Affiliations: [a] Pain and Health Management Center, 3855 Pleasant Hill Road No. 460, Duluth, GA 30136, USA | [b] Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA | [c] Memorial Hospital Southwest Pain Center, Houston, TX, USA | [d] Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago Pain Center, Chicago, IL, USA | [e] Community Hospitals Indianapolis Rehabilitation Center for Pain, Indianapolis, IN, USA | [f] Good Samaritan Hospital Pain Rehabilitation Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA | [g] SUNY Comprehensive Pain and Rehabilitation Center, East Setauket, NY, USA
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author.
Abstract: The current article offers guidelines to systematically evaluate programs which treat chronic non-malignant pain syndrome patients. The guidelines represent a basic program evaluation strategy and include specific recommendations and choices on measurement-assessment tools based upon available research literature and common clinical practice. They are based on evaluation by objectives, which include the program's ability to reduce the misuse of medications, increase physical function, increase productive activity at home, work and socially, improve overall mood, reduce subjective pain intensity, reduce the use of healthcare, when applicable, achieve equitable case settlement, and minimize pain treatment program cost without compromising quality of care. The method and timing of assessing each of these objectives are delineated with an emphasis on using reliable, valid measures which can be applied effectively within a clinical setting. The guidelines also advocate patient and staff satisfaction assessment, thus offering a fully integrated program evaluation system which can measure effectiveness and allow ongoing improvement in care.
Keywords: Chronic pain, Program evaluation, Guidelines, Pain rehabilitation
