Study Reveals Widespread Use of Paravertebral Blocks for Chronic Pain in Ontario
A recent study published in the Canadian Journal of Pain (DOI: 10.1080/24740527.2021.1929883) by Lawson Health Research Institute has shed light on the use of paravertebral blocks (PVBs) for chronic pain management in Ontario. The study, which analyzed data from over 66,000 patients, found that frequent use of PVBs is common and associated with increased healthcare utilization.
Between July 2013 and March 2018, 47,723 patients were included in the study, with 66,310 PVBs administered. The procedure, billed at $420 million since 2011, saw over 26% of patients receiving 10 or more PVBs in a year, and almost 8% receiving 30 or more. Despite this high usage, the effectiveness of PVBs for chronic pain has not been evaluated.
The study found no overall change in opioid dosage in the year after PVB initiation compared to the year before. However, there was a significant increase in physician visits in the year following the first PVB. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), the regulatory body overseeing physicians, is responsible for ensuring the responsible use of such procedures to manage health resources and optimize patient outcomes.
The study highlights the need for further evaluation of PVBs' effectiveness in chronic pain management, given their widespread use and associated healthcare utilization. As the regulatory body, the CPSO plays a crucial role in ensuring the responsible use of these procedures.
