Prediction of functional outcomes in patients with chronic pain.
This prospective study determined the extent to which demographic factors, pain levels, psychological factors, and readiness to change predicted functional outcomes in patients with chronic pain.


METHODS
Participants were 26 patients referred for evaluation to a multidisciplinary pain management program. The Pain Disability Index (PDI), Pain Patient Profile (P-3), and Pain Stages of Change Questionnaire (PSOCQ) measured function, psychological factors and readiness to change respectively. Patients completed the battery of tests upon initial evaluation and 3 months into treatment.


RESULTS
A regression analysis using only initial assessment measures as predictors of functional outcome indicated a 2-variable prediction model (work status and contemplation) that accounted for 49% of the variance in 3-month functional outcome. Regression analysis using data at initial and follow-up assessment found that work status, contemplation, and best and worst pain at follow-up predicted 84.4% of the variance in 3-month functional outcome.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings provide good models for prediction of 3-month functional outcome based on demographic, psychological, and readiness to change indicators.
Krannert School of Physical Therapy, University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46225, USA. hahankin@vayoger.net
Heather A
HA
Hankin
Clyde B
CB
Killian
D002908:Chronic Disease; D003710:Demography; D006801:Humans; D009042:Motivation; D010146:Pain / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D059408:Pain Management; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000502:physiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome