Pain Self-Efficacy

Although it may seem our industry is inordinately focused on the complex COVID-19 issues of presumption, relatedness and treatment, the other difficult workers’ comp issues must not be ignored.

I’m linking to an article in Medical News that describes the research being done by Air Force veteran Josh Van Wyngaarden (who recently earned his PhD at University of Kentucky) in preventing chronic pain and minimizing opioids.

Pain self-efficacy is defined as “the confidence or belief that the individual will be able to successfully complete activities of daily living despite having pain.” According to Dr. Van Wyngaarden’s research, outcomes can be improved by screening chronic pain patients for pain self-efficacy and then utilizing clinical psychologists to enhance coping mechanisms.

He reports on two relevant findings:

Pain self-efficacy at six weeks post injury predicts disability and function at twelve months;

Low patient confidence translates to poor outcomes.

Dr. Van Wyngaarden will continue to do better as he takes his program on to the U.S. Army-Baylor University to teach physical therapy and further his research.

OMCA continues to do better for our clients through a variety of early intervention case management and pharmaceutical review programs.

Call us. We can do better.

William Faris, JD
Chief Executive Officer
502-495-5040
william.faris@omca.biz
www.omca.biz

Posted in News