Understanding the role of patient preference in the treatment algorithm for chronic low back pain: results from a survey-based study.

Aims: Interventional pain treatments range from injections to established radiofrequency ablation techniques and finally neuromodulation. In addition to safety, efficacy and cost dominance, patient preference for type of treatment is important. Methods: Chronic pain patients (n = 129) completed a preference scale to determine which interventional pain management procedures they would prefer from among radiofrequency ablation, temporary (60-day) peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS), conventional PNS and spinal cord stimulation/dorsal root ganglion stimulation. A second survey (n = 347) specific to assessing the preference for radiofrequency ablation or temporary PNS treatment was completed by patients with low back pain. Results: On the basis of mean rank, temporary PNS percutaneously implanted for up to 60 days was the most preferred treatment compared with the other options presented (p = 0.002). Conclusions: Patient preference should be unbiased and considered as an independent variable for physician discussion in treatment options and future research.