{
  "abstract": "Background and Aims Trigger point injections (TPIs) are used to treat musculoskeletal pain, but their efficacy for chronic, non-musculoskeletal pain is not well-established. University Hospital Galway (UHG) in Ireland reports higher TPI utilization compared to other Irish outpatient pain clinics, making it an ideal site for auditing TPI efficacy. This audit compares TPI efficacy between newly referred and returning patients at UHG’s pain clinic to understand potential differences in treatment outcomes.Methods Data was collected from 28 patients who received TPIs at UHG from September to December 2023. Among them, 14 were new referrals and 14 were returning patients. Follow-up phone calls were made one week post-injection to assess treatment outcomes. Other recorded parameters included demographics, medical history, pain location, and relief levels.Results Of 28 patients, 50% of new referrals and 86% of returning patients reported good relief at follow-up. Most new referrals experienced multi-site pain, while returning patients had a history of positive responses to TPIs. Those with no relief were scheduled for alternative treatments, such as lignocaine infusions or sacroiliac joint injections. One new referral and one returning patient did not respond to the follow-up call.Abstract EP188 Figure 1Location of pain in new vs returning patientsAbstract EP188 Figure 2Number of pain sites in new vs returning patientsAbstract EP188 Figure 3Outcome post TPI in new vs returning patientsConclusions TPIs are generally effective for chronic pain, particularly for returning patients with a history of success. However, the varying outcomes among new referrals suggest the need for personalized treatment plans and further research to improve TPI efficacy in chronic pain management.",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Galway, Ireland"
      ],
      "name": "Rachel McMahon"
    }
  ],
  "title": "EP188 Audit: comparing the efficacy of trigger-point injections for chronic pain treatment in newly referred versus returning patients at the pain clinic at university hospital Galway",
  "uid": "847bf9f3-2def-5d9c-8551-84a7a5e66fbf"
}