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Updated: Aug 11, 2026
14:56
An Experimental Paradigm for the Prediction of Post-Operative Pain (PPOP)
Published on: January 27, 2010
Economic implications of pain management
1Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle 98195, USA.
Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica
|October 16, 1999
Summary
Chronic pain significantly impacts society and healthcare costs. Addressing economic and conceptual issues in pain management is crucial for controlling escalating healthcare expenses and reducing patient and provider burdens.
Area of Science:
- Health Economics
- Pain Management
- Public Health Policy
Background:
- Economic factors in pain management impact patients, providers, and society.
- Chronic pain and its associated disability represent a significant societal cost.
- Current healthcare delivery models contribute to escalating costs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the societal costs of chronic pain and disability.
- To examine the economic impact of alternative pain management models on patients and providers.
- To address conceptual issues in healthcare delivery and cost control.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature review and synthesis approach was employed.
- Analysis of existing data on the economic burden of chronic pain.
- Evaluation of conceptual frameworks in healthcare economics.
Main Results:
- Chronic pain is a leading cause of healthcare utilization and disability during working years.
- Multidisciplinary pain clinics demonstrate effectiveness.
- Limited efficacy data exists for many other pain management interventions.
- Disability costs are influenced by societal medicalization and conceptual shortcomings.
Conclusions:
- Revising concepts of pain and disability, along with funding mechanisms, is essential for cost control.
- The future of pain management within healthcare depends on ongoing professional, state, and economic negotiations.
- Systemic changes are needed to manage inappropriate care and escalating costs effectively.
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