The Clinical journal of pain
-
Comparative Study
What do patients expect from their first visit to a pain clinic?
To examine patients' expectations of their first outpatient visit to a pain clinic. We asked patients what would be the most satisfying and the most disappointing outcomes of their visit and whether they expected changes in medication and further investigations to result from their consultation. ⋯ For patients attending pain clinics, the explanation of their pain problem is rated as important as the cure or relief of their pain. Improved understanding of patient expectations by pain clinic clinicians may lead to greater patient satisfaction and reduced treatment dropout.
-
Comparative Study
Is temporomandibular pain in chronic whiplash-associated disorders part of a more widespread pain syndrome?
The prevalence of temporomandibular disorders in patients with chronic whiplash-associated disorder is a controversial issue that may be influenced by the widespread pain character and psychologic distress frequently observed in patients with chronic pain. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of temporomandibular disorder pain, widespread pain, and psychologic distress in persons with chronic whiplash-associated disorder pain, using a controlled, single blind study design. The prevalence of temporomandibular disorder pain in the chronic whiplash-associated disorder pain group was compared with 2 control groups: a chronic neck pain group and a no neck pain group. ⋯ The higher prevalence of widespread pain and psychologic distress in patients with chronic whiplash-associated disorder suggests that the higher prevalence of temporomandibular disorder pain in these patients is part of a more widespread chronic pain disorder.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Sensitivity of pain rating scales in an endoscopy trial.
The purpose of this study was to compare the sensitivity of two commonly used pain-rating scales, the Visual Analog Scale and the 4-point verbal rating scale. Both are considered reliable and valid, but previous studies regarding sensitivity of rating scales have lead to different conclusions, and there is no firm agreement as to the best scale to choose. ⋯ Because each individual provided one Visual Analog Scale and one 4-point verbal rating scale rating for the same pain experience, the ability of the two scales to detect differences between groups of pain ratings could be compared. The use of a simulation model enabled estimation of a power function and reduced the probability of basing the conclusion on a chance finding.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Tiagabine and gabapentin for the management of chronic pain.
Agents that modulate gamma-aminobutyric acid transmission, such as gabapentin, are widely used for the management of chronic pain disorders/syndromes; however, the usefulness of the selective gamma-aminobutyric acid reuptake inhibitor tiagabine in this therapeutic area has yet to be investigated. This study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of tiagabine and gabapentin for the treatment of chronic pain. ⋯ These results suggest that tiagabine and gabapentin are effective in the management of chronic pain, with tiagabine having a greater beneficial effect on sleep quality.
-
Comparative Study
Patient satisfaction with treatment for chronic pain: predictors and relationship to compliance.
Patient satisfaction with treatment has been extensively researched in a variety of medical patients. However, satisfaction with treatment of chronic pain has received considerably less attention. The present study sought to identify the predictors of patient satisfaction with treatment of chronic pain. In addition, the relationship between patient satisfaction and compliance with treatment recommendations was explored. ⋯ Results suggest the importance of distinguishing between satisfaction with care and satisfaction with improvement in assessments. Satisfaction with treatment of chronic pain is not merely a matter of pain relief. To increase the probability of treatment success and satisfaction, attention to the interpersonal aspects of the health care provider-patient relationship appear critical. Explanations for satisfaction's stronger relationship to health care provider-rated compliance were discussed.