Cost-Effectiveness of Integrative Pain Management for Chronic Pain: A Systematic Review of Economic Evaluation

Chronic pain significantly impacts quality of life and productivity, with Integrative Pain Management (IPM) offering a potential solution. However, its cost-effectiveness compared to usual care remains unclear. This systematic review assesses the economic evaluations of IPM interventions for chronic pain. Seven randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included, focusing on cost-effectiveness measures such as the Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratio (ICER) and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). The results showed a broad range of ICER values, from $2,808 to $74,868 per QALY, depending on the intervention type and perspective. QALY gains ranged from 0.009 to 0.09, with certain studies indicating favorable cost-effectiveness for integrated care programs for chronic low back pain. However, some higher-cost interventions demonstrated limited or unfavorable cost-effectiveness, highlighting the variability in economic outcomes based on the intervention design and target population. These findings underscore the need for comprehensive economic evaluations that account for both direct and indirect costs, including productivity losses. Integrated care for chronic low back pain and multidisciplinary interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy appear promising. Policymakers should prioritize long-term economic assessments to guide healthcare decision-making across diverse chronic pain conditions.