Assessing individual outcomes during outpatient multidisciplinary chronic pain treatment by means of an augmented SF-36

Objective. To meet the growing demand for objective outcomes measurement du ring treatment of chronic pain, we developed an instrument to track outcome s of individual patients. Method. In a 2-phase study, existing and novel outcomes instruments were ap plied in an interdisciplinary pain management program. In the initial phase , 408 patients were administered the Short Form 36-item questionnaire and d uring phase 2, 437 patients (87 of whom were followed) were given an expand ed(191-item) questionnaire. Results. When applied to individual patients, the Short Form 26-item questi onnaire lacked measurement reliability for assessment of treatment outcomes and sensitivity to upper extremity or facial pathology, and failed to sepa rate limitations of work versus everyday activity. A novel group of scales derived from responses to 61 questions, including the Short Form 36-item qu estionnaire, proved sufficiently reliable for routine follow-up of individu al chronic pain patients. Conclusions. This new Treatment Outcomes in Pain Survey allows assessment o f individual patient outcomes, and aggregate or individual clinician perfor mance, during interdisciplinary treatment of chronic pain.