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Treatment outcome in a chronic pain rehabilitation program
Stanley L Chapman1, Steven F Brena, Allen L Bradford
1Pain Control Center, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Ga. 30322, U.S.A.
Pain
|October 1, 1981
Summary
Outpatient pain rehabilitation significantly improved daily activities and reduced pain intensity and medication use. Disability status did not impact treatment success, with some patients returning to work.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Pain Management
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Chronic pain affects daily living and often leads to disability.
- Effective rehabilitation strategies are crucial for improving patient function.
- The impact of disability status on rehabilitation outcomes requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of an outpatient rehabilitation program for chronic pain.
- To assess changes in pain intensity, daily activities, and medication use post-treatment.
- To determine if disability status influences rehabilitation outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 100 patients completed an outpatient chronic pain rehabilitation program.
- Data collected at an average of 21 months post-treatment analyzed changes from baseline.
- Patients were categorized based on disability status: pending, current, or no disability.
Main Results:
- Statistically significant reductions in subjective pain intensity were observed.
- Significant increases in activities of daily living were reported.
- Substantial reductions in pain medication use were achieved.
- No significant differences in treatment outcomes were found across disability groups.
- Eight of 19 unemployed individuals with pending disability claims returned to work.
Conclusions:
- Brief outpatient pain rehabilitation can lead to significant functional improvements.
- Pending or current disability does not predict poor treatment outcomes.
- Rehabilitation programs offer a viable pathway for functional recovery in chronic pain patients, irrespective of disability claims.