Related Experiment Videos
Objectification of functional improvement after nonoperative care
L Flores1, R J Gatchel, P B Polatin
1Division of Psychology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, USA.
Spine
|July 15, 1997
Summary
Recent trends show a move towards objective, quantifiable measures for assessing outcomes in painful spinal disorders. This improves research by standardizing assessments of physical, psychological, and socioeconomic factors.
Area of Science:
- Pain research
- Rehabilitation medicine
- Health outcomes assessment
Background:
- Painful spinal disorders involve complex medical, psychological, and social factors.
- A biopsychosocial perspective is crucial for understanding chronic pain and disability.
- This complexity has led to confusion in identifying the root causes of disability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight inconsistencies in functional outcome measures used in research.
- To address the variation in selection and application of outcome measures across studies.
Main Methods:
- Reviewing three categories of measures: physical, psychological, and socioeconomic.
- Discussing major measures within each category and their efficacy.
- Identifying frequently used measures for biopsychosocial factors and evaluating their pros and cons.
Main Results:
- A trend towards more objective and quantifiable outcome measures in recent years.
- Inclusion of physical, psychological, and socioeconomic parameters in outcomes research.
- Improved ability to identify factors influencing physical impairment.
Conclusions:
- The shift to objective measures enhances research by allowing better identification of key factors.
- Increased uniformity in measures will facilitate direct comparisons between studies.
- This evolution supports a more precise understanding of outcomes in painful spinal disorders.