Initial characteristics to predict the duration of multidisciplinary pain treatment in chronic pain patients: a...

AbstractChronic pain patients can achieve substantial improvement within six months, but some require prolonged care. This study aimed to explore differences in baseline characteristics and questionnaire responses between patients who showed significant improvement within six months (completion group) and those requiring treatment beyond six months (continuation group). A cross-sectional study was conducted among 131 patients. Patients were classified into completion group (n = 97) or continuation group (n = 34). Baseline data included demographic information (sex, age), ICD-11J classification, average pain intensity using the numeric rating scale (NRS) and scores from the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), Pain Disability Assessment Scale (PDAS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (PSEQ), EuroQol Five Dimensions Questionnaire (EQ-5D), and Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS). There were no significant differences in age, sex, or ICD-11J classification between the groups. However, the continuation group exhibited significantly higher baseline scores for average pain intensity, PDAS, and HADS depression than the completion group. Patients with higher baseline pain intensity, greater functional impairment, and more severe depressive symptoms were more likely to require extended multidisciplinary treatment. Early identification of these risk factors is critical for optimizing treatment planning and improving outcomes in chronic pain management.