All patients who complete the 18-day inpatient pain management program at the Pain Center are given a discharge questionnaire as part of our outcome management system. A major part of the questionnaire is a series of questions regarding satisfaction of various aspects of the program. During the period of June to December 1999, a total of 33 inpatients completed this section. The graph below represents the average ratings of the core clinical services of the inpatient pain management program at the Pain Center.

Patient Comments

"I recommend this program for anyone and everyone who has had surgery or suffers with constant pain. Remarkable. This program has saved my life and given me new life. The team (all physicians, PT, OT, etc.) are miracle workers. Their effort, support, guidance and true sincere caring are remarkable. Being in a group of those just like you is the completeness of the program."

"Long before learning that the Pain Center existed, it seemed that I had no control over the pain, or the depression, or my life. I had seen many doctors, tried several medications, tried physical therapy, went for psychotherapy – the pain felt worse. I became more depressed and more isolated. In my heart and head, I felt my health care needed to be coordinated…someone had to look at me as a whole person. My doctor suggested I look into the Pain Center. The program here is outstanding. The entire staff has been so encouraging, I thank you with all my heart. You have given me the tools to cope with pain and life. The program has taught me through exercise, tai chi, water exercise, aerobic gym exercise, stress management that there is much I can do to have a good life even though I have chronic pain."

"I am truly grateful for this program and the focus on alternative therapies. The staff helped me to regain a part of me I thought I lost totally. Thanks! I'm on the path and will continue to grow and learn."

"I finally have hope, validation and support. I finally have tools to give me a quality of life. I'm not the pilot yet but I not only have tickets, I have boarded the plane. I am very grateful for all the personal support and understanding by all of the staff who let me open my heart and soul."

Outcomes

In order to assess patient outcomes and monitor the efficacy of the program, the Pain Center collects patient information in the form of a comprehensive questionnaire at the following time periods:

prior to admission;
discharge;
3 months post discharge;
6 months post discharge; and
1 year post discharge.
The graph below shows percentage improvement from preadmission to discharge on three outcome categories:

The above graph shows that on all four categories of outcome, there was significant improvement. Consistent with the philosophy of our chronic pain management program, patients had the highest gains in physical activity level even when the lowest gain was in pain improvement. This emphasizes the program's focus on living active, productive, and meaningful lives with pain rather than focusing on eliminating the pain.

Long Term Outcomes

Since chronic pain by nature is very persistent, monitoring long-term outcomes is important. The graph below summarizes the percentage improvement from preadmission to 3 months, 6 months, and one year following discharge. It shows that on the average, patients tend to retain the gains made after completing the inpatient pain management program.