Der Schmerz
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In this study three instruments measuring disability of patients with low-back pain are presented and evaluated: (1) the Behinderungsfragebogen (RM) - a German version of the Roland & Morris disability questionnaire (RDQ) (2) a numerical rating scale measuring disability in general and (2) eight numerical rating scales measuring specific dimensions of disability (standing, sitting, walking, driving a car, carrying light loads, carrying heavy loads, sleeping, and sexual intercourse). ⋯ The RM is an instrument measuring patients' perception of their disability that offers simple, fast practicability for patients and tester. The 2 rating scales: The 8 numerical rating scales measuring specific dimensions of disability (QL3) offer all the advantages of the numerical rating scale measuring disability in general (QL1) (simple instruction, high plausibility for the patients, and simple, fast practicability), but they provide more information about the patient's disability, which allows comparisons of disability at different times in the therapeutic process. Numerical rating scales are not suitable for patients with poor ability to abstract. For these patients it is necessary to use a questionnaire which asks concretely about what the patient can or cannot do (e. g. RM). Because of its better psychometric properties, the QL3 should be favored over the RM.
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In chronic pain patient's diagnostic and therapy planning many complex information must be evaluated and analysed. The variety of data cannot be mastered without assistance of a database tool adapted to these special need. ⋯ Due to its ability of export into other databases and already enclosed routines QUAST permits an internal assurance of quality of process and outcome in pain management. It also can be an instrument of an external quality assurance. QUAST is at present the only computer system available in Germany, to fulfil the required prerequisites for adequate quality control.
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Despite psychosocial factors playing an important role in the course of chronic pain disorder, there is a noticeable imbalance between demand and availability of psychosomatic care for these patients. This led us to establish a psychosomatic pain clinic within the framework of our outpatient clinic at the Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy at the Central Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim, Germany. A recent study aimed at the evaluation of sociodemographic variables, state of chronification, symptom load and psychiatric comorbidity. Additionally we wanted to determine whether existing conditions at our hospital can be considered suitable for those patients. ⋯ Our examination routine effectively demonstrated the special needs of chronic pain patients. As there is significant demand for psychosomatic intervention in those patients, earlier referral appears highly desirable. As pain patients differ also greatly from the remaining hospital population, specialized therapeutic concepts must be developed.