Comparing Pain Assessment Tools for Chronic Pain
Author Information
Author(s): Felix Angst, Martin L Verra, Susanne Lehmann, André Aeschlimann
Primary Institution: Rehaclinic Zurzach, Bad Zurzach, Switzerland
Hypothesis
A condition-specific instrument is more responsive than a generic one.
Conclusion
The pain-specific MPI was most responsive in all comparable domains followed by the generic SF-36.
Supporting Evidence
- The MPI measured pain more responsively than the SF-36.
- The responsiveness of the MPI and the SF-36 was equal for affective health.
- The MPI was more responsive than the CSQ in coping.
Takeaway
This study looked at different tools to measure pain and found that a specific tool for pain is better at showing changes than a general one.
Methodology
A prospective cohort study assessing 273 chronic pain patients using five different assessment tools before and after a four-week pain program.
Limitations
The transition question to determine the MCID was not asked.
Participant Demographics
Mean age 46.3 years, 79.9% female, with conditions including fibromyalgia (43.2%) and chronic back pain (42.5%).
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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