-mental health settings may encounter delayed mental health diagnoses and interventions. Psychosomatic symptoms could signify stressors or underlying mental health disorders. Recognising psychosocial distress early on is crucial for optimal mental health outcomes. Consequently, the study advocates for a paradigm shift towards a holistic bio-psychosocial approach in both medical education and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gillian Hendriks
- KK Women's and Children's Hospital, 100 Bukit Timah Road, 229899, Singapore.
| | - Chunzhen Tan
- KK Women's and Children's Hospital, 100 Bukit Timah Road, 229899, Singapore
| | | | - Helen Yu Chen
- KK Women's and Children's Hospital, 100 Bukit Timah Road, 229899, Singapore
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Chaabouni A, Houwen J, Grewer G, Liebau M, Akkermans R, van Boven K, Walraven I, Schers H, Olde Hartman T. The burden of persistent symptom diagnoses in primary care patients: a cross-sectional study. Scand J Prim Health Care 2024; 42:112-122. [PMID: 38189313 PMCID: PMC10851811 DOI: 10.1080/02813432.2023.2293930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The burden of symptoms is a subjective experience of distress. Little is known on the burden of feeling unwell in patients with persistent symptom diagnoses. The aim of this study was to assess the burden in primary care patients with persistent symptom diagnoses compared to other primary care patients. METHODS A cross-sectional study was performed in which an online survey was sent to random samples of 889 patients with persistent symptom diagnoses (>1 year) and 443 other primary care patients after a transactional identification in a Dutch primary care data registry. Validated questionnaires were used to assess the severity of symptoms (PHQ-15), Symptom Intensity and Symptom Interference questionnaires, depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), quality of life (SF-12 and EQ-5D-5L)) and social functioning (SPF-ILs). RESULTS Overall, 243 patients completed the survey: 178 (73.3%) patients in the persistent symptom diagnoses group and 65 (26.7%) patients in the control group. In the persistent group, 65 (36.5%) patients did not have persistent symptom(s) anymore according to the survey response. Patients who still had persistent symptom diagnoses (n = 113, 63.5%) reported significantly more severe somatic symptoms (mean difference = 3.6, [95% CI: 0.24, 4.41]), depression (mean difference = 3.0 [95% CI: 1.24, 3.61]) and anxiety (mean difference = 2.3 [95% CI: 0.28, 3.10]) and significantly lower physical functioning (mean difference = - 6.8 [95% CI: -8.96, -3.92]). CONCLUSION Patients with persistent symptom diagnoses suffer from high levels of symptoms burden. The burden in patient with persistent symptoms should not be underestimated as awareness of this burden may enhance person-centered care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asma Chaabouni
- Department of Primary and Community care, Radboud Institute of Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Juul Houwen
- Department of Primary and Community care, Radboud Institute of Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Georg Grewer
- USUMA Markt- und Sozialforschung GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin Liebau
- USUMA Markt- und Sozialforschung GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | - Reinier Akkermans
- Department of Primary and Community care, Radboud Institute of Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Scientific Institute for Quality of Healthcare, Radboud Institute of Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Kees van Boven
- Department of Primary and Community care, Radboud Institute of Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Iris Walraven
- Department for Health Evidence, Radboud Institute of Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Henk Schers
- Department of Primary and Community care, Radboud Institute of Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Tim Olde Hartman
- Department of Primary and Community care, Radboud Institute of Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Fränkl E, Hasenbank N, Dumröse K, Löwe B, Kohlmann S. Public and patient involvement in the development of an internet-based guide for persistent somatic symptoms (GUIDE.PSS): A qualitative study on the needs of those affected. Health Expect 2024; 27:e13931. [PMID: 38062910 PMCID: PMC10757203 DOI: 10.1111/hex.13931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Persistent somatic symptoms (PSS) frequently remain under-treated in health care settings. Evidence-based services that lead affected individuals to early guideline-based care are currently missing. This study aimed to identify the needs of those affected concerning an internet-based guide. The second aim was to evaluate public and patient involvement (PPI). METHODS Participants experiencing PSS for at least 6 months were recruited via hospitals, psychotherapeutic practices and self-help organizations. Qualitative data were gathered via ideation discussions and prioritization tasks. Thematic analysis was conducted to gain insight on the needs of people with lived experiences. PPI was quantitatively evaluated with the Public and Patient Engagement Evaluation Tool. RESULTS A total of 12 individuals participated (eight females, ages 22-66 years, duration of symptoms 1-43 years). Participants wanted to feel more supported, validated, in control and engaged with managing their health. Content-related preferences included education, self-help, social support and contact addresses. The majority of participants (>90%) experienced their involvement as worthwhile. CONCLUSIONS To the best of our knowledge, this is one of the first studies describing PPI in intervention development for PSS. The involvement was perceived as a valuable contribution to the development process. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION Adults with lived experiences were involved at the level of collaboration through the establishment of a participatory research team (PRT) and at the level of consultation through a workshop series, including one of the coauthors. They were involved in developing and validating intervention material and checking data interpretation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eirin Fränkl
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and PsychotherapyUniversity Medical Centre Hamburg‐EppendorfHamburgGermany
| | - Nele Hasenbank
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and PsychotherapyUniversity Medical Centre Hamburg‐EppendorfHamburgGermany
| | | | - Bernd Löwe
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and PsychotherapyUniversity Medical Centre Hamburg‐EppendorfHamburgGermany
| | - Sebastian Kohlmann
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and PsychotherapyUniversity Medical Centre Hamburg‐EppendorfHamburgGermany
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Nagamine T, Watanabe T. The Catastrophic Perception of Pain in Burning Mouth Syndrome May be Associated with Sympathetic Tone as Indicated by the QTc Interval. INNOVATIONS IN CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCE 2024; 21:8-9. [PMID: 38495607 PMCID: PMC10941860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Takahiko Nagamine
- Dr. Nagamine is with Sunlight Brain Research Center in Hofu, Yamaguchi, Japan, and Department of Psychosomatic Dentistry, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University in Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takeshi Watanabe
- Dr. Watanabe is with Department of Preventive Medicine, Tokushima University in Tokushima, Japan
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Hennemann S, Wenzel M, Van den Bergh O, Wessels M, Witthöft M. Emotion dynamics and somatic symptoms in everyday life: Ecological momentary assessment in somatic symptom disorder and healthy controls. J Psychosom Res 2023; 172:111429. [PMID: 37406416 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2023.111429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Negative affectivity (NA) is associated with the emergence and persistence of physical symptoms with unclear organic pathology. This study investigated the temporal dynamics of NA and somatic symptom burden using ecological momentary assessment (EMA) in adults with somatic symptom disorder (SSD) and healthy control participants (HC). METHODS Participants underwent a seven-day, smartphone-based EMA, with 6 randomly-stratified time points per day. NA was assessed using a five-item short form of the Positive and Negative Affectivity Scale (PANAS) and somatic symptom burden with two self-constructed items. 22 persons with SSD and 20 HCs were included in multilevel analyses. RESULTS Within-person analyses showed a significantly stronger (positive) association of concurrent NA with somatic symptom burden in participants with SSD than in HCs, β = 0.15, SE = 0.04, p = .001. Time-lagged analyses demonstrated that, across groups, NA at a previous time point t-1 significantly predicted somatic symptom burden at the subsequent timepoint t, β = 0.09, SE = 0.03, p = .005, but not in the other direction (somatic symptom burdent-1→ NAt, β = 0.01, SE = 0.04, p = .79). Between-person analyses showed that both inertia (i.e., persistence of negative affective states), d = 0.74, and instability (i.e., magnitude of moment-to-moment fluctuations), d = 0.76 of NA were significantly higher in participants with SSD than in HCs. CONCLUSIONS Our findings sustain the idea of (negative) affect-driven modulation in somatic signal processing and suggest that interoceptive and emotional differentiation training can advance the psychotherapeutic treatment of SSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Severin Hennemann
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Psychotherapy and Experimental Psychopathology, University of Mainz, Germany.
| | - Mario Wenzel
- Department of Health Psychology, University of Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Marlene Wessels
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Mainz, Germany
| | - Michael Witthöft
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Psychotherapy and Experimental Psychopathology, University of Mainz, Germany
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Sood M, Ganesh R, Mahapatra A, Verma R, Chadda RK. Somatic symptoms in schizophrenia: Association with socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, disability and quality of life. Indian J Psychiatry 2023; 65:749-754. [PMID: 37645357 PMCID: PMC10461576 DOI: 10.4103/indianjpsychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_571_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims There is lack of research on somatic symptoms in schizophrenia. We aimed at finding prevalence and types of somatic symptoms in patients with schizophrenia and assessed their association with socio-demographic and clinical characteristics. Methods We assessed somatic symptoms using Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15) in 93 patients with schizophrenia diagnosed on ICD10-DCR. Scale for Assessment of Positive Symptoms and Scale for Assessment of Negative Symptoms, WHO Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0, WHO Quality of Life (BREF) Hindi version and Liverpool University Neuroleptic Side-Effect Rating Scale were used to assess psychopathology, disability, quality of life and side effects. Results Significant somatic symptoms (n ≥5 on PHQ-15) were present in 62 (67.7%) patients with schizophrenia. Forty three (69.4%) had mild (n = 5-9 on PHQ-15), 17 (27.4%) had moderate (n = 10-14 on PHQ-15), and only 2 (3.2%) had severe (n = ≥15 on PHQ -15) somatic symptoms. Mean somatic symptoms score on PHQ-15 was 7.28 (± 3.83); 96.8% reported feeling tired, 76.3% had constipation or diarrhoea, 67.7% trouble in sleeping, 61.3% nausea or indigestion, 52.7% back pain and 51.6% headache. Patients with somatic symptoms were older in age, had longer duration of illness and treatment, and had more negative symptoms. They had higher disability and poor quality of life especially in physical domain. Conclusion Somatic symptoms are common in patients with schizophrenia and are associated with chronicity, refractoriness and negative symptoms, significant disability and poor quality of life. Thus during routine clinical practice, somatic symptoms should be assessed and managed in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mamta Sood
- Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Ragul Ganesh
- Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Vijaypur, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Ananya Mahapatra
- Department of Psychiatry, Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Hospital and Medical College, New Delhi, India
| | - Rohit Verma
- Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Rakesh K. Chadda
- Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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Toonders SAJ, van Westrienen PE, de Wit NJ, van Dongen JM, Gerrits M, Pisters MF, Veenhof C. The cost-effectiveness of an indicated blended care intervention in primary care compared to usual care in patients with moderate persistent somatic symptoms. J Psychosom Res 2023; 171:111387. [PMID: 37270910 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2023.111387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Appropriate treatment for people with an increased risk for developing chronic Persistent Somatic Symptoms (PSS) is of great importance at an early stage to improve quality of life and prevent high costs for society. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of an integrated blended care intervention compared to usual care for QALYs, subjective symptom impact and physical and mental health status in patients with moderate PSS. METHODS This economic evaluation was conducted alongside a 12-month prospective, multicenter cluster randomized controlled trial in Dutch primary care. 80 participants received the intervention and 80 participants received usual care. Seemingly unrelated regression analyzes were performed to estimate cost and effect differences. Missing data were imputed using multiple imputation. Bootstrapping techniques were used to estimate uncertainty. RESULTS We found no significant difference in total societal costs. Intervention, primary and secondary healthcare and absenteeism costs were higher for the intervention group. The ICER for QALYs demonstrated the intervention was on average less costly and less effective compared to usual care. For the subjective symptom impact and physical health, the ICER indicated that the intervention group was on average less costly and more effective. For mental health, the intervention was on average more costly and less effective. CONCLUSION We didn't find an integrated blended primary care intervention to be cost-effective compared to usual care. However, when looking on relevant, but specific outcome measures (subjective symptom impact and physical health) for this population, average costs are found to be lower and the effectiveness found to be higher.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A J Toonders
- Department of Health Innovation and Technology, Fontys University of Applied Sciences, Eindhoven, the Netherlands; Center for Physical Therapy Research and Innovation in Primary Care, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Physical Therapy Research, Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sport, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - P E van Westrienen
- Department of Health Innovation and Technology, Fontys University of Applied Sciences, Eindhoven, the Netherlands; Center for Physical Therapy Research and Innovation in Primary Care, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Physical Therapy Research, Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sport, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - N J de Wit
- Department of General Practice, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - J M van Dongen
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Movement Sciences Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - M Gerrits
- Department of General Practice, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - M F Pisters
- Department of Health Innovation and Technology, Fontys University of Applied Sciences, Eindhoven, the Netherlands; Center for Physical Therapy Research and Innovation in Primary Care, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Physical Therapy Research, Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sport, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - C Veenhof
- Center for Physical Therapy Research and Innovation in Primary Care, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Physical Therapy Research, Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sport, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Research Group Innovation of Human Movement Care, University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Kitselaar WM, Büchner FL, van der Vaart R, Sutch SP, Bennis FC, Evers AW, Numans ME. Early identification of persistent somatic symptoms in primary care: data-driven and theory-driven predictive modelling based on electronic medical records of Dutch general practices. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e066183. [PMID: 37130660 PMCID: PMC10163476 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-066183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The present study aimed to early identify patients with persistent somatic symptoms (PSS) in primary care by exploring routine care data-based approaches. DESIGN/SETTING A cohort study based on routine primary care data from 76 general practices in the Netherlands was executed for predictive modelling. PARTICIPANTS Inclusion of 94 440 adult patients was based on: at least 7-year general practice enrolment, having more than one symptom/disease registration and >10 consultations. METHODS Cases were selected based on the first PSS registration in 2017-2018. Candidate predictors were selected 2-5 years prior to PSS and categorised into data-driven approaches: symptoms/diseases, medications, referrals, sequential patterns and changing lab results; and theory-driven approaches: constructed factors based on literature and terminology in free text. Of these, 12 candidate predictor categories were formed and used to develop prediction models by cross-validated least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression on 80% of the dataset. Derived models were internally validated on the remaining 20% of the dataset. RESULTS All models had comparable predictive values (area under the receiver operating characteristic curves=0.70 to 0.72). Predictors are related to genital complaints, specific symptoms (eg, digestive, fatigue and mood), healthcare utilisation, and number of complaints. Most fruitful predictor categories are literature-based and medications. Predictors often had overlapping constructs, such as digestive symptoms (symptom/disease codes) and drugs for anti-constipation (medication codes), indicating that registration is inconsistent between general practitioners (GPs). CONCLUSIONS The findings indicate low to moderate diagnostic accuracy for early identification of PSS based on routine primary care data. Nonetheless, simple clinical decision rules based on structured symptom/disease or medication codes could possibly be an efficient way to support GPs in identifying patients at risk of PSS. A full data-based prediction currently appears to be hampered by inconsistent and missing registrations. Future research on predictive modelling of PSS using routine care data should focus on data enrichment or free-text mining to overcome inconsistent registrations and improve predictive accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willeke M Kitselaar
- Health Campus The Hague/Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, The Hague, The Netherlands
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology unit, Department of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Frederike L Büchner
- Health Campus The Hague/Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Rosalie van der Vaart
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology unit, Department of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Stephen P Sutch
- Health Campus The Hague/Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, The Hague, The Netherlands
- HSR, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Frank C Bennis
- Computer Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Andrea Wm Evers
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology unit, Department of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Mattijs E Numans
- Health Campus The Hague/Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, The Hague, The Netherlands
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11
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Vos AECC, Jongen EMM, van den Hout AJHC, van Lankveld JJDM. Loneliness in patients with somatic symptom disorder. Scand J Pain 2023; 23:291-297. [PMID: 36519317 DOI: 10.1515/sjpain-2022-0057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Patients with somatoform disorders often experience loneliness. They feel misunderstood and socially rejected. Whereas loneliness is related to several medical conditions, social support can minimize loneliness. In the current study, differences in loneliness and the evaluation of social support between patients with Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD) and healthy controls were investigated using standardized questionnaires. In addition, the relation between loneliness and somatic symptoms was investigated. METHODS In a cross-sectional study design, a group of patients with SSD (n=75) was compared to a healthy control group (n=112). It was hypothesized that [1] patients with SSD experience more loneliness and evaluate their social support more negatively than healthy controls and [2] loneliness will correlate positively with experienced somatic symptoms. RESULTS In comparison to healthy controls, patients with SSD experienced more loneliness and their evaluation of social support was more negative. In addition, loneliness correlated positively with the degree of experienced somatic symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Patients with SSD experienced lower social support, more loneliness, and across the two groups loneliness was positively associated with somatic symptoms. Effect sizes were all large. Therefore, these results may have implications for the treatment of SSD.
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12
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Kondapura MB, Manjunatha N, Nagaraj AKM, Praharaj SK, Kumar CN, Math SB, Rao GN. Work productivity (absenteeism and presenteeism) in persons with common mental disorders: An observational study from South India. Indian J Psychiatry 2023; 65:412-418. [PMID: 37325101 PMCID: PMC10263087 DOI: 10.4103/indianjpsychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_730_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The greatest contributor to the economic impact of common mental disorders (CMDs) is said to be the loss of work productivity. There is a paucity of studies from India that looks at the impact of CMDs on the productivity of work, which costs both patient and society significantly. Aim To assess and compare work productivity by evaluating both absolute and relative presenteeism and absenteeism, in persons with CMDs. Materials and Methods This was a cross-sectional observational study on 220 subjects (110, 58, and 52 patients with depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, and somatoform disorders, respectively), recruited through purposive sampling. We evaluated work productivity using the World Health Organization Health and Work Performance Questionnaire. Results Absolute absenteeism was significantly different before and after treatment for CMDs as a group but not for individual disorders. Relative absenteeism, absolute presenteeism, and relative presenteeism were all significantly different before and after treatment among both CMDs as a group and also among individual disorders. Both presenteeism and absenteeism (absolute as well as relative) did not differ significantly across the diagnostic groups. Work productivity has been linearly associated with illness severity and disability. Conclusion CMDs are associated with a significant loss of work productivity. Presenteeism is costlier than absenteeism in affecting work productivity. Loss of work productivity appears to be transdiagnostic across all CMDs. Also, the severity of loss of work productivity is associated linearly with the severity of illness and disability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Samir K. Praharaj
- Department of Psychiatry, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | | | - Suresh B. Math
- Department of Psychiatry, NIMHANS, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Girish N. Rao
- Department of Psychiatry, NIMHANS, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
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13
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Association between Negative Life Events and Somatic Symptoms: A Mediation Model through Self-Esteem and Depression. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 13:bs13030243. [PMID: 36975269 PMCID: PMC10045670 DOI: 10.3390/bs13030243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the serial multiple mediation of self-esteem and depression in the relationship between negative life events and somatic symptoms in Chinese medical students. We recruited a total of 3383 medical students for this study, and used the Patient Health Questionnaire-15 to assess the somatic symptoms of subjects; the Adolescent Self-Rating Life Events Check List to assess negative life events; the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale to assess self-esteem; and the Patient Health Questionnaire for depression. Descriptive analysis and statistical tests were then performed on the collected data. We showed that 39.17% of the medical students had mild somatic symptoms, 24.14% had moderate somatic symptoms, and 5.66% had severe somatic symptoms; we observed significant differences in somatic symptoms among genders, living expenses, and one-child. For negative life events, interpersonal stress was the most important predictor of somatization during the regression analysis. In addition, we observed significance for both the direct and part of the indirect paths from negative life events to somatic symptoms using mediation model analysis. However, we noted that there was no significance for the path through negative life events and self-esteem to somatic symptoms. This study revealed a high prevalence of somatic symptoms among Chinese medical students, and the findings suggested that interventions aimed at reducing somatization in this population should consider the impact of negative life events, particularly those related to interpersonal stress. One potential approach to mitigating the effects of negative life events on somatization is to enhance self-esteem and decrease the level of depression among medical students.
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14
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Shen S, Dong Z, Sander JW, Zhou D, Li J. Somatic symptoms and related disorders in a large cohort of people with epilepsy: A cohort study. Epilepsia 2023; 64:320-334. [PMID: 36318105 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study was undertaken to characterize somatic symptoms and related disorders (SSD) in epilepsy. METHODS Adults with epilepsy under active follow-up at a tertiary epilepsy center were consecutively enrolled. The diagnosis of SSD was performed by an experienced psychologist based on the structured clinical interview for Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition. Detailed social/demographic data, epilepsy features, psychiatric features, life quality, disability, and economic burden were collected and compared between people with SSD and those without. Bodily distress syndrome checklist, Somatic Symptom Disorder-B Criteria Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder seven-item scale (GAD-7) were used to evaluate SSD individuals' somatic symptoms, symptom-related psychological distress, and depressive and anxious symptoms. Quality of life and disability were assessed by Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory 31 (QOLIE-31) and World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule V.2.0 (WHO DAS 2.0). A risk prediction nomogram was generated using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analysis and validated. RESULTS One hundred fifty of 631 participants (24%) were diagnosed with SSD. In people with SSD, the top three most common somatic symptoms were memory impairment, headache, and dizziness (85%, 80%, and 78%, respectively), and multiple systems were involved in most (82%) people with SSD. Compared with people without SSD, those with SSD had lower QOLIE-31 total scores, and higher WHO DAS 2.0 scores and disease economic burdens. LASSO analysis suggested that a history of severe traumatic brain injury, hippocampal sclerosis, low seizure worry and medication effects scores on QOLIE-31, multiple systems affected by somatic symptoms, and a high GAD-7 score were risk factors of SSD. The nomogram was validated for good accuracy in the training and testing cohorts. SIGNIFICANCE SSD are likely to be a common comorbidity in epilepsy and harm epilepsy prognosis. Our risk prediction nomogram was successfully developed but needs further validation in larger cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sisi Shen
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zaiquan Dong
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Josemir W Sander
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- University College London Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont St Peter, UK
- Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland, Heemstede, the Netherlands
| | - Dong Zhou
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jinmei Li
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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15
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Čevelíček M, Roubal J, Hytych R, Řiháček T. What works in the treatment of medically unexplained physical symptoms? The psychotherapist perspective. COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGY QUARTERLY 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/09515070.2022.2123785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Michal Čevelíček
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Studies, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Jan Roubal
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Studies, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Roman Hytych
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Studies, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Tomáš Řiháček
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Studies, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
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Jadhakhan F, Romeu D, Lindner O, Blakemore A, Guthrie E. Prevalence of medically unexplained symptoms in adults who are high users of healthcare services and magnitude of associated costs: a systematic review. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e059971. [PMID: 36198445 PMCID: PMC9535167 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-059971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) is a common clinical syndrome in primary and secondary healthcare service. Outcomes for patients with persistent MUS include increased disability, poorer quality of life and higher healthcare costs. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the prevalence of MUS in patients who are high users of healthcare or high-cost patients in comparison with routine users and the magnitude of associated costs. DESIGN A systematic review of the available literature. DATA SOURCES AND ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA The following electronic databases were systematically searched without language restriction from inception to June 2018 and updated on 22 October 2021: MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, CINAHL and PROSPERO. Inclusion criteria included studies investigating adults aged ≥18 years, who were high healthcare users or accrued high healthcare costs, in which the prevalence and/or associated costs of MUS was quantified. Two reviewers independently extracted information on study characteristics, exposure and outcomes. RESULTS From 5622 identified publications, 25 studies from 9 countries involving 31 650 patients were selected for inclusion. Due to high risk of bias in many studies and heterogeneity between studies, results are described narratively. There were wide variations in prevalence estimates for MUS in high users of healthcare (2.9%-76%), but MUS was more prevalent in high use groups compared with low use groups in all but one of the 12 studies that included a comparator group. Only three studies investigated healthcare costs associated with MUS, and all three reported greater healthcare costs associated with MUS. CONCLUSION MUS has been found to be more prevalent in high use healthcare populations than comparator groups, but the magnitude of difference is difficult to estimate due to considerable heterogeneity between studies and potential for bias. Future studies should prioritise a standardised approach to this research area, with agreed definitions of MUS and high healthcare use. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42018100388.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferozkhan Jadhakhan
- Centre of Precision Rehabilitation for Spinal Pain School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Daniel Romeu
- Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Leeds, UK
- Division of Psychological and Social Medicine, Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Oana Lindner
- Patient-Centred Outcomes Research Group, Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St. James's University Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Amy Blakemore
- Division of Nursing, Social Work and Midwifery, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Elspeth Guthrie
- School of Medicine, Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Room 10.39, Worsley Building, Clarendon Way, Leeds, UK
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17
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Jøssang IH, Aamland A, Hjörleifsson S. Discovering strengths in patients with medically unexplained symptoms - a focus group study with general practitioners. Scand J Prim Health Care 2022; 40:405-413. [PMID: 36345858 PMCID: PMC9848323 DOI: 10.1080/02813432.2022.2139345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND When patients suffer medically unexplained symptoms, consultations can be difficult and frustrating for both patient and GP. Acknowledging the patient as a co-subject can be particularly important when the symptoms remain unexplained. One way of seeing the patient as a co-subject is by recognizing any among their strong sides. OBJECTIVES To explore GPs' experiences with discovering strengths in their patients with medically unexplained symptoms and elicit GPs' reflections on how this might be useful. METHODS Four focus-groups with 17 GPs in Norway. Verbatim transcripts from the interviews were analyzed by systematic text condensation. RESULTS Recollecting patients' strengths was quiet challenging to the GPs. Gradually they nevertheless shared a range of examples, and many participants had experienced that knowing patients' strong sides could make consultations less demanding, and sometimes enable the GP to provide better help. Identifying strengths in patients with unexplained symptoms required a deliberate effort on the GPs' behalf, and this seemed to be a result of a strong focus on biomedical disease and loss of function. CONCLUSIONS Acknowledging patients' strong sides can bolster GPs' ability to help patients with medically unexplained symptoms. However, the epistemic disadvantage of generalist expertise makes this hard to achieve. It is difficult for GPs to integrate person-centered perspectives with biomedical knowledge due to the privileged position of the latter. This seems to indicate a need for system-level innovations to increase the status of person-centered clinical work. Key pointsMUS is challenging for both patients and GPs mainly because of the incongruence between symptoms and the dominating biomedical model.GPs' focus on pathology and loss of function can prevent them from discovering patients' strengths.Awareness of patients' strengths can make consultations less demanding for GPs and enable them to provide better help.A conscious effort is needed to discover patients' strengths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingjerd Helene Jøssang
- Department of global public health and primary care, University of Bergen, Norway
- Research unit for general practice, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, Bergen, Norway
- CONTACT Ingjerd Helene Jøssang Research unit for general practice, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, Årstadveien 17, Bergen5016, Norway
| | - Aase Aamland
- Research unit for general practice, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, Bergen, Norway
| | - Stefan Hjörleifsson
- Department of global public health and primary care, University of Bergen, Norway
- Research unit for general practice, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, Bergen, Norway
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den Boer C, Terluin B, van der Wouden JC, Blankenstein AH, van der Horst HE. Experiences of general practitioners explaining central sensitisation to patients with persistent physical symptoms: a focus group study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e060063. [PMID: 35882464 PMCID: PMC9330311 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-060063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Patients with persistent physical symptoms (PPS) require an explanation that is acceptable and comprehensible to them. Central sensitisation (CS) is an explanatory model for PPS and chronic pain that has been broadly applied in the context of pain medicine, but, until recently, not by general practitioners (GPs). We explored how GPs used the CS model in their consultations with patients with PPS. DESIGN AND SETTING A qualitative focus group study among GPs in the Netherlands. METHODS We instructed 33 GPs on how to explain CS to patients with PPS. After 0.5-1.5 years of using the CS model, 26 GPs participated in focus groups and interviews to report and discuss their experiences with CS as an explanatory model. Audio recordings were transcribed and two researchers independently analysed the data. The text was coded, codes were organised into themes and discussed until consensus was reached. RESULTS We identified eleven themes and grouped these into four categories.The GPs regarded the CS model as evidence-based, credible and giving recognition to the patient. On the other hand, they found explaining the CS model difficult and time-consuming. They tailored the CS model to their patients' needs and used multiple consultations to explain the model. The GPs reported that the use of the CS model seemed to improve the understanding and acceptance of the symptoms by the patients and seemed to reduce their need for more diagnostic tests. Furthermore, patients seemed to become more motivated to accept appropriate therapy. CONCLUSION GPs reported that they were able to provide explanations with the CS model to their patients with PPS. They regarded the model as evidence-based, credible and giving recognition to the patient, but explaining it difficult and time-consuming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carine den Boer
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of General Practice, Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Berend Terluin
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of General Practice, Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes C van der Wouden
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of General Practice, Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Annette H Blankenstein
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of General Practice, Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Henriëtte E van der Horst
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of General Practice, Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Lamu AN, Robberstad B, Hamre HJ, Alræk T, Musial F, Björkman L. Validity and responsiveness of GHC-index in patients with amalgam-attributed health complaints. Acta Odontol Scand 2022; 80:226-233. [PMID: 34651557 DOI: 10.1080/00016357.2021.1989032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Many patients have medically unexplained physical symptoms (MUPS); some of them attribute their health complaints to dental amalgam fillings. The aim of this study was to assess the validity and responsiveness of General Health Complaints index (GHC-index) for measuring the symptom load in MUPS patients compared to the widely used symptom outcome measure, Giessen Subjective Complaints List (GBB-24). METHODS Three outcome measures - GHC-index, GBB-24, and Munich Amalgam Scale (MAS) - were administered at baseline and 12 months after removal of all dental amalgam restorations. The validity and responsiveness of these symptom measures were tested against external anchors: bodily distress syndrome (BDS), SF-36 vitality, and visual analogue scale (VAS). We tested both convergent and known group validities. We also examined the predictive validity and responsiveness to changes for each instrument. RESULTS All the main outcome measures showed evidence of convergent and known group validities. The GHC-index, GBB-24 and MAS were all able to detect the anticipated differences in BDS and Energy. But the GBB-24 was more efficient in discriminating the BDS compared with the GHC-index (relative efficiency: RE = 0.69; 95% CI: 0.41-0.96) and MAS (RE = 0.59; 95% CI: 0.32-0.86). Each main outcome variable revealed good predictive validity for vitality (standardized coefficient: b ≈ 0.71 and R2 ≈ 0.50). Moderate to high sensitivity to change over time was demonstrated, with GHC-index performing better. CONCLUSION The GHC-index is a valid and responsive instrument for assessing symptom load in MUPS patients attributing their health complaints to amalgam fillings and undergoing amalgam removal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Admassu N. Lamu
- Section for Ethics and Health Economics, Department of Global Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Dental Biomaterials Adverse Reaction Unit, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre AS, Bergen, Norway
| | - Bjarne Robberstad
- Section for Ethics and Health Economics, Department of Global Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Harald J. Hamre
- Institute for Applied Epistemology and Medical Methodology, University of Witten/Herdecke, Witten, Germany
| | - Terje Alræk
- Department of Community Medicine, National Research Center in Complementary and Alternative Medicine, NAFKAM, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Frauke Musial
- Department of Community Medicine, National Research Center in Complementary and Alternative Medicine, NAFKAM, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Lars Björkman
- Dental Biomaterials Adverse Reaction Unit, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre AS, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Dentistry, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Barriers and facilitators to implementing interventions for medically unexplained symptoms in primary and secondary care: A systematic review. Gen Hosp Psychiatry 2021; 73:101-113. [PMID: 34763113 DOI: 10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2021.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To integrate existing literature on barriers and facilitators to implementing interventions for Medically Unexplained Symptoms (MUS) in primary and secondary care. METHOD Systematic review following PRISMA guidelines. A search of PsychINFO/Pubmed/Web of Science was performed to select studies focusing on MUS-interventions and implementation. All included papers were checked for quality and bias. A narrative synthesis approach was used to describe the included papers by implementation level, ranging from the specific intervention to the broader economic/political context. RESULTS 20 (quantitative/qualitative/mixed design) papers were included, but the quantitative studies especially, lacked methodological quality, with possible publication bias as a result. Results showed that the intervention needs to be acceptable and in line with daily practice routines. The professional's attitude and skills are important for implementation success, as well as for overcoming problems in the professional-patient interaction. If patients stick to finding a somatic cause, this hampers implementation. A lack of time is a frequently mentioned barrier at the organizational level. Barriers/facilitators at the social context level and at the economic/political level were barely reported on in the included papers. CONCLUSION Results were integrated into an existing implementation model, as an example of how MUS-interventions can be successfully implemented in practice.
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den Boer C, Terluin B, van der Wouden JC, Blankenstein AH, van der Horst HE. Tests for central sensitization in general practice: a Delphi study. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2021; 22:206. [PMID: 34666688 PMCID: PMC8527602 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-021-01539-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Central sensitization (CS) may explain the persistence of symptoms in patients with chronic pain and persistent physical symptoms (PPS). There is a need for assessing CS in the consultation room. In a recently published systematic review, we made an inventory of tests for CS. In this study we aimed to assess which tests might have added value, might be feasible and thus be suitable for use in general practice. METHODS We conducted a Delphi study consisting of two e-mail rounds to reach consensus among experts in chronic pain and PPS. We invited 40 national and international experts on chronic pain and PPS, 27 agreed to participate. We selected 12 tests from our systematic review and additional searches; panellists added three more tests in the first round. We asked the panellists, both clinicians and researchers, to rate these 15 tests on technical feasibility for use in general practice, added value and to provide an overall judgement for suitability in general practice. RESULTS In two rounds the panellists reached consensus on 14 of the 15 tests: three were included, eleven excluded. Included were the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI), pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) and monofilaments. No consensus was reached on the Sensory Hypersensitivity Scale. CONCLUSION In a Delphi study among an international panel of experts, three tests for measuring CS were considered to be suitable for use in general practice: the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI), pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) and monofilaments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carine den Boer
- Department of General Practice, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Berend Terluin
- Department of General Practice, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes C van der Wouden
- Department of General Practice, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Annette H Blankenstein
- Department of General Practice, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Henriëtte E van der Horst
- Department of General Practice, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Toonders SAJ, van Westrienen PE, Konings S, Nieboer ME, Veenhof C, Pisters MF. Patients' Perspectives on the Usability of a Blended Approach to an Integrated Intervention for Patients With Medically Unexplained Physical Symptoms: Mixed Methods Study. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e19794. [PMID: 34581674 PMCID: PMC8512187 DOI: 10.2196/19794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Medically unexplained physical symptoms are physical symptoms, such as pain, fatigue, and dizziness, that persist for more than a few weeks and cannot be explained after adequate medical examination. Treatment for preventing the chronicity of symptoms is recommended. A promising approach is identifying patients who are at risk and subsequently offering a blended care intervention that focuses on promoting self-management while using eHealth as a supportive tool. When these interventions match with a patient’s expectations, their effectiveness grows. Objective This study aimed to obtain more insights into usability from the patient perspective to improve future interventions. Methods A mixed methods design (ie, the use of qualitative and quantitative data) was used. Through semistructured interviews, in-depth insights were gained into patients’ perspectives on usability. The analysis process was continuous and iterative. Data were synthesized and categorized into different themes. The System Usability Scale, which measures the usability of a system, was used to compare participants that found usability to be low, medium, or high. This study was approved by the Medical Ethical Committee Utrecht (approval number: 17-391/C). Results Saturation was reached after interviewing 13 participants. The following four themes emerged from the interviews: motivations and expectations prior to participating in the program, the applicability of e-coaching, the role of health care professionals, and the integrated design of the blended approach. Conclusions The successful implementation of integrated blended care interventions based on patients’ perspectives requires matching treatments to patients’ individual situations and motivations. Furthermore, personalizing the relative frequency of face-to-face appointments and e-coaching can improve usability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suze Adriana Johanna Toonders
- Department of Health Innovation and Technology, Fontys University of Applied Sciences, Eindhoven, Netherlands.,Center for Physical Therapy Research and Innovation in Primary Care, Leidsche Rijn Julius Health Care Centers, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Physical Therapy Research Group, Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sport, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Paula Elisabeth van Westrienen
- Department of Health Innovation and Technology, Fontys University of Applied Sciences, Eindhoven, Netherlands.,Center for Physical Therapy Research and Innovation in Primary Care, Leidsche Rijn Julius Health Care Centers, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Physical Therapy Research Group, Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sport, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Sophie Konings
- Department of Health Innovation and Technology, Fontys University of Applied Sciences, Eindhoven, Netherlands.,Physical Therapy Sciences Program in Clinical Health Sciences, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Marianne E Nieboer
- Department of Health Innovation and Technology, Fontys University of Applied Sciences, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Cindy Veenhof
- Physical Therapy Research Group, Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sport, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Physical Therapy Sciences Program in Clinical Health Sciences, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Research Group Innovation of Human Movement Care, University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Martijn F Pisters
- Department of Health Innovation and Technology, Fontys University of Applied Sciences, Eindhoven, Netherlands.,Center for Physical Therapy Research and Innovation in Primary Care, Leidsche Rijn Julius Health Care Centers, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Physical Therapy Research Group, Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sport, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Physical Therapy Sciences Program in Clinical Health Sciences, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
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Kitselaar WM, Numans ME, Sutch SP, Faiq A, Evers AW, van der Vaart R. Identifying persistent somatic symptoms in electronic health records: exploring multiple theory-driven methods of identification. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e049907. [PMID: 34535479 PMCID: PMC8451292 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-049907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Persistent somatic symptoms (PSSs) are defined as symptoms not fully explained by well-established pathophysiological mechanisms and are prevalent in up to 10% of patients in primary care. The present study aimed to explore methods to identify patients with a recognisable risk of having PSS in routine primary care data. DESIGN A cross-sectional study to explore four identification methods that each cover part of the broad spectrum of PSS was performed. Cases were selected based on (1) PSS-related syndrome codes, (2) PSS-related symptom codes, (3) PSS-related terminology and (4) Four-Dimensional Symptom Questionnaire scores and all methods combined. SETTING Coded electronic health record data were extracted from 76 general practices in the Netherlands. PARTICIPANTS Patients who were registered for at least 1 year during 2014-2018, were included (n=169 138). OUTCOME MEASURES Identification methods were explored based on (1) PSS sample sizes and demographics, (2) presence of chronic conditions and (3) healthcare utilisation (HCU) variables. Overlap between methods and practice specific differences were examined. RESULTS The percentage of cases identified varied between 0.3% and 7.0% across the methods. Over 58.1% of cases had chronic physical condition(s) and over 33.8% had chronic mental condition(s). HCU was generally higher for cases selected by any method compared with the total cohort. HCU was higher for method B compared with the other methods. In 26.7% of cases, cases were selected by multiple methods. Overlap between methods was low. CONCLUSIONS Different methods yielded different patient samples which were general practice specific. Therefore, for the most comprehensive data-based selection of PSS cases, a combination of methods A, C and D would be recommended. Advanced (data-driven) methods are needed to create a more sensitive algorithm for identifying the full spectrum of PSS. For clinical purposes, method B could possibly support screening of patients who are currently missed in daily practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willeke M Kitselaar
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology, Leiden University Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Public Health and Primary Care / LUMC-Campus The Hague, Leiden University Medical Center, Den Haag, The Netherlands
| | - Mattijs E Numans
- Public Health and Primary Care / LUMC-Campus The Hague, Leiden University Medical Center, Den Haag, The Netherlands
| | - Stephen P Sutch
- Public Health and Primary Care / LUMC-Campus The Hague, Leiden University Medical Center, Den Haag, The Netherlands
- Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ammar Faiq
- Public Health and Primary Care / LUMC-Campus The Hague, Leiden University Medical Center, Den Haag, The Netherlands
| | - Andrea Wm Evers
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology, Leiden University Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Medical Delta, Leiden University, Delft University of Technology & Erasmus University, Leiden / Delft/ Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rosalie van der Vaart
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology, Leiden University Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Leiden, The Netherlands
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24
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Kitselaar WM, van der Vaart R, van Tilborg-den Boeft M, Vos HMM, Numans ME, Evers AWM. The general practitioners perspective regarding registration of persistent somatic symptoms in primary care: a survey. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2021; 22:182. [PMID: 34511065 PMCID: PMC8436507 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-021-01525-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Background Persistent somatic symptoms (PSS) are common in primary care and often accompanied by an increasing disease burden for both the patient and healthcare. In medical practice, PSS is historically considered a diagnosis by exclusion or primarily seen as psychological. Besides, registration of PSS in electronic health records (EHR) is unambiguous and possibly does not reflect classification adequately. The present study explores how general practitioners (GPs) currently register PSS, and their view regarding the need for improvements in classification, registration, and consultations. Method Dutch GPs were invited by email to participate in a national cross-sectional online survey. The survey addressed ICPC-codes used by GPs to register PSS, PSS-related terminology added to free text areas, usage of PSS-related syndrome codes, and GPs’ need for improvement of PSS classification, registration and care. Results GPs (n = 259) were most likely to use codes specific to the symptom presented (89.3%). PSS-related terminology in free-text areas was used sparsely. PSS-related syndrome codes were reportedly used by 91.5% of GPs, but this was primarily the case for the code for irritable bowel syndrome. The ambiguous registration of PSS is reported as problematic by 47.9% of GPs. Over 56.7% of GPs reported needing additional training, tools or other support for PSS classification and consultation. GPs also reported needing other referral options and better guidelines. Conclusions Registration of PSS in primary care is currently ambiguous. Approximately half of GPs felt a need for more options for registration of PSS and reported a need for further support. In order to improve classification, registration and care for patients with PSS, there is a need for a more appropriate coding scheme and additional training. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12875-021-01525-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willeke M Kitselaar
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Department, Leiden University, Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Leiden, the Netherlands. .,Public Health and Primary Care Department / LUMC-Campus Den Haag, Leiden University Medical Center, The Hague, the Netherlands.
| | - Rosalie van der Vaart
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Department, Leiden University, Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Madelon van Tilborg-den Boeft
- Public Health and Primary Care Department / LUMC-Campus Den Haag, Leiden University Medical Center, The Hague, the Netherlands
| | - Hedwig M M Vos
- Public Health and Primary Care Department / LUMC-Campus Den Haag, Leiden University Medical Center, The Hague, the Netherlands
| | - Mattijs E Numans
- Public Health and Primary Care Department / LUMC-Campus Den Haag, Leiden University Medical Center, The Hague, the Netherlands
| | - Andrea W M Evers
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Department, Leiden University, Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Leiden, the Netherlands
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25
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Groen RN, van Gils A, Emerencia AC, Bos EH, Rosmalen JGM. Exploring temporal relationships among worrying, anxiety, and somatic symptoms. J Psychosom Res 2021; 146:110293. [PMID: 33228967 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2020.110293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The role of anxiety symptoms in the development of functional somatic symptoms (FSS) is unknown. Somatic symptoms may be triggered by or give rise to anxiety symptoms. This study aimed to 1) explore interrelationships among within-day worrying, feeling anxious, and somatic symptoms, and 2) investigate the association between these interrelationships and overall level of FSS. METHODS This study included 767 participants (83% females, mean age 39 years), who were recruited through an online crowdsourcing study in the Dutch general population. Somatic, and anxiety symptoms were reported thrice daily (6-h intervals) for 30 days using electronic diaries. FSS were assessed at baseline (PHQ-15). Temporal relationships among worrying, feeling anxious, and somatic symptoms were modeled using a multilevel vector autoregressive model. RESULTS We observed large heterogeneity in the within-person interrelationships among worrying, feeling anxious and somatic symptoms. Averaged over participants, higher-than-usual somatic symptoms were associated with increases in levels of worrying six hours later (B = 0.017, 95% CI [0.006, 0.027]). At the between-person level, FSS levels predicted the persistence of feeling anxious (B = 0.230 95% CI [0.105, 0.350]) and the carry-over of worrying to feeling anxious over six-hours (B = 0.159, 95% CI [0.031, 0.283]). CONCLUSIONS In contrast to what we expected, higher levels of somatic symptoms over multiple weeks were associated with the persistence and carry-over of within-day anxiety-related symptoms. One within-person association between psychological and somatic symptoms during the day was observed, suggesting that, over a time span of 6-h, anxiety symptoms relate to somatic symptoms only in a minority of people from the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- R N Groen
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Interdisciplinary Center Psychopathology and Emotion regulation, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - A van Gils
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Interdisciplinary Center Psychopathology and Emotion regulation, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - A C Emerencia
- University of Groningen, Behavioural and Social Sciences, Department of Developmental Psychology, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - E H Bos
- University of Groningen, Behavioural and Social Sciences, Department of Developmental Psychology, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - J G M Rosmalen
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Interdisciplinary Center Psychopathology and Emotion regulation, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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26
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Marcinow M, Sandercock J, D'Silva C, Daien D, Ellis C, Dias C, Mansfield E. Making sense of symptoms, clinicians and systems: a qualitative evaluation of a facilitated support group for patients with medically unexplained symptoms. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2021; 22:142. [PMID: 34210272 PMCID: PMC8252243 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-021-01495-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Health services to date have inadequately addressed the physical and mental health needs of patients with medically unexplained symptoms. This qualitative study evaluates a piloted facilitated support group (FSG) developed for patients with medically unexplained symptoms to inform recommendations and resources for this patient population. Methods Using a qualitative descriptive design, we conducted and thematically analyzed semi-structured interviews with participants (n = 8) and facilitators (n = 4) to explore their experiences of the facilitated support group. Common themes that captured strengths and challenges of the facilitated support group were identified. Results The following key themes were identified through analysis of the data: Participants described 1) feeling validated through sharing similar experiences with peers; 2) learning practical symptom management and coping strategies; and 3) gaining new perspectives for navigating conversations with PCPs. Conclusions Our findings show that a facilitated support group may provide additional forms of support and resources for patients with medically unexplained symptoms, filling a gap in currently available clinical care offered by health care professionals. Potential implications: This paper highlights lessons learned that can inform the design and delivery of future supports and resources directed toward optimizing patient care for this underserved patient population. Our findings are relevant to those who are involved in direct patient care or involved in designing and implementing self-management programs. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12875-021-01495-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Marcinow
- Institute for Better Health, Trillium Health Partners, Administrative Building - 6th Floor, 100 Queensway West, Mississauga, ON, L5B 1B8, Canada.
| | - Jane Sandercock
- Institute for Better Health, Trillium Health Partners, Administrative Building - 6th Floor, 100 Queensway West, Mississauga, ON, L5B 1B8, Canada
| | - Chelsea D'Silva
- Institute for Better Health, Trillium Health Partners, Administrative Building - 6th Floor, 100 Queensway West, Mississauga, ON, L5B 1B8, Canada
| | - David Daien
- Family Medicine, Institute for Better Health, Trillium Health Partners, 100 Queensway West, Mississauga, ON, L5B 1B8, Canada
| | - Carly Ellis
- Strategic Projects, Trillium Health Partners, 100 Queensway West, Mississauga, ON, L5B 1B8, Canada
| | - Christine Dias
- Medical Psychiatry Alliance, Trillium Health Partners, 100 Queensway West, Mississauga, ON, L5B 1B8, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Mansfield
- Institute for Better Health, Trillium Health Partners, Administrative Building - 6th Floor, 100 Queensway West, Mississauga, ON, L5B 1B8, Canada.,Department of Occupational Health, University of Toronto, 6 Queen's Park Crescent West, Toronto, ON, M5S 3H2, Canada
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27
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Hanssen DJC, Ras A, Rosmalen JGM. Barriers and facilitators to the implementation of interventions for medically unexplained symptoms in primary care: A modified Delphi study. J Psychosom Res 2021; 143:110386. [PMID: 33588284 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2021.110386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Medically Unexplained Symptoms (MUS) are physical symptoms that last for longer than several weeks and for which no (sufficient) somatic explanation can be found. Interventions for treating MUS in primary care are available, but their implementation in daily practice appears difficult. In the current study we aim to explore key barriers and facilitators to the implementation of MUS-interventions in primary care. METHODS A three-round modified Delphi study was performed, using the input of 58 experts that are (in)directly involved in the care for patients with MUS (e.g. general practitioners (GPs), GP mental health workers, policy advisors). In the first online questionnaire, we generated ideas about relevant barriers and facilitators on different implementation levels. These ideas were independently coded by two researchers, and reformulated into unique barriers and facilitators. In round two, participants selected the ten most relevant barriers and facilitators from round one, which were ranked on importance in round three. RESULTS We identified 42 unique barriers and 57 unique facilitators to the implementation of MUS-interventions. The three highest ranked barriers were all related to time, i.e. too little time for treating complex MUS-patients. The most important facilitator was a positive attitude towards MUS-patients. Results varied somewhat per profession. CONCLUSION Key barriers and facilitators to the implementation of MUS-interventions seem to exist on the level of the patient, intervention, professional, organization, and external context. All of these levels should be taken into account in order to increase implementation success of MUS-interventions in primary care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise J C Hanssen
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Interdisciplinary Centre Psychopathology and Emotion Regulation, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Anika Ras
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Interdisciplinary Centre Psychopathology and Emotion Regulation, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Judith G M Rosmalen
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Interdisciplinary Centre Psychopathology and Emotion Regulation, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Rask MT, Jakobsen PR, Clemensen J, Rosendal M, Frostholm L. Development of an eHealth programme for self-management of persistent physical symptoms: a qualitative study on user needs in general practice. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2021; 22:33. [PMID: 33550988 PMCID: PMC7869449 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-021-01380-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Background Persistent physical symptoms (PPS) are estimated to be present in 17% of patients in general practice. Hence, general practitioners (GPs) play a key role in both the diagnostic assessment and the management of PPS. However, research indicates a need to improve their strategies to support self-help in patients, and eHealth tools may serve as an opportunity. This study aimed to explore patients’ and GPs’ needs related to self-management of PPS. The study was designed to inform the future development of eHealth interventions in this field. Methods This qualitative study was based on 20 semi-structured interviews (6 GPs and 14 patients with PPS). Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim and analysed through a five-step thematic analysis approach. First, we conducted an inductive analysis to identify and explore emerging subthemes. Second, using a deductive mapping strategy, we categorised the derived subthemes according to the COM-B behaviour change model and its three domains: capability, opportunity and motivation. Results We identified eleven subthemes in the patient interviews and seven subthemes in the GP interviews. Several unmet needs emerged. First, we identified a need to consider PPS early in the illness trajectory by taking a bio-psycho-social approach. Second, both patients and GPs need better skills to manage uncertainty. Third, hope is important for the patients. Fourth, patients need guidance from their GP in how to self-manage their PPS. Conclusions This study provides important insight into key issues and needs related to capability, opportunity and motivation that should be addressed in the design of future eHealth self-management interventions targeting patients with PPS in general practice in order to support and improve care. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12875-021-01380-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mette Trøllund Rask
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Nørrebrogade 44, 8000, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Pernille Ravn Jakobsen
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Nørrebrogade 44, 8000, Aarhus, Denmark.,University College Southern Denmark, Lembckesvej 3-7, 6100, Haderslev, Denmark
| | - Jane Clemensen
- Hans Christian Andersen Children's Hospital, Odense University Hospital, Kløvervænget 23, 5000, Odense, Denmark
| | - Marianne Rosendal
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Nørrebrogade 44, 8000, Aarhus, Denmark.,Research Unit for General Practice, Bartholins Allé 2, 8000, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lisbeth Frostholm
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Nørrebrogade 44, 8000, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Nørrebrogade 44, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
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van Gils A, Tak LM, Sattel H, Rosmalen JGM. Development and User Experiences of a Biopsychosocial Interprofessional Online Course on Persistent Somatic Symptoms. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:725546. [PMID: 34819884 PMCID: PMC8607516 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.725546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Communication between healthcare providers and patients with persistent somatic symptoms (PSS) is frequently hampered by mutual misunderstanding and dissatisfaction. Methods: We developed an online, interprofessional course to teach healthcare providers the knowledge, skills, and attitude they need to diagnose and treat PSS in a patient-centered manner based on the biopsychosocial model. The course consisted of six modules of 45-60 min. Each module contained different types of assignments, based on six cases: videos, discussion boards, reading assignments, polls, and quizzes. For this study, we included (1) medical residents, following the course as part of their residency training, and (2) healthcare providers (general practitioners, medical specialists, physiotherapists, nurses, and psychologists), following the course as continuing vocational training. Throughout the course, participants were asked to fill out online surveys, enquiring about their learning gains and satisfaction with the course. Results: The biopsychosocial approach was integrated across the modules and teached health care workers about recent insights on biological, psychological and social aspects of PSS. In total, 801 participants with a wide variety in clinical experience started the course; the largest groups of professionals were general practitioners (N = 400), physiotherapists (N = 124) and mental healthcare workers (N = 53). At the start of the course, 22% of the participants rated their level of knowledge on PSS as adequate. At the end of the course, 359 participants completed the evaluation questionnaires. Of this group, 81% rated their level of knowledge on PSS as adequate and 86% felt that following the course increased their competencies in communicating with patients with PSS (N = 359). On a scale from 1 to 10, participants gave the course a mean grade of 7.8 points. Accordingly, 85% stated that they would recommend the course to a colleague. Conclusion: Our course developed in a co-design process involving multiple stakeholders can be implemented, is being used, and is positively evaluated by professionals across a variety of health care settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- A van Gils
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Departments of Psychiatry and Internal Medicine, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - L M Tak
- Specialist Center for Persistent Somatic Symptoms & Somatic Symptom Disorders, Dimence Mental Health Care, Deventer, Netherlands
| | - H Sattel
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, The Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - J G M Rosmalen
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Departments of Psychiatry and Internal Medicine, Groningen, Netherlands.,Specialist Center for Persistent Somatic Symptoms & Somatic Symptom Disorders, Dimence Mental Health Care, Deventer, Netherlands
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Abstract
In this review, we explore the challenges of chronic pain and fatigue in clinical practice. Both pain and fatigue are common, troubling and frequently overlapping symptoms, and we describe both the clinical burden and the 'clinical problem'. We explore commonly associated symptoms and possible pathological associations, including variant connective tissue (joint hypermobility), small fibre neuropathy, mast cell activation, dysregulated inflammatory and interoceptive processes, which may inform treatment targets. We suggest a multidisciplinary management approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Eccles
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Falmer, UK, Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, Brighton, UK and Sussex Partnership Foundation NHS Trust, Brighton, UK
| | - Kevin A Davies
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Falmer, UK and medical director, The Advisory Committee on Clinical Excellence Awards (ACCEA), Leeds, UK
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31
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van Tilburg ML, van Westrienen PE, Pisters MF. Demographic and health-related factors associated with reduced work functioning in people with moderate medically unexplained physical symptoms: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:1316. [PMID: 32867731 PMCID: PMC7457349 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-09415-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medically unexplained physical symptoms (MUPS) are a leading cause of reduced work functioning. It is not known which factors are associated with reduced work functioning in people with moderate MUPS. Insight in these factors can contribute to prevention of reduced work functioning, associated work-related costs and in MUPS becoming chronic. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify which demographic and health-related factors are associated with reduced work functioning, operationalized as impaired work performance and absenteeism, in people with moderate MUPS. METHODS Data of 104 participants from an ongoing study on people with moderate MUPS were used in this cross-sectional study. Ten independent variables were measured at baseline to determine their association with reduced work functioning: severity of psychosocial symptoms (four domains, measured with the Four-Dimensional Symptom Questionnaire), physical health (RAND 36-Item Health Survey), moderate or vigorous physical activity (Activ8 activity monitor), age, sex, education level and duration of complaints. Two separate multivariable linear regression analyses were performed with backward stepwise selection, for both impaired work performance and absenteeism. RESULTS Absenteeism rate rose with 2.5 and 0.6% for every increased point on the Four-Dimensional Symptom Questionnaire for domain 'depression' (B = 0.025, SE = 0.009, p = .006) and domain 'somatization' (B = 0.006, SE = 0.003, p = .086), respectively. An R2 value of 0.118 was found. Impaired work performance rate rose with 0.2 and 0.5% for every increased point on the Four-Dimensional Symptom Questionnaire for domain 'distress' (B = 0.002, SE = 0.001, p = .084) and domain 'somatization' (B = 0.005, SE = 0.001, p < .001), respectively. An R2 value of 0.252 was found. CONCLUSIONS Severity of distress, probability of a depressive disorder and probability of somatization are positively associated with higher rates of reduced work functioning in people with moderate MUPS. To prevent long-term absenteeism and highly impaired work performance severity of psychosocial symptoms seem to play a significant role. However, because of the low percentage of explained variance, additional research is necessary to gain insight in other factors that might explain the variance in reduced work functioning even better.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark L van Tilburg
- Department of Rehabilitation, Physiotherapy Science and Sports, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands. .,Expertise Center Healthy Urban Living, Research Group Innovation of Human Movement Care, University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 7, 3584 CS, Utrecht, the Netherlands. .,Center for Physical Therapy Research and Innovation in Primary Care, Julius Health Care Centers, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Paula Elisabeth van Westrienen
- Department of Rehabilitation, Physiotherapy Science and Sports, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Center for Physical Therapy Research and Innovation in Primary Care, Julius Health Care Centers, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Department of Health Innovation and Technology, Fontys University of Applied Sciences, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Martijn F Pisters
- Department of Rehabilitation, Physiotherapy Science and Sports, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Center for Physical Therapy Research and Innovation in Primary Care, Julius Health Care Centers, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Department of Health Innovation and Technology, Fontys University of Applied Sciences, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
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Baitha U, Ranjan P, Deb KS, Bauddh NK, Singh V, Kaloiya G, Kumar A, Sahu A. Association of Somatic Symptom Severity With Sociodemographic Parameters In Patients With Medically Unexplained Physical Symptoms: A Cross-Sectional Study From a Tertiary Care Center in India. Cureus 2020; 12:e9250. [PMID: 32821596 PMCID: PMC7430686 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.9250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background There is a paucity of studies assessing the severity of somatic symptoms in medically unexplained physical symptoms (MUPS) from Medicine outpatient department (OPD). Methodology This cross-sectional study was conducted in Medicine OPD of a tertiary care hospital in India, in which 245 MUPS-diagnosed patients out of 976 consecutive screened patients were evaluated for the severity of somatic symptoms (by administering the Patient Health Questionnaire-15) and its sociodemographic correlates. Results Out of 245 recruited patients, three-fourth had a significant severity level of somatic symptoms. High level of somatic symptom severity was more common in females (p ≤ 0.001), married patients (p = 0.011), rural dwellers (p = 0.035), less educated (p = 0.003), and those with lower socioeconomic status (p = 0.001). Conclusions Patients with MUPS have a high level of somatic symptom severity with certain sociodemographic correlates. Further research should be conducted to investigate the reasons for this and to formulate a cost-effective treatment strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Upendra Baitha
- Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi, IND
| | - Piyush Ranjan
- Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi, IND
| | | | | | - Vishwajeet Singh
- Biostatistics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi, IND
| | | | - Arvind Kumar
- Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi, IND
| | - Anamika Sahu
- Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi, IND
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Saunders NR, Gandhi S, Chen S, Vigod S, Fung K, De Souza C, Saab H, Kurdyak P. Health Care Use and Costs of Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults With Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders. JAMA Netw Open 2020; 3:e2011295. [PMID: 32701161 PMCID: PMC7378752 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.11295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Somatic symptom and related disorders are highly prevalent mental health disorders among young people. Presentation can be varied, and patients often face long delays and see multiple practitioners to receive a diagnosis. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the health care use and costs in a population-based sample of children and young people with somatic symptom and related disorders in Ontario, Canada. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This population-based cohort study used linked health and administrative databases in Ontario, Canada, where health services are funded through a universal single-payer health insurance plan. Participants included children aged 4 to 12 years, adolescents aged 13 to 17 years, and young adults aged 18 to 24 years residing in Ontario, Canada, during the period of April 1, 2008, to March 31, 2015. Included participants had a first health record diagnosis of somatic symptom and related disorders and were grouped based on the setting of their index somatic symptom and related disorders contact: outpatient, emergency department, or inpatient. Data were analyzed from August 1, 2017, to February 1, 2018. EXPOSURES One year before and 1 year after diagnosis of somatic symptom and related disorders. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Outcome measures included overall and mental health-specific ambulatory and acute care visits and overall health system costs and sector-specific costs. RESULTS A total of 33 272 patients (median [interquartile range {IQR}] age, 20 [16-22] years; 17 387 female [52.3%]) were included in the analysis. Among these patients, 3875 (11.6%) were aged 4 to 12 years, 7273 (21.9%) were aged 13 to 17 years, and 22 124 (66.5%) were aged 18 to 24 years. A total of 17 893 (53.8%) had their index visit as outpatients, whereas 13 310 (40.0%) and 2069 (6.2%) were diagnosed in the emergency department and inpatient settings, respectively. Ambulatory physician visits were frequent and persisted 1 year after diagnosis within each setting (before vs after 1 year, median [IQR] visits, inpatient setting: 7 [3-13] vs 7 [3-13]; emergency department setting: 4 [2-8] vs 4 [2-9]; outpatient setting: 3 [1-7] vs 4 [2-7]; P < .001). After diagnosis, many did not receive physician-delivered mental health care (35.3% [730 of 2069] in an inpatient setting, 59.1% [7866 of 13 310] in an emergency department setting, 58.5% [10 467 of 17 893] in an outpatient setting; P < .001). Acute care use was frequent and remained so after diagnosis across settings. Of those hospitalized as inpatients at diagnosis, 37.7% (779 of 2069) were readmitted within 1 year. Mean (SD) 2-year patient costs were CAD$9845 ($39 725) (median [IQR], $2401 [$960-$7019]). Hospitalized patients had a 2-year mean (SD) cost of $51 424 ($100 416) (median [IQR], $21 997 [$12 510-$45 841]) per-patient expenditure. CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE This study found that children and young people with somatic symptom and related disorders frequently used the health system with substantial health system costs before and after diagnosis. Many of these patients did not receive physician-delivered mental health care. These findings suggest that this population may be under-recognized, and initiatives for early recognition and engagement with mental health support may be warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Ruth Saunders
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, The University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Simone Vigod
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, The University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Women’s College Research Institute, Women’s College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Claire De Souza
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hana Saab
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paul Kurdyak
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, The University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Cao J, Wei J, Fritzsche K, Toussaint AC, Li T, Jiang Y, Zhang L, Zhang Y, Chen H, Wu H, Ma X, Li W, Ren J, Lu W, Müller AM, Leonhart R. Prevalence of DSM-5 somatic symptom disorder in Chinese outpatients from general hospital care. Gen Hosp Psychiatry 2020; 62:63-71. [PMID: 31841874 DOI: 10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2019.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to explore the prevalence of somatic symptom disorder (SSD) according to DSM-5 criteria in Chinese outpatients from general hospital departments. METHODS This multicentre cross-sectional study enrolled 699 patients from outpatient departments, including the neurology, gastroenterology, Traditional Chinese Medicine [TCM] and psychosomatic medicine departments, in five cities in China. The structured clinical interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5) for SSD was administered by trained clinical professionals to diagnose SSD. RESULTS SSD was diagnosed in 33.8% (236/697) of all enrolled patients. The prevalence of SSD differed significantly among the departments (χ2 = 34.049, df = 2, p ≤0.001). No differences were found between SSD patients and non-SSD patients in terms of gender, residence, marital and living statuses, family income, education, employment status and lifestyle factors. However, patients with SSD reported higher levels of depression, health-related and general anxiety, lower physical and mental quality of life, higher frequency of doctor visits, increased time devoted to physical symptoms and longer duration of somatic symptoms. In a binary linear regression analysis, SSD was significantly associated with an increase in health-related anxiety, time devoted to symptoms and impact of somatic symptoms on daily life. The explained variance was Nagelkerke R2 = 0.45. CONCLUSION There is a high prevalence of SSD in Chinese general hospital outpatient clinics. The diagnosis is associated with high levels of emotional distress and low quality of life. There is a danger of over-diagnosis if we include the mild and moderate forms of SSD. Future studies are warranted to investigate the prevalence of SSD in inpatient departments and the development of psychological interventions for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinya Cao
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, China
| | - Jing Wei
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, China.
| | - Kurt Fritzsche
- Center for Mental Health, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical Centre, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Germany
| | - Anne Christin Toussaint
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Tao Li
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, China
| | - Yinan Jiang
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, China
| | - Lan Zhang
- Mental Health Centre, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China
| | - Yaoyin Zhang
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, China
| | - Hua Chen
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Zhong Shan Hospital, Fudan University, China
| | - Heng Wu
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, China
| | - Xiquan Ma
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Dongfang Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, China
| | - Wentian Li
- Department of Clinic Psychology, Wuhan Mental Health Centre, Wuhan, China
| | - Jie Ren
- Department of Rehabilitation, General Hospital of Jincheng Anthracite Coal Mining Group Co. Ltd, China
| | - Wei Lu
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital University, China
| | - Anne-Maria Müller
- Center for Mental Health, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical Centre, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Germany
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van Westrienen PE, Pisters MF, Toonders SAJ, Gerrits M, de Wit NJ, Veenhof C. Quality of life in primary care patients with moderate medically unexplained physical symptoms. Qual Life Res 2019; 29:693-703. [PMID: 31732910 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-019-02358-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Medically Unexplained Physical Symptoms (MUPS) have a large impact on patient's quality of life. Most studies have been limited to chronic MUPS and thus, little is known about moderate MUPS. Improved knowledge concerning determinants influencing quality of life in moderate MUPS patients can be helpful in managing MUPS. This study is aimed at describing the common characteristics seen in moderate MUPS patients and compare them with characteristics seen in chronic MUPS patients and general population. We also identified determinants of the physical and mental components of quality of life in moderate MUPS patients. METHODS In a cross-sectional study, moderate MUPS patients (n = 160) were compared with chronic MUPS patients (n = 162) and general population (n = 1742) based on demographic characteristics and patient's quality of life. Multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to identify determinants associated with a patient's quality of life, assessed with the RAND-36. RESULTS Moderate MUPS patients experienced a better quality of life than chronic MUPS patients, but a worse quality of life as compared to the general population. Determinants associated with the physical and mental components of quality of life explain 49.1% and 62.9% of the variance, respectively. CONCLUSION Quality of life of patients with MUPS varies with MUPS disease stage. Based on their quality of life scores, moderate MUPS patients would be adequately distinguished from chronic MUPS patients. Half of the variance in the physical component and almost two thirds of the mental component would be explained by a number of MUPS-related symptoms and perceptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- P E van Westrienen
- Department of Health Innovation and Technology, Fontys University of Applied Sciences, Ds Th Fliednerstraat 2, 5600 AH, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
- Center for Physical Therapy Research and Innovation in Primary Care, Leidsche Rijn Julius Health Care Centers, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Physical Therapy Research, Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sport, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - M F Pisters
- Department of Health Innovation and Technology, Fontys University of Applied Sciences, Ds Th Fliednerstraat 2, 5600 AH, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Center for Physical Therapy Research and Innovation in Primary Care, Leidsche Rijn Julius Health Care Centers, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Physical Therapy Research, Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sport, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - S A J Toonders
- Department of Health Innovation and Technology, Fontys University of Applied Sciences, Ds Th Fliednerstraat 2, 5600 AH, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Center for Physical Therapy Research and Innovation in Primary Care, Leidsche Rijn Julius Health Care Centers, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Physical Therapy Research, Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sport, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - M Gerrits
- Department of General Practice, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - N J de Wit
- Department of General Practice, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - C Veenhof
- Center for Physical Therapy Research and Innovation in Primary Care, Leidsche Rijn Julius Health Care Centers, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Physical Therapy Research, Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sport, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Research Group Innovation of Human Movement Care, University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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van Gils A, Hanssen D, van Asselt A, Burger H, Rosmalen J. Personalized, Web-Based, Guided Self-Help for Patients With Medically Unexplained Symptoms in Primary Care: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2019; 8:e13738. [PMID: 31596246 PMCID: PMC6913687 DOI: 10.2196/13738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Revised: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 06/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) constitute a major health problem because of their high prevalence, the suffering and disability they cause, and the associated medical costs. Web-based interventions may provide an accessible and convenient tool for managing MUS. We developed a personalized, Web-based, guided self-help intervention for MUS in primary care (Grip self-help) and would compare its effectiveness with that of usual care. Objective This paper aims to describe the rationale, objectives, and design of a pragmatic randomized controlled trial (RCT) assessing the effectiveness of Grip self-help. Methods For a pragmatic multicenter RCT, 165 adult patients with mild to moderate MUS will be recruited through general practices in the Netherlands. Randomization will be performed at general practice level. Over the course of several months, patients in the intervention group will receive a personalized set of Web-based self-help exercises, targeting the unhelpful cognitions, emotions, behaviors, and social factors that are relevant to them. The intervention is guided by a general practice mental health worker. The control group will receive care-as-usual. Primary outcome is physical health-related quality of life (RAND-36 or 36-item general health survey, physical component score). Secondary outcomes include severity of physical and psychological symptoms, mental health–related quality of life, cost-effectiveness, and acceptability. Assessments will take place at baseline, end of treatment, and at 16-, 26-, and 52-week follow-ups. Results Recruitment started in December 2018, and enrolment is ongoing. The first results are expected to be submitted for publication in December 2021. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first study to combine the concepts of electronic health, self-help, and personalized medicine in the treatment of MUS. By improving the quality of life and reducing symptoms of patients with MUS, Grip self-help has the potential to reduce costs and conserve scarce health care resources. Trial Registration Dutch Trial Register NTR7390; https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/7390. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/13738
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne van Gils
- Interdisciplinary Center Psychopathology and Emotion Regulation, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Denise Hanssen
- Interdisciplinary Center Psychopathology and Emotion Regulation, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Antoinette van Asselt
- Department of Epidemiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Huibert Burger
- Department of General Practice, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen,, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Judith Rosmalen
- Interdisciplinary Center Psychopathology and Emotion Regulation, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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Poloni N, Caselli I, Ielmini M, Mattia M, De Leo A, Di Sarno M, Isella C, Bellini A, Callegari C. Hospitalized Patients with Medically Unexplained Physical Symptoms: Clinical Context and Economic Costs of Healthcare Management. Behav Sci (Basel) 2019; 9:E80. [PMID: 31331103 PMCID: PMC6680508 DOI: 10.3390/bs9070080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Medically Unexplained Physical Symptoms (MUPS) are physical symptoms without a medical explanation. This study collected data from hospitalized patients presenting MUPS, aiming to draw a clinical and socio-demographic profile of patients with MUPS, to explore psychopathological correlations of Somatic Symptoms Disorder (SSD) diagnosis, and to estimate economic costs related to hospital management for MUPS. The cross-sectional study consisted in the evaluation of data referring to hospitalized patients admitted between 2008 and 2018 in a teaching hospital in Northern Italy. A total of 273 patients presenting MUPS have been hospitalized. The sample showed a prevalence of female, married and employed patients. The most frequent wards involved are Neurology, Internal Medicine and Short Unit Stay. The most common symptoms found are headache, pain, syncope and vertigo. There is no evidence that a history of medical disease is associated with a diagnosis of SSD. A personality disorder diagnosis in patients with MUPS was associated with increased probability of having a diagnosis of SSD. A marginally significant positive association emerged with anxiety disorders, but not with depressive disorder. The overall estimated cost of hospitalization for patients with MUPS is 475'409.73 €. The study provides the investigation of a large number of patients with MUPS and a financial estimate of related hospitalization costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Poloni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Division of Psychiatry, University of Insubria, Viale Luigi Borri 57, 21100 Varese (VA), Italy
| | - Ivano Caselli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Division of Psychiatry, University of Insubria, Viale Luigi Borri 57, 21100 Varese (VA), Italy
| | - Marta Ielmini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Division of Psychiatry, University of Insubria, Viale Luigi Borri 57, 21100 Varese (VA), Italy
| | - Michele Mattia
- Family Therapy Center, Via San Salvatore 7, 6902 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Alessandra De Leo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Division of Psychiatry, University of Insubria, Viale Luigi Borri 57, 21100 Varese (VA), Italy
| | - Marco Di Sarno
- Department of Psychology, University of Milan-Bicocca, Piazza dell'Ateneo Nuovo 1, 20126 Milan (MI), Italy
| | - Celeste Isella
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Division of Psychiatry, University of Insubria, Viale Luigi Borri 57, 21100 Varese (VA), Italy
| | - Alessandro Bellini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Division of Psychiatry, University of Insubria, Viale Luigi Borri 57, 21100 Varese (VA), Italy
| | - Camilla Callegari
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Division of Psychiatry, University of Insubria, Viale Luigi Borri 57, 21100 Varese (VA), Italy.
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van Westrienen PE, Pisters MF, Gerrits M, Veenhof C, de Wit NJ. Identifying Treatment Modalities for a Multidisciplinary and Blended Care Intervention for Patients With Moderate Medically Unexplained Physical Symptoms: Qualitative Study Among Professionals. JMIR Ment Health 2019; 6:e12203. [PMID: 30977737 PMCID: PMC6484260 DOI: 10.2196/12203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medically unexplained physical symptoms (MUPS) are a substantial health problem in primary care with a high burden for patients, general practitioners, and the health care system. Most studies focus on chronic MUPS patients. Little research is conducted in patients with moderate MUPS, and an effective primary care intervention for prevention of chronic MUPS is lacking. OBJECTIVE The objective of our study was to identify treatment modalities based on expert opinions for the development of a multidisciplinary and blended intervention for patients with moderate MUPS to prevent chronicity. METHODS Two focus groups with 8 and 6 experts (general practitioners, physical therapists, psychologists, and mental health nurses) were carried out. The focus groups were structured using the nominal group technique. RESULTS A total of 70 ideas were generated from two nominal group meetings, and 37 of these got votes, were included in the rank order, and were sorted into 8 separate themes. According to the participants, the most important treatment modalities for a multidisciplinary and blended intervention in patients with moderate MUPS were (1) coaching to a healthier lifestyle, (2) education regarding psychosocial factors, (3) therapeutic neuroscience education, (4) multidisciplinary intake, (5) multidisciplinary cooperation and coordination, (6) relaxation or body awareness exercises, (7) clear communication by professionals to the patient, and (8) graded activity. Five independent researchers checked the ideas and linked them to themes to confirm the content analysis and check the validity of the themes. CONCLUSIONS From professional expert perspectives, 8 themes should be included in a multidisciplinary and blended intervention to prevent chronicity. These themes provide a first step in developing an intervention for patients with moderate MUPS. Future research should focus on further development steps in which patients with moderate MUPS should be involved to determine if the intervention matches their needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Elisabeth van Westrienen
- Department of Health Innovation and Technology, Fontys University of Applied Sciences, Eindhoven, Netherlands.,Center for Physical Therapy Research and Innovation in Primary Care, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Physical Therapy Research, Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sport, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Martijn F Pisters
- Department of Health Innovation and Technology, Fontys University of Applied Sciences, Eindhoven, Netherlands.,Center for Physical Therapy Research and Innovation in Primary Care, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Physical Therapy Research, Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sport, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Marloes Gerrits
- Department of General Practice, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Cindy Veenhof
- Center for Physical Therapy Research and Innovation in Primary Care, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Physical Therapy Research, Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sport, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Research Group Innovation of Human Movement Care, University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Niek J de Wit
- Department of General Practice, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
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Schuurhuizen CSEW, Braamse AMJ, Konings IRHM, Verheul HMW, Dekker J. Predictors for use of psychosocial services in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer receiving first line systemic treatment. BMC Cancer 2019; 19:115. [PMID: 30709384 PMCID: PMC6359772 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-019-5318-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with advanced disease experience high levels of psychological distress, yet there is low uptake of psychosocial services offered to patients who screened positive for distress. In this study we aimed to identify predictors for use of psychosocial services in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) receiving first line chemotherapy enrolled in a prospective cluster randomized trial (CRT). METHODS Patients completed measures on psychological distress, physical distress, and quality of life at baseline. Demographics, clinical characteristics at baseline and clinical events during treatment (e.g. severe adverse events, clinical benefit) were extracted from patient records. Patients reported psychosocial service utilization in- and outside the hospital after 10, 24 and 48 weeks of treatment. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify predictors for the use of psychosocial services. RESULTS Out of 349 patients, seventy patients (20.0%) used psychosocial support services during the follow-up period. Use of psychosocial services was associated with younger age, a higher educational level, presence of more pain (at baseline), and the expressed need to talk to a professional (at baseline). In addition, patients without progressive disease within the first ten weeks of treatment were more likely to use psychosocial services . CONCLUSIONS One in five patients with mCRC receiving first line palliative treatment used psychosocial services during this prospective longitudinal CRT. Sociodemographic factors (age, education), clinical factors (pain and no progressive disease) and the expressed need to talk to a professional predicted use of psychosocial services. Identification of these predictors may contribute to the understanding of factors that determine the need for psychosocial services. TRIAL REGISTRATION Netherlands Trial Register NTR4034 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia S. E. W. Schuurhuizen
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University medical center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry and Amsterdam Public Health research institute, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Annemarie M. J. Braamse
- Department of Medical Psychology and Amsterdam Public Health Institute, Academic Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Inge R. H. M. Konings
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University medical center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Henk M. W. Verheul
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University medical center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Joost Dekker
- Department of Psychiatry and Amsterdam Public Health research institute, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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40
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Wortman MSH, Lokkerbol J, van der Wouden JC, Visser B, van der Horst HE, olde Hartman TC. Cost-effectiveness of interventions for medically unexplained symptoms: A systematic review. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0205278. [PMID: 30321193 PMCID: PMC6188754 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0205278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 09/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In primary and secondary care medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) or functional somatic syndromes (FSS) constitute a major burden for patients and society with high healthcare costs and societal costs. Objectives were to provide an overview of the evidence regarding the cost-effectiveness of interventions for MUS or FSS, and to assess the quality of these studies. METHODS We searched the databases PubMed, PsycINFO, the National Health Service Economic Evaluation Database (NHS-EED) and the CEA registry to conduct a systematic review. Articles with full economic evaluations on interventions focusing on adult patients with undifferentiated MUS or fibromyalgia (FM), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), with no restrictions on comparators, published until 15 June 2018, were included. We excluded preventive interventions. Two reviewers independently extracted study characteristics and cost-effectiveness data and used the Consensus on Health Economic Criteria Checklist to appraise the methodological quality. RESULTS A total of 39 studies out of 1,613 articles met the inclusion criteria. Twenty-two studies reported costs per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained and cost-utility analyses (CUAs). In 13 CUAs the intervention conditions dominated the control conditions or had an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio below the willingness-to-pay threshold of € 50,000 per QALY, meaning that the interventions were (on average) cost-effective in comparison with the control condition. Group interventions focusing on MUS (n = 3) or FM (n = 4) might be more cost-effective than individual interventions. The included studies were heterogeneous with regard to the included patients, interventions, study design, and outcomes. CONCLUSION This review provides an overview of 39 included studies of interventions for patients with MUS and FSS and the methodological quality of these studies. Considering the limited comparability due to the heterogeneity of the studies, group interventions might be more cost-effective than individual interventions. REGISTRATION Study methods were documented in an international prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO) protocol, registration number: CRD42017060424.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margreet S. H. Wortman
- ACHIEVE – Centre of Applied Research, Faculty of Health, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | - Joran Lokkerbol
- Centre of Economic Evaluation, Trimbos Institute (Netherlands Institute of Mental Health and Addiction), Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Johannes C. van der Wouden
- Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bart Visser
- ACHIEVE – Centre of Applied Research, Faculty of Health, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Henriëtte E. van der Horst
- Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tim C. olde Hartman
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Nagakura Y, Ohsaka N, Azuma R, Takahashi S, Takebayashi Y, Kawasaki S, Murai S, Miwa M, Saito H. Monoamine system disruption induces functional somatic syndromes associated symptomatology in mice. Physiol Behav 2018; 194:505-514. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2018.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2018] [Revised: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Riem MME, Doedée ENEM, Broekhuizen-Dijksman SC, Beijer E. Attachment and medically unexplained somatic symptoms: The role of mentalization. Psychiatry Res 2018; 268:108-113. [PMID: 30015108 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2018.06.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Previous research has found an association between insecure attachment and increased somatization in adults. However, the mechanisms underlying this association are unknown. In the present study, we examined whether the association between attachment insecurity and somatization in psychiatric patients diagnosed with medically unexplained somatic symptoms (MUSS) is mediated by mentalization deficits. Attachment security of 58 outpatients diagnosed with MUSS was measured with the Experiences in Social Relationships Questionnaire (ECR). Difficulty with understanding own emotions was measured with the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20. In addition, others' mental state comprehension was measured with the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET). Somatic symptom severity experienced by MUSS patients was related to attachment anxiety and alexithymia. These associations remained significant after controlling for sex, age, medication use, and depressive symptoms. Moreover, alexithymia mediated the association between anxious attachment and severity of somatic symptoms. Somatic symptom severity was also related to better RMET performance, although this association was not significant after controlling for sex, age, medication use, and depressive symptoms. Our findings may indicate that individuals with an anxious attachment style have difficulties in clarifying own emotions. This may in turn result in somatic experience of emotional distress and risk for development of MUSS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madelon M E Riem
- Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands.
| | - Emmy N E M Doedée
- Dutch Association of Mental Health and Addiction Care Breburg, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | | | - Eugenie Beijer
- Department of Psychiatry, Elisabeth TweeSteden Hospital, Tilburg, The Netherlands
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Work Absenteeism and Presenteeism Loss in Patients With Non-Cardiac Chest Pain. J Occup Environ Med 2018; 60:781-786. [DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000001363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Herr RM, Bosch JA, Loerbroks A, Genser B, Almer C, van Vianen AEM, Fischer JE. Organizational justice, justice climate, and somatic complaints: A multilevel investigation. J Psychosom Res 2018; 111:15-21. [PMID: 29935749 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2018.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Revised: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Organizational justice refers to perceived fairness at the workplace. Individual perceptions of injustice have been linked to reduced mental and physical health. However, perceptions of injustice also exist at the aggregate level of departments, reflecting a shared perception, denoted as justice climate. There is evidence that this shared perception independently predicts individual distress levels (e.g., anxiety, depression), which might negatively affect somatic symptom perception and reporting. Hence, the objective of this study was to examine whether individual perceptions of poor justice as well as a poor justice climate are related to elevated somatic complaints. In addition, this study examined if justice climate moderates the relationship between individual-level justice perceptions and somatic symptom reporting. METHODS Cross-sectional data from a large industrial manufacturing company was used, involving 1,102 employees in 31 departments. A validated scale covering interactional and procedural justice assessed individual-level organizational justice. A 19-item symptom checklist measured somatic complaints. Multilevel analyses estimated individual-level associations (within-department effects) with somatic complaints, department-level associations (between-department effects), and the cross-level interaction of both. RESULTS Individual-level justice perceptions were negatively associated with somatic complaints. Collective justice climate was likewise significantly associated with somatic complaints. There was no indication for a moderation effect of justice climate. CONCLUSION A poor justice climate correlated positively with individual somatic complaints while controlling for individual perceptions, i.e., above and beyond individual justice perceptions. These findings may imply that interventions targeting department-level perceptions of justice may have the potential to reduce individual somatic complaints beyond the effects of individual-level interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael M Herr
- Mannheim Institute of Public Health, Social and Preventive Medicine, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany; Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Centre for Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Jos A Bosch
- Mannheim Institute of Public Health, Social and Preventive Medicine, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany; Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Adrian Loerbroks
- Mannheim Institute of Public Health, Social and Preventive Medicine, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany; Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Centre for Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Bernd Genser
- Mannheim Institute of Public Health, Social and Preventive Medicine, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany; Instituto de Saúde Coletiva, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil.
| | - Christian Almer
- Mannheim Institute of Public Health, Social and Preventive Medicine, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.
| | - Annelies E M van Vianen
- Department of Work and Organizational Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Joachim E Fischer
- Mannheim Institute of Public Health, Social and Preventive Medicine, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.
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van Westrienen PE, Pisters MF, Toonders SA, Gerrits M, Veenhof C, de Wit NJ. Effectiveness of a Blended Multidisciplinary Intervention for Patients with Moderate Medically Unexplained Physical Symptoms (PARASOL): Protocol for a Cluster Randomized Clinical Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2018; 7:e120. [PMID: 29739735 PMCID: PMC5964304 DOI: 10.2196/resprot.9404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Revised: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medically unexplained physical symptoms are an important health problem in primary care, with a spectrum from mild to chronic. The burden of chronic medically unexplained physical symptoms is substantial for patients, health care professionals, and society. Therefore, early identification of patients with moderate medically unexplained physical symptoms is needed in order to prevent chronicity. The preventive screening of medically unexplained physical symptoms (PRESUME) screening method was developed using data from the electronic medical record of the patients' general practitioner and demonstrated its prognostic accuracy to identify patients with moderate medically unexplained physical symptoms. In the next step, we developed a proactive blended and integrated mental health and physical therapy intervention program (PARASOL) to reduce complaints of moderate medically unexplained physical symptoms, stimulate self-management, and prevent chronicity. OBJECTIVE The primary objective of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of the blended PARASOL intervention on the impact of symptoms and quality of life in patients with moderate medically unexplained physical symptoms compared with usual care. Secondary objectives are to study the effect on severity of physical and psychosocial symptoms, general health, physical behavior, illness perception, and self-efficacy in patients with moderate medically unexplained physical symptoms as well as to determine the cost-effectiveness of the program. METHODS This paper presents the study protocol of a multicenter cluster randomized clinical trial. Adult patients with moderate medically unexplained physical symptoms will be identified from electronic medical record data using the PRESUME screening method and proactively recruited for participation in the study. Cluster randomization will be performed at the level of the participating health care centers. In total 248 patients with moderate medically unexplained physical symptoms (124 patients per arm) are needed. The PARASOL intervention is a 12-week blended primary care program consisting of 4 face-to-face consultations with the mental health nurse and 5 physical therapy sessions, supplemented with a Web-based program. The Web-based program contains (1) information modules and videos on self-management and educative themes, (2) videos and instructions on prescribed home exercises, and (3) assignments to gradually increase the physical activity. The program is directed at patients' perception of symptoms as well as modifiable prognostic risk factors for chronicity using therapeutic neuroscience education. It encourages self-management, as well as an active lifestyle using a cognitive behavioral approach and graded activity. Primary outcomes are impact of symptoms and quality of life. Secondary outcomes are severity of physical and psychosocial symptoms, general health, physical behavior, illness perceptions, self-efficacy, and cost-effectiveness. All measurements will be performed at baseline, 3 and 12 months after baseline. Retrospective cost questionnaires will also be sent at 6 and 9 months after baseline and these will be used for the cost-effectiveness analysis. RESULTS The intervention has been developed, and the physical therapists and mental health nurses in the participating experimental health care centers have received two days of training on the content of the blended PARASOL intervention. The recruitment of health care centers started in June 2016 and inclusion of patients began in March 2017. Follow-up assessments of patients are expected to be completed in March 2019. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first randomized clinical trial to determine the effectiveness (including cost-effectiveness) of a proactive, blended, and integrated mental health and physical therapy care program for patients with moderate medically unexplained physical symptoms. The findings will help to improve the treatment for patients with moderate medically unexplained physical symptoms and prevent chronicity. TRIAL REGISTRATION Netherlands Trial Register NTR6755; http://www.trialregister.nl/trialreg/admin/rctview.asp?TC=6755 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6ywporY7u).
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Elisabeth van Westrienen
- Department of Health Innovation and Technology, Fontys University of Applied Sciences, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Center for Physical Therapy Research and Innovation in Primary Care, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Physical Therapy Research, Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sport, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Martijn F Pisters
- Department of Health Innovation and Technology, Fontys University of Applied Sciences, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Center for Physical Therapy Research and Innovation in Primary Care, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Physical Therapy Research, Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sport, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Suze Aj Toonders
- Department of Health Innovation and Technology, Fontys University of Applied Sciences, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Center for Physical Therapy Research and Innovation in Primary Care, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Physical Therapy Research, Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sport, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Marloes Gerrits
- Department of General Practice, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Cindy Veenhof
- Center for Physical Therapy Research and Innovation in Primary Care, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Physical Therapy Research, Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sport, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Research Group Innovation of Human Movement Care, University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Niek J de Wit
- Department of General Practice, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
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Sharma M, Singh SM, Avasthi A, Varma SC, Sharma A, Suri V. Medically unexplained physical symptoms in patients attending a medical outpatient clinic in a tertiary hospital in North India. Asian J Psychiatr 2018; 32:99-104. [PMID: 29222988 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2017.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Revised: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Medically unexplained physical symptoms (MUPS) are commonly seen across health care settings. Earlier studies have focussed on prevalence, cost-utilization and burden. Data from India is scarce. Patients with persistent MUPS have more impairment and psychological distress. This study was designed to assess psychological morbidity, health anxiety (HA), somatic symptom load, disability, quality of life (QOL) in patients with persistent MUPS presenting to a general medical outpatient service and compare it with patients with medically explained physical symptoms (MEPS). METHODS The study was conducted in the outpatient service of the Department of Internal Medicine in a tertiary hospital in North India. Persistent MUPS was defined as physical symptoms of at least 3 months duration leading to dysfunction and with no identifiable medical cause. 70 patients with persistent MUPS and MEPS each were recruited. Psychiatric morbidity was assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric interview, somatic symptom load with Patient Health Questionniare-15 (PHQ-15), HA with Whiteley Index, disability with WHODAS 2.0 and QOL with WHOQOL-Bref. RESULTS Both the groups were comparable on socio-demography and length of symptoms. Prevalence of psychiatric disorders and HA was significantly greater in MUPS. Patients with persistent MUPS had significantly more health care utilization, number and burden of somatic symptoms, greater disability and worse QOL. CONCLUSIONS Patients with persistent MUPS have a different profile when compared to MEPS. There is a need to screen and identify patients with MUPS and manage them keeping in mind the psychological factors and chronic nature and number of symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohit Sharma
- Department of Psychiatry, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India.
| | - Shubh Mohan Singh
- Department of Psychiatry, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India.
| | - Ajit Avasthi
- Department of Psychiatry, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India.
| | - Subhash C Varma
- Department of Internal Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India.
| | - Aman Sharma
- Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 16012, India.
| | - Vikas Suri
- Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 16012, India.
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Novel primary care treatment package for patients with medically unexplained symptoms: a cohort intervention study. BJGP Open 2017; 1:bjgpopen17X101121. [PMID: 30564684 PMCID: PMC6181103 DOI: 10.3399/bjgpopen17x101121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Existing care models for patients with persistent medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) do not adequately address the needs of these patients. New and innovative intervention strategies are necessary to achieve better health and corresponding economic outcomes. Aim To explore the feasibility of implementing a pragmatic care package that provides primary care treatment for patients with persistent MUS and to evaluate recruitment, retention, and acceptability as well as the potential impact on clinical outcomes and service utilisation. Design & setting Prospective cohort intervention study involving a cluster of seven GP surgeries in Newham, East London, providing a 'One-Stop-Shop' primary care treatment service. Method The care package included: identification, assessment, engagement, psychoeducation, and a choice of group interventions (mindfulness-based stress reduction [MBSR] and body-oriented psychological therapy [BOPT]). Baseline and follow-up data on somatic symptom levels (PHQ-15), health-related quality of life (SF-36, EQ-5D) and service utilisation was analysed. Results In total, 145 patients were referred and assessed for eligibility, and 93 were included in the study. Participants engaged well with different components of the care package and gained significant improvements in somatic symptom levels with corresponding increases of quality-of-life ratings and a reduction in healthcare utilisation (GP contacts and referrals to specialist services) as well as associated healthcare costs. Conclusion The primary care treatment package can be successfully implemented in primary care at a relatively low cost and easily adopted into routine care. The body-oriented approach is well accepted by clinicians and patients. Controlled trials should be conducted to test the efficacy of the treatment package.
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Heinbokel C, Lehmann M, Pohontsch NJ, Zimmermann T, Althaus A, Scherer M, Löwe B. Diagnostic barriers for somatic symptom disorders in primary care: study protocol for a mixed methods study in Germany. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e014157. [PMID: 28801385 PMCID: PMC5724128 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-014157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2016] [Revised: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Somatoform or somatic symptom disorders ((S)SD) are common and have a negative impact on the patients' health-related quality of life, healthcare use and costs. In primary care, which is central to the management of (S)SD, diagnosis and treatment tend to be delayed. There is a significant lack of evidence regarding the barriers in the diagnostic process of (S)SD in primary care and how interventions should be tailored to address them. The aim of this study is to analyse the diagnostic process in primary care that results in the diagnosis or non-diagnosis of a (S)SD. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This mixed methods study will investigate the topic with qualitative methods, subsequently proceeding to a quantitative phase where the initial results will be validated and/or generalised. First, focus groups will explore meanings and patterns, inconsistencies and conflicts in general practitioners' (GPs) thoughts and behaviours when diagnosing (S)SD. Second, the results of these focus groups will be used to develop interview guidelines for subsequent face-to-face interviews. Patients and their treating GPs will be interviewed separately on how they experience the history of illness, the diagnostic process and treatment. Third, based on the results of the first two study parts, a questionnaire will be derived and a nationwide survey among German GPs will be conducted, quantifying the barriers and difficulties identified before. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethics approval was obtained from the Ethics Committee of the Hamburg Medical Association, Germany (approval number PV4763). The results of this study will be disseminated through conference presentation and publications in peer-reviewed journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER The study is registered in the German Clinical Trial Register (DRKS), DRKS-ID DRKS00009736.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Heinbokel
- Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf and Schön Clinic Hamburg Eilbek, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marco Lehmann
- Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf and Schön Clinic Hamburg Eilbek, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nadine Janis Pohontsch
- General Practice/Primary Care, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Zimmermann
- General Practice/Primary Care, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Astrid Althaus
- General Practice/Primary Care, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of General Medicine Cologne, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Martin Scherer
- General Practice/Primary Care, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Bernd Löwe
- Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf and Schön Clinic Hamburg Eilbek, Hamburg, Germany
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McAndrew LM, Phillips LA, Helmer DA, Maestro K, Engel CC, Greenberg LM, Anastasides N, Quigley KS. High healthcare utilization near the onset of medically unexplained symptoms. J Psychosom Res 2017; 98:98-105. [PMID: 28554378 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2017.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Patients with medically unexplained syndromes (MUS) often do not receive appropriate healthcare. A critical time for effective healthcare is the inception of MUS. The current study examined data from a prospective longitudinal study of Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) soldiers to understand the relationship of increasing physical symptom burden to healthcare utilization. METHODS Data was examined from a prospective study of OEF/OIF soldiers assessed before and one year after deployment (n=336). Physical symptom burden was measured with the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-15). Analyses were conducted with polynomial regression and response surface analysis (RSA). RESULTS Increases in physical symptom burden predicted greater healthcare utilization one year after deployment: primary care practitioner (slope=-0.26, F=4.07, p=0.04), specialist (slope=-0.43, F=8.67, p=0.003), allied health therapy (e.g., physical therapy) (slope=-0.41, F=5.71, p=0.02) and mental health (slope=-0.32, F=4.04, p=0.05). There were no significant difference in utilization between those with consistently high levels and those with increases in physical symptom burden. CONCLUSION This is the first prospective study to examine, and show, a relationship between onset of clinically significant physical symptoms and greater healthcare utilization. Our data suggest that patients with increasing physical symptom burden have the same level of healthcare as patients with chronic physical symptom burden. Needed next steps are to better understand the quality of care at inception and determine how to intervene so that recommended approaches to care are provided from the onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M McAndrew
- War Related Illness and Injury Study Center, Department of Veterans Affairs New Jersey Health Care System, United States; Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology, University at Albany, United States.
| | - L Alison Phillips
- War Related Illness and Injury Study Center, Department of Veterans Affairs New Jersey Health Care System, United States; Iowa State University, Department of Psychology, United States.
| | - Drew A Helmer
- War Related Illness and Injury Study Center, Department of Veterans Affairs New Jersey Health Care System, United States; Rutgers University Jersey Medical School, United States.
| | - Kieran Maestro
- War Related Illness and Injury Study Center, Department of Veterans Affairs New Jersey Health Care System, United States; Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology, University at Albany, United States.
| | - Charles C Engel
- Behavioral and Policy Sciences, RAND Corporation, United States.
| | - Lauren M Greenberg
- War Related Illness and Injury Study Center, Department of Veterans Affairs New Jersey Health Care System, United States.
| | - Nicole Anastasides
- War Related Illness and Injury Study Center, Department of Veterans Affairs New Jersey Health Care System, United States.
| | - Karen S Quigley
- Center for Healthcare Outcomes and Implementation Research, Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial VA Hospital, Bedford, MA, United States; Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States.
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Vos-Vromans D, Evers S, Huijnen I, Köke A, Hitters M, Rijnders N, Pont M, Knottnerus A, Smeets R. Economic evaluation of multidisciplinary rehabilitation treatment versus cognitive behavioural therapy for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome: A randomized controlled trial. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0177260. [PMID: 28574985 PMCID: PMC5456034 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0177260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A multi-centre RCT has shown that multidisciplinary rehabilitation treatment (MRT) is more effective in reducing fatigue over the long-term in comparison with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), but evidence on its cost-effectiveness is lacking. AIM To compare the cost-effectiveness of MRT versus CBT for patients with CFS from a societal perspective. METHODS A multi-centre randomized controlled trial comparing MRT with CBT was conducted among 122 patients with CFS diagnosed using the 1994 criteria of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and aged between 18 and 60 years. The societal costs (healthcare costs, patient and family costs, and costs for loss of productivity), fatigue severity, quality of life, quality-adjusted life-year (QALY), and cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were measured over a follow-up period of one year. The main outcome of the cost-effectiveness analysis was fatigue measured by the Checklist Individual Strength (CIS). The main outcome of the cost-utility analysis was the QALY based on the EuroQol-5D-3L utilities. Sensitivity analyses were performed, and uncertainty was calculated using the cost-effectiveness acceptability curves and cost-effectiveness planes. RESULTS The data of 109 patients (57 MRT and 52 CBT) were analyzed. MRT was significantly more effective in reducing fatigue at 52 weeks. The mean difference in QALY between the treatments was not significant (0.09, 95% CI: -0.02 to 0.19). The total societal costs were significantly higher for patients allocated to MRT (a difference of €5,389, 95% CI: 2,488 to 8,091). MRT has a high probability of being the most cost effective, using fatigue as the primary outcome. The ICER is €856 per unit of the CIS fatigue subscale. The results of the cost-utility analysis, using the QALY, indicate that the CBT had a higher likelihood of being more cost-effective. CONCLUSIONS The probability of being more cost-effective is higher for MRT when using fatigue as primary outcome variable. Using QALY as the primary outcome, CBT has the highest probability of being more cost-effective. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN77567702.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Silvia Evers
- Department of Health Services Research, Research School CAPHRI Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Trimbos Institute, National Institute of Mental Health and Addiction, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ivan Huijnen
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Research School CAPHRI Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Academic Hospital Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Adelante Centre of Expertise in Rehabilitation and Audiology, Hoensbroek, The Netherlands
| | - Albère Köke
- Adelante Centre of Expertise in Rehabilitation and Audiology, Hoensbroek, The Netherlands
| | - Minou Hitters
- Libra Rehabilitation and Audiology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | | | - Menno Pont
- Reade Centre of Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - André Knottnerus
- Department of General Practice, Research School CAPHRI Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Rob Smeets
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Research School CAPHRI Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Academic Hospital Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Libra Rehabilitation and Audiology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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