The clinical and cost-effectiveness of different treatment pathways for neuropathic pain (NP)

Fox-Rushby, J.A., Griffith, G.L., Ross, J.R., Peacock, J.L., Farquhar-Smith, P., Jones, T., Phillips, T.J.C., Branford, R.A., Bruni, C., Coyle, D. and Williams, J.E. (2010) The clinical and cost-effectiveness of different treatment pathways for neuropathic pain (NP) (Health Technology Assessment Programme) (In Press)

Abstract

Neuropathic pain is a form of pain that is caused by damage to nerves. It is extremely unpleasant and often resistant to treatment, so adversely affects the quality of life of millions of people. Over the past 20 years specific painkillers have been developed to treat this type of pain. However, these drugs differ in terms of how well or how long they relieve pain for. Many doctors are not clear which are the most appropriate drugs to use or in what order, especially as many of the new drugs are expensive and may have unwanted side-effects.

The purpose of this research is to compare the effectiveness, side effects and costs of different treatment plans for patients with neuropathic pain. This will help to decide which treatment options provide the most benefit given available resources.

In pulling together everything that is known about all the different treatment plans available, it is likely that we will find also some gaps in current knowledge. Therefore this research will also be able to highlight what would be most useful to know more about to help future decisions.

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