The Multidisciplinary Team in Pain Management

A multidisciplinary approach to pain management includes evaluation by a variety of healthcare professionals who possess differing levels of expertise and who often consult with one another. The “core” multidisciplinary team commonly consists of primary care providers, anesthesiologists, psychologists, nurses, and physical and occupational therapists, with additional involvement from surgeons, neurologists, internists, physiatrists, psychiatrists, social workers, dietitians, and pharmacists. Multiple studies have supported the use of multidisciplinary programs as effective, cost-efficient, and superior to single-discipline treatments or outpatient nonmultidisciplinary rehabilitation; however, barriers to their implementation exist due to significant associated costs and need for longitudinal care.