Abstract
In the United Kingdom (UK), the number of multidisciplinary pain management programs (PMP) has sharply increased in the last decade. Treatment aims to effect long-term changes, yet arrangements for evaluating long-term treatment outcome in routine practice remain unknown. All PMPs identified in the UK were invited to provide information by mailed questionnaire on aspects of follow-up evaluation. Sixty-six of 70 PMPs identified were successfully contacted (94% response rate). Ten of 48 PMPs (21%) provided complete data and met suggested criteria for adequate length and rates of follow-up, and outcome measurement. Levels of staffing and content explained only a proportion of the variability seen. A general commitment to follow-up outcome evaluation by PMPs was identified but there was substantial variability among programs in length of follow-up, attendance rates, and outcome measurement. These findings raise issues about the consistency of follow-up evaluation across the UK and the ability of current arrangements in some PMPs to accurately determine the longer-term outcome of chronic pain patients. Incorporating follow-ups into existing desirable criteria and agreeing on core outcome measures are two options available to service providers.
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