Effect of Patient Education on Reducing Medication in Spinal Cord Injury Patients With Neuropathic Pain

Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine, 2017 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.5535/arm.2017.41.4.621 · Published: July 1, 2017

Simple Explanation

This study investigates whether educating spinal cord injury (SCI) patients about their neuropathic pain, medications, and side effects can reduce their reliance on pain medication. The study involved a 6-week educational pain management program for SCI patients with neuropathic pain. The program included sessions on the SCI, pain physiology, and medication information. The results showed that after completing the program, many patients were able to reduce the number of pain medications they were taking, suggesting that patient education can be a valuable addition to pain management.

Study Duration

6 Weeks

Participants

109 patients with an SCI and neuropathic pain

Evidence Level

Prospective study

Key Findings

1
The number of patients taking more than two types of pain medication decreased from 72.5% to 33.0% after the educational program.
2
Patients in the 'response group' (those who reduced medications) had a shorter duration of pain onset and a higher initial number of medications.
3
An initial high number of different medications revealed statistically significant associations between the response and non-response groups.

Research Summary

This prospective study evaluated the impact of a 6-week educational pain management program on reducing medication use in 109 spinal cord injury (SCI) patients with neuropathic pain. The study found that the program led to a significant decrease in the number of pain medications used by patients, particularly in those with a shorter duration of pain onset and a higher initial number of medications. The results suggest that patient education can be a valuable complement to the treatment of SCI patients with neuropathic pain, especially through early intervention.

Practical Implications

Improved Pain Management

Implementing educational programs can help SCI patients better manage their neuropathic pain and reduce reliance on multiple medications.

Early Intervention

Early education and intervention are crucial in preventing the development of chronic SCI-related pain.

Reduced Polypharmacy

Providing patients with information about their medications can lead to a reduction in polypharmacy and its associated risks.

Study Limitations

1
Socioeconomic statuses, including educational level were not assessed.
2
Subjective survey patients’ satisfaction after reducing their medications was not conducted.
3
The long-term effects of the intervention in this study were not measured, and a comparison with a control group was not performed.

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