• N Foadi, I Winkelmann, M Rhein, and M Karst.
• Klinik für Anästhesiologie und Intensivmedizin, Schmerzambulanz, Medizinische Hochschule, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Deutschland. foadi.nilufar@mh-hannover.de.
• Schmerz. 2024 Jun 1; 38 (3): 205215205-215.

Background And ObjectivePsychometric tests can provide important information for diagnostics and progression in chronic pain patients. Between 2008 and 2018, the electronic system painDETECT® was used in the outpatient pain clinic of the Hannover Medical School (MHH). The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the pain symptomatology data recorded using painDETECT® and the treatment procedures used in the patient cohort examined over a period of 15 months.Material And MethodsA statistical analysis of baseline and follow-up data was performed. The analysis comprised pain-related parameters recorded by use of the painDETECT® system as well as outpatient records.ResultsBaseline data of 459 patients (66% women) could be evaluated. The most common clinical pictures were spinal pain, headache, facial pain, and somatoform disorders, mostly with many years of previous treatment. Approximately 40% showed evidence of neuropathic pain components or central sensitization. With a mean pain intensity of VAS 6 (0-10), a predominantly high degree of chronicity was present. Approximately one third showed a high degree of pain-related functional impairment. Slightly more than half showed evidence of clinically relevant depression. Approximately 80% showed clinically relevant sleep disturbances. Follow-up data were available for 145 patients (31.6%). The proportion of patients receiving a nonpharmacological form of treatment increased by 44.1% (physical therapy) and by 24.1% (psychotherapeutic procedures) during the observation period. The use of co-analgesics increased by approximately 30% over the course.ConclusionIn the outpatient setting, an extension of treatment can be successful for high-grade chronic pain patients. Close structural networking with the clinics for rehabilitation medicine and for psychosomatics and psychotherapy at the MHH can be a favorable prerequisite for this.© 2022. The Author(s).

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