Chronic pain program management outcomes: Long-term follow-up for Veterans and civilians

LAY SUMMARY Interdisciplinary pain rehabilitation programs are effective in treating chronic pain. Not many studies have explored how Veterans differ from civilians in responding to treatment. In this study, several measures were administered at different time points to examine and compare the long-term treatment outcomes of Veteran and civilian men and women. Results from 67 participants showed an overall long-term improvement in levels of pain-related disability, anxiety, and depression, as well as many other pain-related variables. While no differences in treatment outcomes between Veterans and civilians were found, men and women showed some differences. Women reported higher depressive symptoms overall and more pain-related disability than men at follow-up from the program. This study demonstrates the long-term effectiveness of interdisciplinary pain management programs regardless of Veteran status. It highlights some differences between genders. Previous studies have not compared the long-term outcomes of Veterans and civilians from an interdisciplinary program.

Chronic pain program management outcomes: Long-term follow-up for Veterans and civilians Journal Articles