The multidisciplinary biopsychosocial rehabilitation programme for patients with chronic spinal pain: outcomes with work status as the primary focus

Abstract

Objective: To assess the efficacy of the multidisciplinary biopsychosocial rehabilitation programme for chronic spinal patients as to work status, physical functioning, pain intensity, health-related quality of life and the psychosocial domain. Design: This is a retrospective, single-centre, observational cohort study. Subjects/Patients: A total of 209 subjects (mean age 41.5 ± 11.4 years) with chronic spinal pain participated in the rehabilitation programme. Methods: Evaluations were conducted through standardized questionnaires at baseline and at the end of the rehabilitation programme. Results: Patients were more likely to be at work. Sick leave and work VAS changed significantly. Patients in blue-collar jobs are less likely to return to work. Pain intensity, physical functioning, health-related quality of life and lumbar and cervical range of motion improved significantly. Conclusion: The multidisciplinary biopsychosocial rehabilitation programme for chronic spinal patients improved the rate of return to work. In daily clinical practice, attention must be given to reducing mobility issues in daily life in order to get patients back to work. The occupational therapist should give patients with blue-collar jobs sufficient attention early in the programme in order to achieve a higher rate of return to work.