What factors predict outcome from an inpatient multidisciplinary chronic pain service? A prospective cohort study

Objective. To identify baseline factors associated with outcomes from an inpatient multidisciplinary pain management program (PMP) located in a bicultural area of Aotearoa New Zealand.Methods. A prospective cohort study was undertaken involving 164 people with chronic pain who attended the PMP. Demographic, clinical, and psychosocial measures were obtained at baseline, whereas clinical and psychosocial outcome measures were also obtained at program discharge and 3-month follow up (N = 100). Multivariate analyses were used to determine baseline demographic variables that were associated with outcomes at discharge and follow up.Results. Being male and working full-time were associated with poorer outcomes in select measures at discharge. At the 3-month follow up, Maori ethnicity, working full-time, being retired or unemployed, or having chronic widespread pain were associated with poorer outcomes for some measures, whereas those with rheumatoid arthritis had greater self-efficacy.Conclusions. Sex, ethnicity, employment status, and patient condition impact clinical outcomes from the program and in the time from discharge to follow up. Program content and/or delivery should be altered to promote more equitable outcomes for all patients in the long term.

Automated summary

This study aimed to identify baseline factors associated with outcomes from an inpatient multidisciplinary pain management program in a bicultural area of New Zealand. The study found that factors such as sex, ethnicity, employment status, and patient condition impact clinical outcomes from the program and in the time from discharge to follow up.