Related Experiment Videos
Health care system utilization for chronic facial pain.
T F Lundeen1, J M George, T C Toomey
1North Carolina Memorial Hospital Clinical Pain Program, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 27599.
Journal of Craniomandibular Disorders : Facial & Oral Pain
|January 1, 1991
Summary
High healthcare utilization in chronic pain patients is linked to psychological factors, not just physical health. Patients with high use focused more on physical symptoms, despite clinicians noting higher stress and psychological issues.
Area of Science:
- Pain Management
- Health Services Research
- Psychosomatic Medicine
Background:
- Physician utilization is influenced by factors beyond physical health status.
- Chronic pain patients often exhibit high healthcare utilization patterns.
- Understanding non-physical factors driving utilization is crucial for effective pain management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between high healthcare utilization in chronic pain patients and non-pain related factors.
- To explore the role of psychological factors and stress in physician use among chronic pain sufferers.
Main Methods:
- One hundred consecutive chronic pain patients were assessed using a battery of tests.
- Clinicians rated patients on psychological factors, stress, and pain chronicity.
- Patients were categorized into high- and low-utilization groups using the Health Care Utilization Index.
Main Results:
- High-utilization patients demonstrated a greater focus on bodily symptoms.
- These patients were more convinced of having a physical illness.
- Clinicians identified higher levels of psychological factors and stress in the high-utilization group.
Conclusions:
- Healthcare utilization in chronic pain is significantly influenced by psychological factors and symptom focus.
- Patient perception of illness and clinician assessment of psychological distress diverge in high-utilization cases.
- Addressing psychological and stress components is vital for managing chronic pain and healthcare use.