Pain tracker diagnostic instrument: effect on patients' satisfaction with their interactions with the primary care physician.

ABSTRACT

In a randomized trial, the pain tracker instrument was evaluated as a diagnostic screening tool and for its effect on patients' satisfaction with their interactions with the primary care physician. The instrument form was filled in by the physician after asking the study patients about symptoms. Control (n = 53) and study patients (n = 49) were interviewed and the instrument's effect was analysed from responses to 15 statements. The pain tracker group were significantly more satisfied with the physician relationship than were controls (mean satisfaction score 85 +/- 8 versus 61 +/- 9). A direct linear correlation was found between patients' assessment of the visit and overall satisfaction (r = 0.86). The pain tracker can be an important component in history taking and a useful diagnostic screening tool in pain presentations.