Supporting Self-Care In Veterans with Chronic Pain
Background: Military veterans with chronic pain are frequently more complex in their presentation than the general population due to challenges of returning to civilian life and the influence of their past military service on their pain. According to the Institute of Medicine (IOM) chronic pain treatment and lost productivity cost American society $560 to $635 billion annually. Conventional pain management methods have been largely dependent on the use of prescription and over the- counter medication and opioids, which are often ineffective for the management of chronic pain. A multimodal and integrative approach that addresses the many dimensions of the biopsychosocial model may be better suited for individuals experiencing such pain. Active self-management initiatives permit more diverse, patient-centered treatment, promote self-management, and are relatively safe and cost-effective.
Project Approach: Veterans with chronic pain seen in a primary care setting received a standardized protocol for addressing chronic pain. This standardized protocol includes the Quality Metric’s SF-12v2 Health Survey, the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, a self-care chart, and a personal action plan contract. Patients were seen monthly over a 6-month period. The SF-12v2 score and the Numeric Pain rating scale will be used to evaluate project effectiveness in controlling pain.
Outcomes: Data collection currently in progress, however it is expected there will be a decrease in pain levels and an increase in quality of life over time.
Conclusions: To be determined following review and analysis of results. It is expected that promotion of self-care among chronic pain patients will show success in decreasing pain levels and increasing quality of life in veterans. If successful, a self-care protocol should be initiated in the VA healthcare system as a routine element of care.