CLINICAL PROFILE, TREATMENT PATTERNS, AND EXPECTATIONS OF PATIENTS REFERRED TO A CHRONIC PAIN CENTER: A RETROSPECTIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

J. Nicolas, M. D'Ussel | Chronic Pain Center, Paris Saint-Joseph Hospital, Paris, France

Background and Aims. Chronic pain carries a significant functional and socioeconomic burden. Patients are often referred to specialized pain centers in a late-line care setting. We aimed to characterize the overall profile of patients referred for an initial consultation at a multidisciplinary chronic pain center.
Methods. A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using a routinely collected standardized questionnaire completed by patients requesting an appointment at the Chronic Pain Center of Paris Saint-Joseph Hospital between September 2025 and March 2026. Information included demographics, referral source, pain characteristics, perceived causes, treatments, expectations, and sick leave status.
Results. A total of 1119 patients were included, predominantly women (77.2%), with a mean age of 49.0 ± 17.6 years. Referrals were mainly from general practitioners (42.5%). The most common pain duration was 1-5 years (40.4%). Mean pain intensity was 5.9 ± 2.2/10, with 35.8% reporting severe pain (≥7/10). Axial involvement was predominant (69.9%), and 42.9% of patients had ≥ 2 predefined body regions involved. Disease-related causes were most frequent (35.2%), while no identifiable cause was reported in 33.8% of patients, and 17.5% had multiple contributing factors. Non-opioid analgesics were used by 62.7% of patients, opioids by 29.6%, non-pharmacological approaches by 27.1%, antidepressants by 19.1%, and antiepileptics by 16.9%. 16.8% received no treatment and 51.8% had multimodal therapy. Pain relief and functional improvement were the main expectations (57.4% and 37.6%, respectively). Sick leave was present in 19.9%.
Conclusions. These findings highlight the complexity of referring patients for chronic pain management and the need for not only multidisciplinary but also interdisciplinary care.