A Heymanns1, H Rudolf1, H Schneider-Nutz2, K Salem2, K Strick2, M Zenz3. 1. Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Henkenbergstr. 63, 44797, Bochum, Deutschland. 2. SchmerznetzNRW, Köln, Deutschland. 3. Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Henkenbergstr. 63, 44797, Bochum, Deutschland. zenz@anaesthesia.de.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: There is currently a lack of data on chronic pain in general practice. METHODS: Over a period of 2 years, data from 12,271 patients visiting a pain specialist on an outpatient basis were collected. All patients had documented their pain history (German pain questionnaire) via tablet/computer into a databank. RESULTS: Data from 12,246 patients from 30 pain clinics could be evaluated. The proportion of women was higher (67%). The majority of patients suffered from back pain (52%). The majority of patients were treated with injections (73%), and the majority of physicians were orthopedic surgeons (71%). A minority of patients had received psychological treatment (< 30%). CONCLUSION: Comprehensive pain documentation by the patients themselves is possible by means of a computer-based program. Back pain is the main problem in patients visiting a pain specialist. Invasive methods are the mainstay of treatment approaches. The psychosocial background of chronic pain seems to be underestimated in the treatment.
BACKGROUND: There is currently a lack of data on chronic pain in general practice. METHODS: Over a period of 2 years, data from 12,271 patients visiting a pain specialist on an outpatient basis were collected. All patients had documented their pain history (German pain questionnaire) via tablet/computer into a databank. RESULTS: Data from 12,246 patients from 30 pain clinics could be evaluated. The proportion of women was higher (67%). The majority of patients suffered from back pain (52%). The majority of patients were treated with injections (73%), and the majority of physicians were orthopedic surgeons (71%). A minority of patients had received psychological treatment (< 30%). CONCLUSION: Comprehensive pain documentation by the patients themselves is possible by means of a computer-based program. Back pain is the main problem in patients visiting a pain specialist. Invasive methods are the mainstay of treatment approaches. The psychosocial background of chronic pain seems to be underestimated in the treatment.
Entities:
Keywords:
Chronic pain; Epidemiology; General practice; Pain documentation; Pain questionnaire
Authors: M-S Yoon; Z Katsarava; M Obermann; G Fritsche; M Oezyurt; K Kaesewinkel; A Katsarova; I Santowski; H Diener; S Moebus Journal: J Headache Pain Date: 2012-03-07 Impact factor: 7.277