The researchers defined the trajectory method as a way to classify patients over time based on resolving pain, maintaining a constant level of pain or increasing pain. For their research, the team evaluated 711 elective surgery patients in the University of Utah Healthcare System. Patients in the study provided daily pain reports for six days while hospitalized and following discharge. From the data collected the researchers concluded the following:
• Acute pain is a self-limiting condition and measuring it should assess rate of resolution.
• Obtaining repeated measures of pain over six days yields better measurement precision for rate of pain resolution.
• Rates of pain resolution obtained from the trajectory approach are valuable for patient management and outcomes research.
• The trajectory approach allows patient classification based on the direction of pain resolution — better or worse.
Read the news release about the trajectory approach for measuring post-operative pain.
Read other coverage about pain management:
– Branding Pain Management: Q&A With Vishal Lal of Advanced Pain Management
– 5 Points on Adding EMR to a Pain Practice
– Washington Yet to Decide Whether to Cover Spinal Injections for Pain
