Objective: To describe treatment adherence to a multimodal integrated program for patients with fibromyalgia (FM), identify predictors of adherence to treatment recommendations, and examine the relationship between adherence and patient outcomes.
Methods: Sixty-three patients with FM were followed while participating in a 3-month outpatient program including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, nursing, and cognitive-behavior therapy. Patients completed a battery of psychosocial questionnaires pre- and post-treatment. At the end of each month of the treatment, patients completed 2 adherence questionnaires (for general and specific adherence) and 1 questionnaire about barriers to adherence to treatment. Generalized estimating equations extension of multivariable linear regression analyses for repeated measures examined predictors of general and specific adherence. Conventional linear regression analyses examined the relationships of general adherence with post-treatment FM disability and pain intensity.
Results: In general, adherence to treatment recommendations was good (mean general adherence score of 62 points, on a 0 to 100 scale), with no significant changes in mean level of general or specific adherence over the 3-month period. The main predictor for both general and specific adherence was barriers to adherence to treatment. Increased general adherence was significantly associated with lower pain at post-treatment.
Conclusion: The items described in the questionnaire for barriers to treatment are the main problem when it comes to adhering to a multimodal treatment program for FM. Healthcare professionals are advised to discuss these barriers directly with patients and assist in overcoming them.