Evaluation of changes in occupational performance among patients in a pain management program.

Abstract

The aims of this study were to evaluate changes in occupational performance among chronic pain patients after a pain management program and to explore relationships between these changes and demographic and clinical factors, psychosocial functioning and psychological well-being. 188 consecutive patients were included. Changes were registered by using Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, Multidimensional Pain Inventory and Psychological General Well-Being Index. There were statistically significant positive changes in occupational performance. Patients with sickness compensation had significantly higher changes in occupational performance than those without sickness compensation. The patients with a profile group as interpersonally distressed had statistically significant higher change scores on occupational performance than the adaptive coper group. Furthermore, increases in changes on general activity level, general health, and vitality and decreases in pain severity were associated with positive changes on perceived occupational performance and performance satisfaction. Changes in occupational performance, psychological well-being and psychosocial functioning seem all to be of relevance in the evaluation of pain management programs. Psychosocial profiles and sickness compensation has relevance for directions on changes in occupational performance, whereas other demographic and clinical factors do not.