Feasibility and Clinical Utility of Assessing Behavioral and Psychological Risk Factors in Pain Management

Area of Science:

• Pain Management
• Psychological Health
• Clinical Practice

Background:

• Psychological factors significantly influence chronic pain.
• Assessing these factors in clinical pain management settings presents logistical challenges.
• Understanding the implications of psychological assessments is crucial for effective pain management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the feasibility and clinical utility of assessing behavioral and psychological risk factors in pain management.
• To document challenges and opportunities in integrating multidisciplinary care within pain management practices.

Main Methods:

• Prospective recruitment of chronic pain patients from an orthopedic clinic.
• Patients completed assessments before their initial clinical interaction.
• Medical records were reviewed one year post-appointment to evaluate treatment response.

Main Results:

• Pilot study identified higher rates of depression and suicidal ideation, and lower resilience compared to US norms.
• Median completion time for assessments was 30.2 minutes, indicating feasibility.
• Shortened assessment batteries appear practical for pain management settings.

Conclusions:

• Psychological and behavioral health assessments are vital in pain management due to the overlap with psychological comorbidities.
• Identifying factors like resilience is crucial as they may protect against chronic pain.
• Integrating these assessments enhances the ability to address the multifaceted nature of chronic pain.