Pain practice : the official journal of World Institute of Pain
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Osteoarthritis is a chronic debilitating condition affecting many adults in the United States. This study was to compare pharmacologic treatments and costs for newly diagnosed and existing osteoarthritis patients to assess unmet medication treatment needs and economic burden. ⋯ Newly diagnosed osteoarthritis patients incurred higher annual costs, but lower pain-related prescription drug costs in the year following diagnosis than patients with existing osteoarthritis.
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There is a clear relationship between suicide risk and chronic pain conditions. However, the exact nature of this link has been poorly understood, with risk attribution often limited to comorbid depression. Perceived burdensomeness has already been confirmed as a risk factor for suicidal ideation (SI) and suicide attempt in the general population. ⋯ This retrospective study examined the relationship between depression, perceived burdensomeness, and SI in a patient sample seeking behavioral treatment for chronic pain management. A logistic regression model was developed, with preliminary results indicating perceived burdensomeness was the sole predictor of SI, even in the presence of other well-established risk factors such as age, gender, depressive symptoms, and pain severity. Findings highlight the potential utility of a single-item screening question in routine clinical care as an incrementally superior predictor of SI in a chronic pain population.
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Inadequately treated acute pain is a global healthcare problem that causes significant patient suffering and disability, risk of chronicity, increased resource utilization, and escalating healthcare costs. Compounding the problem is the lack of adequate instruction in acute pain management available in medical schools worldwide. ⋯ In this article, we review the current status of pain education in educational institutions across the world, focusing on achievements, lacunae, and inadequacies. We appeal to all concerned--pain management specialists, health educators, and policymakers--to consider incorporating education on acute pain and its management at undergraduate medical levels in an integrated manner.
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The reliability and validity of the Visual Analog Mood Scales in non-English-speaking pain patients.
This study assessed the validity and reliability of the Visual Analog Mood Scales (VAMS) when administered to a non-English-speaking, headache population. ⋯ Given the evidence of strong reliability and validity, the VAMS may be useful as a clinical diagnostic tool when administered to non-English-speaking pain populations.