BENEFITS
Annual costs of chronic pain are in the hundreds of billions of dollars in the United States (healthcare costs and lost productivity) and expected to increase with an aging population (Institute of Medicine, 2011). Spinal fusions, laminectomy procedures, opioid prescriptions, and technology have all increased in recent years without improving outcomes for many chronic pain patients. Multi-disciplinary and integrated care programs have robust support for improving quality of life, reducing medication use along with reduction in ER visits; and although are not a quick fix, are cost-effective and sustainable.
Advantages for Health Care Providers
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Reduce medicolegal risk through safe prescribing habits
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Redirect and reduce health care utilization and lower costs
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Reduce opioid-related morbidity and mortality
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Improve patient relationships and reduce provider burnout
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Provide integrated, multi-disciplinary care
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Improve patient outcomes
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Enhance care for challenging patients
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Enhance inter-departmental communication
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Understand predictors of pain and prevention strategies
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Prevent transition of acute to chronic pain
Advantages for Patients
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Reduce suffering
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Reduce invasive procedures and unwanted side-effects
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Increase quality of life
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Improve function and move toward life goals
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Apply new coping skills
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Understand the nature of chronic pain
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Increase sense of control
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Improve self-regulation and self-care
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Enhance interpersonal relationships and mood
