Effectiveness of a Multidisciplinary Chronic Pain Program for Treatment of Refractory Patients with Complicated Chronic Pain Syndromes

Abstract

Interventional pain physicians commonly encounter patients with a treatment refractory "chronic pain syndrome". Such patients have a chronically painful medical disorder that is complicated by a number of psychosocial factors, including psychiatric and substance use disorders, physical deconditioning, dependency upon the healthcare system, and perceived impairments that are out of proportion to objective medical findings. The objective of the following study was to determine the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary chronic pain program for adult patients with treatment refractory chronic pain syndromes. The following sequential, prospective, observational case series presents treatment outcome data on a 4-week multidisciplinary chronic pain program for adult patients with complex chronic pain syndromes that were refractory to standard pain management. Prior to enrollment in the program, patients had been treated with pain medications, physical therapy, and interventional procedures. Data were collected and analyzed on variables including pain ratings, healthcare utilization, opioid medication use, and perceived physical functioning at program admission and discharge as well as at intervals of 3 months, 6 months and 12 months post-discharge. Analysis of the data reveal statistically significant improvements in the variables of interest across most time parameters. Results demonstrate that participation in a chronic pain program is an effective intervention for selected patients with refractory pain.