Efficacy, utility and cost-effectiveness of multidisciplinary treatment for chronic low back pain

Abstract

Background: Qualitative criteria, such as efficacy, utility and cost-effectiveness are essential for insurance and reimbursement companies to meet the costs for a multidis-ciplinary treatment (MDT) for persons with chronic low back pain (CLBP). Method: A systematic search concerning the qualitative criteria of MDT for CLBP presents an overview of the current literature. Results: The search revealed 8 systematic reviews which document a moderate efficacy of MDT as a treatment for persons with CLBP although some reported restrictions. Analysis of 6 studies that have not yet been included in previous reviews confirmed the findings from these reviews. The comparison of conservative and surgical treatment for CLBP revealed that long-term outcomes hardly differed in quality, whereas surgical treatment was more expensive and contained more and higher risks. References on moderate to high cost-effectiveness of MDT are represented in 3 original studies. Conclusion. The MDT of CLBP is moderately efficient, purposeful, cost-effective and demonstrate an alternative treatment form to surgical treatment. © Deutsche Gesellschaft zum Studium des Schmerzes. Published by Springer-Verlag - all rights reserved 2012.