Wh. Rogers et al., Assessing individual outcomes during outpatient multidisciplinary chronic pain treatment by means of an augmented SF-36, PAIN MED, 1(1), 2000, pp. 44-54
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.