Understanding the role of patient preference in the treatment algorithm for chronic low back pain: results from a survey-based study.

Abstract

Aims: Interventional pain treatments range from injections to established radiofrequency ablation techniques and finally neuromodulation. In addition to safety, efficacy\xa0and cost dominance, patient preference for type of treatment is important. Methods: Chronic pain patients (n\xa0=\xa0129) completed a preference scale to determine which interventional pain management procedures they would prefer from among radiofrequency ablation, temporary (60-day) peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS), conventional PNS and spinal cord stimulation/dorsal root ganglion stimulation. A second survey (n\xa0=\xa0347) specific to assessing the preference for radiofrequency ablation or temporary PNS treatment was completed by patients with low back pain. Results: On the basis of mean rank, temporary PNS percutaneously implanted for up to 60\xa0days was the most preferred treatment compared with the other options presented (p\xa0=\xa00.002). Conclusions: Patient preference should be unbiased and considered as an independent variable for physician discussion in treatment options and future research.