Outcome measures of a chronic pain program: a prospective statistical study.
OBJECTIVE
To provide outcome data measuring objective and subjective variables of an individualized, multidisciplinary, comprehensive pain management program.


METHODS
The study is a prospective evaluation of 50 consecutive patients who completed the pain management program. Objective measures were medication use and return to work. Subjective measures included self-reports of pain levels and completion of a Personal Concerns and Goals Assessment (PCGA) examining issues of lifestyle and emotional well-being. These measures were compared at program onset and completion by using appropriate statistical analyses.


RESULTS
Objective measures: Medication use by the study subjects decreased overall by 72% within all drug categories. Opioid use was eliminated. Regarding return to work, the study subjects increased their work hours by twofold overall. Of patients working fewer than 30 h per week at program onset, representing 62% of the study population, a fivefold return to work was observed. Subjective measures: Overall pain levels improved by 33%, with an 18 to 47% improvement in all descriptors (average pain levels on good or bad days, average number of good or bad days). Of the PCGA factors, patients improved 24 to 46% in all categories concerning lifestyle and emotional well-being. Correlative analysis of the data produced prognostic information as well as insights into chronic pain development.


CONCLUSIONS
This study of objective and subjective outcome measures demonstrates that a comprehensive program employing specific principles and methods produces an effective approach for the management of chronic pain. Patients disabled by chronic pain regain a quality of life that allows them to resume a functioning, productive role.
Hubbard
J E
JE
Minneapolis Clinic of Neurology, University of Minnesota School of Medicine, USA.
Tracy
J
J
Morgan
S F
SF
McKinney
R E
RE
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004644:Emotions; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009294:Narcotics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010146:Pain / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D059408:Pain Management; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010348:Patient Care Team; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013223:Statistics as Topic
D009294:Narcotics