Table 3.
Types of responses among lasting users of opioids over time (12 months).
| Outcome |
Changea |
% of patients |
| Improved | 27.7 | |
| Average pain intensity | Remained stable | 61.1 |
| Deteriorated | 11.2 | |
| Improved | 21.6 | |
| Worst pain intensity | Remained stable | 72.4 |
| Deteriorated | 6 | |
| Improved | 25 | |
| Pain interference | Remained stable | 68.1 |
| Deteriorated | 6.9 | |
| Improved | 7.9 | |
| Physical quality of life | Remained stable | 85.1 |
| Deteriorated | 7 | |
| Improved | 20.2 | |
| Mental quality of life | Remained stable | 69.3 |
| Deteriorated | 10.5 |
aA change of at least 20% (for pain intensity and interference scores) or at least one SD (for quality of life scores) was considered meaningful (improvement or deterioration). Patients with a change below 20% (or below one SD for quality of life scores) were considered stable.