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Using quantitative sensory testing to predict attrition in an interdisciplinary pain management program: a pilot
Jason Zafereo1, Brittany Uhlenbrock1, Seth Watson2
1Department of Physical Therapy, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
Pain Management
|March 29, 2022
Summary
Quantitative sensory testing (QST) can predict patient dropout in interdisciplinary pain programs (IPPs). Higher pain intensity and cold hyperalgesia indicate a greater risk of attrition, offering a novel clinical tool.
Area of Science:
- Pain Medicine
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Interdisciplinary pain programs (IPPs) aim to improve patient outcomes.
- Patient attrition from IPPs can hinder treatment effectiveness.
- Predicting attrition is crucial for optimizing patient care and resource allocation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the predictive value of quantitative sensory testing (QST) for attrition in an IPP.
- To identify specific QST measures associated with patient dropout.
Main Methods:
- Fifty-three participants in an IPP completed pretreatment quantitative sensory testing (QST) and the PROMIS-29 quality of life survey.
- Statistical analyses were performed to compare completers and non-completers and to identify predictors of attrition.
Main Results:
- Non-completers (24.5%) reported significantly higher pain intensity compared to completers.
- Non-completers also exhibited significantly greater cold hyperalgesia.
- Both higher pain intensity and cold hyperalgesia predicted attrition from the IPP.
Conclusions:
- Quantitative sensory testing (QST) shows potential as a tool to predict patient dropout from interdisciplinary pain programs (IPPs).
- Elevated pain intensity and the presence of cold hyperalgesia may identify patients at higher risk of attrition.
- These findings suggest a novel clinical application for QST in pain management settings.
