Sex differences in interdisciplinary pain rehabilitation outcomes: a systematic review

Objectives: Interdisciplinary pain rehabilitation programs (IPRPs) are evidence-based treatments for chronic pain. Previous research has demonstrated that initial presentations of adult men and women admitted to IPRPs differ, but less is known about sex differences in IPRP treatment outcomes. To summarize and synthesize the current literature base on this topic, a systematic literature review was conducted that asked: are sex differences present in participant outcomes upon completion of interdisciplinary pain rehabilitation programs for cisgender patients? Four core domains of outcome measures were assessed: depression, pain catastrophizing, pain interference, and pain intensity/severity. Methods: Relevant studies meeting inclusion criteria were identified using a computer-aided search of the following electronic bibliographic databases: PubMed (MEDLINE), EMBASE, PsycINFO, CENTRAL (via Wiley Online Library), and CINAHL (via EBSCOhost). The reference list of relevant studies identified in the electronic searches was also screened to identify further studies. Results: This review concluded that most studies did not find any differences related to sex using the four outcome measures included in this review. This implies that specific considerations based on sex may not be needed when providing interdisciplinary pain rehabilitation. Conclusions: Future research directions include comparison of additional outcome measures and exploring sex and gender issues in IPRP treatment in other formats than as a simple dichotomous variable.