OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the quality of life of patients treated in a pain center. METHOD: Sixty eight patients were assessed during their first consultation, then 6, 12 and 18 months later, using a quality of life questionnaire "SQVP or Subjective Quality of Life Profile" validated in French populations and a panel of questionnaires for the monitoring of chronic pain, recommended by the ANAES (French Agency for Health Assessment). RESULTS: Results showed that: the patients' quality of life was clearly deteriorated (lowest quality in the data base--14,000 patients--with regard to the SQVP); the profile obtained (severe handicap) suggests that the lumbagos are part of a psychiatric context; the patients' quality of life clearly improves after 6 months' treatment, but the pain only stabilizes later.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the quality of life of patients treated in a pain center. METHOD: Sixty eight patients were assessed during their first consultation, then 6, 12 and 18 months later, using a quality of life questionnaire "SQVP or Subjective Quality of Life Profile" validated in French populations and a panel of questionnaires for the monitoring of chronic pain, recommended by the ANAES (French Agency for Health Assessment). RESULTS: Results showed that: the patients' quality of life was clearly deteriorated (lowest quality in the data base--14,000 patients--with regard to the SQVP); the profile obtained (severe handicap) suggests that the lumbagos are part of a psychiatric context; the patients' quality of life clearly improves after 6 months' treatment, but the pain only stabilizes later.