RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: There is limited research on the long-term benefits of an interdisciplinary pain rehabilitation, even though short-term benefits have been well documented. The present study evaluated the effects of an interdisciplinary pain rehabilitation program with a three-year follow-up. A special emphasis was placed on economic evaluation of the treatment from a societal perspective. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted at the chronic pain unit of the Reykjalundur rehabilitation center. Every fifth patient referred to the Reykjalundur Rehabiliation Center pain clinic was randomized to participate in this study. Data was collected over the course of 4,5 years with a three years follow-up. Finally, economic evaluation was conducted at the end of the research. RESULTS: After treatment patients experienced less pain, fear and avoidance, anxiety and depression symptoms and improved social functioning. Work ability increased from 36% to 47% at the end of rehabilitation and continued to rise to 57% at three year follow-up. Economic evaluation from a societal perspective showed that cost associated with the rehabilitation had leveled out in three years and continued throughout life. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that interdisciplinary rehabilitation for chronic pain has a positive impact on function and the experience of pain as well as positive psychosocial effect. An economic evaluation of the treatment shows that the rehabilitation is very cost effective and that each Icelandic krona (IKR) spent is returned eightfold back to society.