(623) Impact of Chronic Pain on Health Care Resource Use, Daily Activities and Family Burden

Authors: Beth Hahn, Glaxo Wellcome, Inc., Sunil Dogra, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Susan King‐Zeller, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill The aim of this clinical investigation was to assess the impact of chronic pain on patient's medical resource utilization, work ability, and family responsibilities. Method: A postal survey containing questionnaires assessing pain symptoms, demographics, economic impact, and quality of life was sent to a random sample of 500 members of the American Chronic Pain Association. The response rate was 47% (N=236). A total of 18% had been hospitalized, 23% had an emergency room visit, 51% had a hospital clinic or outpatient visit, 63% had diagnostic tests, and 91% visited a doctor's office for pain management in the previous 12 months. Few patients worked full‐time (15%), and nearly half were disabled by chronic pain. During the previous month, 57% had experienced at least one day in which they were unable to work or participate in their main activity, and 69% had cut back activities for at least a portion of a day. Among patients who had lost a job, resigned from work, or were disabled, the burden on spouses increased. Spouses had to take on a job/extra work to support the family (35%), take time off to care for the patient (43%), assume financial tasks (37%), or take on additional household responsibilities (89%). The above‐mentioned results demonstrate that the impact of chronic pain on the medical care system, patients, and their families is substantial.