Prediction of persistent post ‐operative pain: Pain‐specific psychological variables compared with acute post‐operative pain and general psychological variables

ConclusionsPain‐related psychological variables derived from the fear‐avoidance model contributed significantly to the prediction of persistent post‐operative pain. The best possible compilation of these measures requires further research. More general psychological variables may become relevant predictors later in the medical history. SignificanceOur results suggest that pain‐specific psychological variables such as pain anxiety and pain hypervigilance add significantly to the prediction of persistent post‐operative pain and might even outperform established predictors such as acute pain and general psychological variables. Clinicians might benefit from the development of time‐economic screening tools based on these variables.
Source: European Journal of Pain - Category: Anesthesiology Authors: Tags: Original Article Source Type: research