Long-term outcome of multidisciplinary intervention of chronic non-cancer pain patients in a private setting

Background and aimThe present study reports on chronic non-cancer patients who were referred to a private pain clinic, according to a waiting time guarantee and treated within one month from referral. Based on evaluation by members of the multidisciplinary staff at our pain clinic a pain management program could be offered individually or as group therapy.MethodsHealth related quality of life, psychometric tests, use of pain medication; socio-economic status and number of consultations in general practice were recorded at referral to the clinic and by postal questionnaires at follow-up 21 months later. The primary treatment outcome (treatment success) was defined as an improvement of at least 40 points in the physical component and/or the mental component of SF-36 from baseline to follow-up. Secondary outcome measures were changes in Beck's Anxiety Inventory and Beck's Depression Inventory, use of analgesics, work status and transfer income and number of consultations at the GP's office due to the chronic pain condition.ResultsA total of 306 patients were included: 141 were treated individually and 165 were treated in groups. At follow-up, data were obtained from 189 patients (62%). Comparing baseline to follow-up data, 62% of group treated patients were treated successfully, compared with 41% of individually treated patients. Anxiety and depression were significantly improved in group treated patients but not in those treated individually. Significantly more patients had work income (and less patients transfer income) among group treated, compared with individually treated. At follow-up use of antidepressants and anticonvulsants was increased whereas use of tranquilizers and strong opioids was decreased in all patients. Number of consultations at their GPs due to chronic pain was significantly reduced in all patients.ConclusionsMultidisciplinary treatment in a private pain clinic seems to have a long-term effect in relation to biological, psychological and social aspects of the chronic pain condition. Treatments based on group therapy may offer better results than individual treatment courses.ImplicationsThe effect of group therapy should be explored further.

► In a private pain clinic in Denmark beneficial outcomes of multidisciplinary intervention in non-cancer chronic pain patients have been demonstrated.
► Long-term effects were demonstrated in biological, psychological and social aspects of chronic pain.
► Group therapy may possibly be advantageous compared with individualized treatment concerning long-term outcomes.
► However, in this pragmatic study, patients were not randomized and the group treated had less serious baseline pain conditions.