The implementation of an adaptive multimodal interdisciplinary pain therapy exemplified by a medical care center (MVZ) structure in Dresden

Schmerz. 2026 Apr 1. doi: 10.1007/s00482-026-00936-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Chronic pain is characterized by high and increasing prevalences and is associated with significant functional impairments and substantial healthcare costs. Qualitative and quantitative gaps in patient care are manifested as patient dissatisfaction, increased follow-up costs and the promotion of further chronification processes. Interdisciplinary multimodal pain therapy considers the underlying biopsychosocial factors of chronic pain conditions and is considered the evidence-based gold standard of treatment. Corresponding treatment approaches are time-consuming and personnel-intensive and are predominantly available in (partial) inpatient settings within standard care. Therefore, suitable care structures are needed for outpatient care that are based on the concept of interdisciplinary multimodal pain therapy and enable targeted treatment. To date, such approaches have primarily been implemented within the framework of pilot projects and selective contracts. Significant obstacles include inadequate reimbursement and billing options within the standardized fee schedule, which do not adequately reflect interdisciplinary collaboration. Using the example of a medical care center (MVZ) structure, a model for adaptive, multimodal, interdisciplinary pain therapy is presented. This model addresses the complex treatment requirements of chronic pain patients, enables the needs-based allocation of personnel resources and promotes structured collaboration among the participating medical disciplines. A central element is a diagnostic and therapeutic process that is continuously optimized through feedback loops, in which multimodal therapy elements are coordinated across disciplines and linked via shared digital files and case discussions.

PMID:41920303 | DOI:10.1007/s00482-026-00936-7