Waiting for multidisciplinary chronic pain services: A prospective study over 2.5 years.
Anne L J BurkeJane L MathiasLinley A DensonPublished in: Journal of health psychology (2018)
Despite many patients waiting more than 2 years for treatment at publicly funded multidisciplinary chronic pain services, waitlist studies rarely examine beyond 6 months. We investigated psychological adjustment and health-care utilisation of individuals (N = 339) waiting ≤30 months for appointments at an Australian tertiary pain unit. Outcomes were relatively stable during the first 6 months, but long-term deteriorations in pain-related interference, distress and pain acceptance were evident, albeit with sex differences. Sexes also differed in uptake of new treatments. Medication use increased over time, but pain severity and medication relief did not. Results suggest that early intervention is important, especially for women.
Keyphrases
- chronic pain
- healthcare
- pain management
- primary care
- randomized controlled trial
- end stage renal disease
- mental health
- emergency department
- pregnant women
- polycystic ovary syndrome
- prognostic factors
- patient reported outcomes
- physical activity
- skeletal muscle
- peritoneal dialysis
- spinal cord
- spinal cord injury
- health insurance
- affordable care act
- social media
- pregnancy outcomes
- sleep quality
- atomic force microscopy
- depressive symptoms