Evaluation of a mental health screening tool to determine the need for psychological interview for patients offered neuromodulation implant therapies for pain
Authors' conclusion
This screening tool effectively identifies patients who can bypass routine psychological assessment without compromising 1 year SCS outcomes.
Study context
- Population
- Patients undergoing spinal cord stimulation (SCS) trials for chronic pain, July 2017–December 2021
- Participants
- 171 patients
- Exposure
- Fast track vs formal assessment by a psychologist before SCS trial
- A psychologist (AP)n = 114
- FTn = 57reference
- Outcome
- Successful implantation (≥30% pain reduction from baseline)
- Follow-up
- 1 year post implantation
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Responders at 1 year post implant · 1 year
P = 0.927
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Trial-to-implant rate
P = 0.811
Predictors of implant outcome (multivariate logistic regression)
| aOR (95% CI) | P value | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Higher baseline pain intensityAssociated with implant failure | 0.70 (0.53–0.92) | P = 0.011 | |
| Tricyclic antidepressant useAssociated with implant failure | 0.15 (0.04–0.56) | P = 0.005 | |
| Pain duration >10 yearsAssociated with implant success | 3.09 (1.06–9.02) | P = 0.039 | |
| 0.050.21520Adjusted odds ratio (log scale) |
Original publication
Evaluation of a mental health screening tool to determine the need for psychological interview for patients offered neuromodulation implant therapies for pain. Reg Anesth Pain Med. Published 4 March 2026. doi:10.
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