The effectiveness of interdisciplinary intensive outpatient programs in a population with diverse chronic pain conditions: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Aim: To explore the overall effectiveness of interdisciplinary intensive outpatient treatment programs in adults with chronic pain. The secondary aim was to examine the effect of the intervention on individual outcome measures including pain intensity, pain catastrophizing, depressive symptoms, quality of life and describe its effect on medication use. Methods: The preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis protocols reporting guidelines were followed in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Results: A total of 13 peer-reviewed studies were included in analysis: one randomized controlled trial and 12 observational studies. Conclusion: Although interdisciplinary intensive outpatient programs for chronic pain have only been examined in a limited number of studies, trends suggest that participation in these programs may improve physical, emotional, social and mental health as measured by quality of life measures, while decreasing pain intensity, pain catastrophizing and depressive symptoms in a population with diverse diagnoses.

Keywords: chronic pain; intensive outpatient treatment; interdisciplinary rehabilitation.