An Analysis of Non-Cancer Chronic Pain Trends amongst Navy Medicine MTF Enrollees

Background: Multiple definitions for chronic pain are currently being used across healthcare systems leading to inconsistent prevalence calculations. Implementing a standard case definition would aid in identifying the appropriate cohort for intervention and in allocating the proper resources to military treatment facilities (MTFs) that currently provide inadequate care to chronic pain patients.  We sought to develop and validate a case definition to identify non-cancer chronic pain prevalence amongst Navy Medicine (NAVMED) MTF enrollees in the US and worldwide, and then to evaluate trends of prevalence during fiscal years 2012 to 2014. Methods: A set of criteria based on the most frequently published chronic pain measures were used to create a case definition, and the definition was validated by a panel of pain specialists.  All beneficiaries 18 years or older meeting at least one criterion for chronic pain were used to evaluate trends of prevalence across each fiscal year.  Findings: Using the validated case definition, the prevalence of chronic pain between men and women was relatively equal each fiscal year.  Adults 65 years and older represented the smallest proportion of enrollees with chronic pain.  Notably, chronic pain among active duty family members was consistently more prevalent in comparison to active duty service members during the years studied.  Implications: Although the higher rate of chronic pain prevalence in active duty family members seems counterintuitive; this finding will help NAVMED focus their resources to the group in the greatest need of a clinical intervention.  Overall, these efforts will lead to better patient outcomes and quality of life.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this abstract are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Navy, Department of Defense, nor the U.S. Government