Which Back Pain Patients Benefit From Multidisciplinary Pain Management? A Comparative Cost Analysis Using Claims
S Behrendt1, H Kulas1, U Marschall2
1IGES Institut GmbH, Berlin.
Gesundheitswesen (Bundesverband Der Arzte Des Offentlichen Gesundheitsdienstes (Germany))
|July 22, 2016
Summary
Multidisciplinary pain therapy (MPT) can lead to favorable cost trajectories for chronic back pain patients, particularly those with lower pain intensity and fewer comorbidities. Early integration into MPT programs is crucial for personalized pain management.
Area of Science:
- Pain Management
- Health Economics
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Multidisciplinary pain therapy (MPT) is the standard for chronic back pain.
- Previous studies indicate the cost-effectiveness of interdisciplinary treatments.
- Identifying patient profiles for favorable cost trajectories post-intervention is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify patient characteristics associated with favorable cost trajectories under MPT.
- To identify patients without MPT who may have favorable cost trajectories.
- To link improved health status to reduced healthcare utilization.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of pseudonymized claims data from a nationwide health insurance.
- Comparative cost analysis to identify MPT patients with lower post-intervention costs than a control group.
- CART analysis to identify patient profiles associated with favorable cost trajectories.
Main Results:
- 1,252 MPT patients with specific back pain and 767 with disc conditions were studied.
- MPT patients had higher initial post-therapy costs than controls.
- Favorable cost trajectories were observed in approximately half of MPT patients, linked to lower pain intensity, no hospitalizations, and fewer comorbidities.
Conclusions:
- A methodology was developed to identify back pain patients likely to benefit from MPT.
- Patient-individual pain management is necessary.
- Early integration into multidisciplinary pain management programs is important.
