Role of psychologists in multidisciplinary pain clinics: A national survey.

Investigated the roles and responsibilities of psychologists functioning in multidisciplinary pain clinics by surveying 116 comprehensive pain centers throughout the US. 76 surveys (65.5%) were returned that contained analyzable data. Results indicate the following: (a) Psychologists divide their time approximately equally among therapy, evaluation, and other roles; (b) the majority of all pain clinic patients are seen by the psychologist on the team; and (c) behaviorally oriented models of intervention are used most often by the psychologist. Nearly all of the psychologists used clinical interviews in evaluation, along with the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). Pain questionnaires, especially the Beck Depression Inventory, were also frequently used evaluative devices. Results suggest that needed skills include psychotherapy, assessment, and application of learning theory to the understanding of pain. (17 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)