Effectiveness of a whole health model of care emphasizing complementary and integrative health on reducing opioid use among patients with chronic pain.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The opioid crisis has necessitated new approaches to managing chronic pain. The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Whole Health model of care, with its focus on patient empowerment and emphasis on nonpharmacological approaches to pain management, is a promising strategy for reducing patients' use of opioids. We aim to assess whether the VHA's Whole Health pilot program impacted longitudinal patterns of opioid utilization among patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain.

Methods

A cohort of 4,869 Veterans with chronic pain engaging in Whole Health services was compared with a cohort of 118,888 Veterans receiving conventional care. All patients were continuously enrolled in VHA care from 10/2017 through 3/2019 at the 18 VHA medical centers participating in the pil

SUBMITTER: Zeliadt SB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9387037 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature