Work Interventions Within Interdisciplinary Pain Rehabilitation Programs (IPRP) - Frequency, Patient Characteristics,
Frida Svanholm1, Mathilda Björk1, Monika Löfgren2,3
1Pain and Rehabilitation Centre, and Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
Journal of Pain Research
|February 23, 2023
Summary
Interdisciplinary pain rehabilitation programs (IPRPs) show high participation in work interventions. While return-to-work plans are common, their impact on improving work ability is small, highlighting the need for tailored interventions for chronic pain patients.
Area of Science:
- Pain Rehabilitation
- Occupational Health
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Interdisciplinary pain rehabilitation programs (IPRPs) aim to improve health and work management for chronic pain patients.
- Current IPRPs may not optimally address sick leave, despite the inclusion of work interventions.
- The extent and nature of work interventions within IPRPs require further clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the frequency and patient characteristics associated with work interventions in Swedish IPRPs.
- To examine the relationship between participation in work interventions and changes in self-rated work ability post-IPRP.
- To identify factors influencing return-to-work (RTW) outcomes in chronic pain management.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from the Swedish quality registry for pain rehabilitation (SQRP) (2016-2018).
- Inclusion of 3809 patients undergoing IPRP.
- Application of descriptive statistics and regression analyses to explore intervention patterns and outcomes.
Main Results:
- A high participation rate (90%) in work interventions was observed.
- The return-to-work (RTW) plan was the most frequent intervention, showing a modest association with improved self-rated work ability.
- Patient employment status influenced outcomes, with employed individuals showing a positive association with enhanced work ability.
Conclusions:
- Work interventions are frequently utilized in IPRPs, but their impact on work ability changes is limited.
- Individual patient characteristics, particularly employment status, are important considerations for tailoring interventions.
- Further research is necessary to elucidate the mechanisms of IPRPs and optimize work interventions for chronic pain management and sick leave reduction.
