Massage Therapy: Intervention Frequency and Cost Survey (IFACS) Data with Policy Implications for Nonpharmacologic Treatment of Chronic Pain

Abstract

Participants completing a 52-week efficacy and dosing randomized clinical trial (RCT) of massage therapy for knee pain due to osteoarthritis (OA) were invited to complete the Intervention Frequency and Cost Survey (IFACS), a web-based, validated instrument for collecting actual and ideal willingness to pay and treatment frequency data from the patient's perspective. Of those contacted (n=179), 117 completed the survey (65% response rate). Although 95% of respondants indicated they wanted to receive massage after study completion, only 61% actually did. The primary barrier cited was cost (41%). Of those who wanted to receive more massage therapy if cost were not an issue, the most commonly preferred treatment frequency was twice per month (43%). Eighty-eight percent reported being willing to contribute $20 or more toward the cost of a 60-minute massage session, and 56% were willing to pay $30 or more, amounts consistent with the average insurance co-pay [1]. Conclusion:In patients with chronic pain due to knee OA, most participants wanted to receive post-study massage therapy twice a month and were willing to pay an out of pocket amount comparable to a standard co-pay. These results are timely in light of recent U.S. Joint Commission requirements for hospitals to provide non-pharmacologic treatments for pain.