Table 2 Vignettes of patients at low, medium and high risk: Descriptions of typical patients subgrouped as low, medium and high risk of persistent disabling pain. Vignettes were developed using data collected as part of a linked observational cohort study, and were included to inform the practitioners about key characteristics of each patient subgroup to aid decision making in the consensus group meetings
From: Matching treatment options for risk sub-groups in musculoskeletal pain: a consensus groups study
Low risk patient vignette: back pain | A 61 year old lecturer visiting her GP with back pain. At the time of completing the questionnaire the pain is 7/10 but usually 4/10 over the last couple of weeks. It is only bothering her slightly and is limiting her activities a little, but she has been taking some over-the-counter painkillers. Rates general health as good. Not feeling anxious or depressed. |
Medium risk patient vignette: multisite pain | A 45 year-old man consulted his doctor with back, knee and shoulder pain. He rates his current pain as 7/10 and extremely bothersome. He works fulltime as a continuous improvement specialist, and has not had to take any time off work as a result of his pain. He has had his current pain problem for 6-9 months, and is in constant, severe pain. The pain interferes a lot with his enjoyment of life, and his daily activities are limited a little, such as climbing the stairs and carrying groceries. He rates his general health as poor. He feels that there is a very good chance that his pain will be a long-term problem. He has trouble sleeping due to his pain and often feels tired and worn out. He does not feel anxious or depressed when he thinks about his pain, and he feels completely confident that he can cope with his pain in most situations. |
High risk patient vignette: shoulder pain | A 51 year old full-time service engineer went to his doctor with shoulder pain. He has had his pain for 1-2 years, it is currently 10/10 and extremely bothersome. He is feeling very anxious at the moment, and worries that his pain might become persistent. He is limited a lot in daily activities such as household chores and dressing himself. He feels tired most of the time and is having trouble sleeping. He also has a hiatus hernia. |