Biomedical subjects
Michael F. Martelli
Publications and source records attributed to Michael F. Martelli.
Psychological assessment of persons with chronic pain.
Chronic pain is one of the most prevalent and costly health care problems and variability is the rule more than the exception in terms of pain related outcomes. Clearly, psychological factors such as depression, anxiety, post traumatic stress, excessive somatic thoughts and a variety of psychiatric syndromes are recognized as actively contributing to a patient's perceptions and responses to pain and can represent significant potential impediments to functioning and optimal health care outcome. As a result, it is becoming increasingly common, and even required by many programs, for individuals who seek treatment for pain to undergo a comprehensive assessment that evaluates not only their medical findings, but also beliefs about their condition, coping strategies, psychological adjustment, activity level and quality of life. Psychological assessment instruments that provide information about a person's physiological, behavioral, and cognitive-affective functioning in terms of vulnerabilities and strengths can be a valuable tool for treatment providers. In the present paper, a biopsychosocial conceptual model is employed to provide an overview of a method and approach in evaluating patients with chronic pain, toward the goal of facilitating optimal outcome and management of pain syndromes.
A brief introductory guide to chronic pain resources on the Internet.
The expanding Internet has become an increasingly valuable tool for world wide sharing of information. Health care professionals, patients, lay persons, family members and others are afforded instant access to masses of information and almost unlimited resources on virtually any topic, as well as an almost seamless vehicle for communication. This new medium offers tremendous implications for health care. However, the absence of a single clearinghouse, a single search procedure or guarantee of accuracy often make information access efforts challenging, confusing and frustrating. The present paper provides a brief introduction aimed at increasing appreciation of the Internet and enhancing its utility with regard to chronic pain and its management and offers rudimentary guidelines for efficient accessing of information. Finally, it presents the results of a comprehensive search including nearly 200 useful Internet web links for professionals, patients, family members and other interested persons who assess, treat or cope with chronic pain. Identified resources include numerous organizations, medical, psychological assessment and practical treatment strategies, assessment and treatment reviews, support groups, list serve groups for patients and professionals, advocacy resources, news and assistive technology resources. Special emphasis is given to useful resources to assist professionals treating persons with chronic pain, as well as resources that can assist persons challenged by chronic pain.