Can a Protocol Based on Validated Questionnaires and a Mental Health Checklist Replace Mandatory Psychological Assessment for Workup of Neuromodulation Therapies for Pain?

Abstract

Psychological comorbidities can adversely affect the outcome of neuromodulation (NM) therapies for pain. A psychological assessment is recommended prior to implantation of NM therapies1 but it can cause delays. The objective of this study was to compare the outcomes of NM trials and implants in patients who bypassed an in-person psychological assessment (Fast-Track cohort: FT) versus those who had this assessment (Psychological Assessment cohort: PA) during the study period from July 1, 2017 to December 31, 2020 based on an algorithm proposed by our centre.