Date of Conferral

2015

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Brent Robbins

Abstract

Researchers and practitioners have developed new treatment options for chronic pain management based on biopsychosocial models of pain known as interdisciplinary pain management programs (IPMP), which involve interdisciplinary care that integrates physical treatment with emotional, environmental, behavioral, and cognitive interventions. Despite literature documenting the effectiveness of IPMPs, patients find it difficult to obtain authorization for these programs from third party insurance payers. The purpose of this quantitative causal comparative study was to explore whether a patient's perceived quality of life after injury but prior to treatment will affect his or her success in an IPMP. This study was based in the theoretical foundations of the biopsychosocial model of pain as well as positive psychology. Regression analysis and a test of mean differences were used to analyze the data to determine if there was a statistically significant difference in the perceived success in an IPMP program between patients who were part of a workers' compensation program (n = 77) and those who were not (n = 60). None of the null hypotheses could be rejected. Quality of Life Index (QOLI) scores were not predictive of success in an IPMP. None of the QOLI 16 subscales were predictive of success in an IPMP. Additionally, there was no significant difference between patients who were on workers' compensation and those who were not. This study contributes to the knowledge gap regarding appropriate screening tools for admittance into an IPMP. The results of this study can be used by practitioners who are trying to get patients approved for an IPMP and by third party insurance payer when determining which patients would most benefit from attending an IPMP.

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