Impact of psychosocial factors on the success of neuromodulation treatment for patients with persistent pain

Introduction Significant interindividual variability in spinal cord stimulation (SCS) outcomes exists. Due to its high cost and risks of complications, criteria to guide patient selection for SCS trials and their outcomes would be helpful. With increased focus on the use of patient-reported outcomes to improve care, we aim to evaluate the National Institute of Health Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System measures for an association with successful SCS trials in patients with persistent pain. Methods Our prospective, observational study enrolled 60 patients with persistent pain who underwent an SCS trial. Patients completed demographic and Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System computer adaptive test (PROMIS CAT) assessments to measure self-reported pain interference, depression, anxiety, physical functioning, and sleep disturbance at the time they presented for placement of their trial device. Results Of the 58 patients who underwent successful electrode placement, 11 had an unsuccessful trial. There were no differences in patient demographics between patients with a successful and an unsuccessful trial. Patients who had a successful SCS trial reported lower pre-trial levels of anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbance and decreased post-trial levels of depression, sleep disturbance, and pain interference. Conclusions We found that patients with high levels of depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbance using the PROMIS CAT were predictive of unsuccessful trials. In addition, we found that patients with successful SCS trials reported lower levels of these domains on PROMIS CAT administered at the end of the trial.