Evaluation of the benefits from the introduction meeting for patients with chronic non-malignant pain and their relatives in interdisciplinary pain center

Abstract

Abstract Background Treatment of patients with chronic nonmalignant pain (CNMP) is challenging and requires a multidisciplinary effort. In a multidisciplinary pain center, patients are treated by a team of doctor, nurse, physiotherapist, psychologist and social worker. Especially in the beginning of treatment patients receive much information. Many patients and their relatives have problems with comprehending it. Objective This is an action research study aimed to find the optimal mode for to introduce patients with CNMP and their relatives to the multidisciplinary pain treatment. Method In the fall of 2016, we began to invite patients and their relatives to the introduction meeting (IM), which takes place in groups of up to 20 people, has duration of 1 hour and is led by the physiotherapist and nurse, but the physician is also present. Invited patients are able to understand written and oral Danish and are not suffering from social phobias. During IM facts about the center, treatment course and pain physiology are presenter. Immediately after IM, participants are anonymously asked about their experiences. Results Up to date (February 2017) 254 patients were invited. Invitation was rejected by 63 patients (24,8%). Question about understanding of chronic pain was answered by 108 participants (both patients and their relatives), and 103 participants declared better understanding of chronic pain after IM end before. 69 participants answered question about understanding of treatment course in the center. All but 2 participants declared after IM at their understanding was better end before. In fact, 31 (44,9%) participants estimated changes in understanding of treatment course as much significant. Conclusion The IM at the beginning of multidisciplinary therapy seems to be a promising activity for patients with CNMP referred to the multidisciplinary pain center, as well as for their relatives. Study is ongoing and updated results will be presented at the conference.