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A randomized controlled evaluation of an online chronic pain self management program
Linda S Ruehlman1, Paul Karoly, Craig Enders
1Goalistics, LLC, Tempe, AZ, USA Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, USA.
Pain
|December 3, 2011
Summary
An online chronic pain management program significantly reduced pain severity, emotional burden, and psychological distress. Participants also gained greater knowledge of pain management compared to a control group.
Area of Science:
- Digital Health
- Behavioral Medicine
- Pain Management
Background:
- E-health applications are increasingly utilized for managing psychological and physical disorders.
- Chronic pain affects a significant portion of the adult population, necessitating accessible management solutions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a self-directed, self-paced online Chronic Pain Management Program.
- To assess the program's impact on pain, psychological distress, and knowledge in adults with chronic pain.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 162 participants with chronic pain assigned to an online program and 143 to a wait-list control.
- Online recruitment, data collection, and unsupervised program access over approximately 6 weeks.
- Intent-to-treat analysis using linear growth models to assess outcomes at 7 and 14 weeks.
Main Results:
- Program utilization correlated with significant reductions in pain severity, interference, emotional burden, disability, catastrophizing, and fear of movement.
- Participants showed significant decreases in depression, anxiety, and stress.
- The intervention group demonstrated a significant increase in chronic pain knowledge compared to the control group.
Conclusions:
- The online Chronic Pain Management Program is effective in improving pain-related outcomes and psychological well-being.
- Self-paced, internet-based interventions show promise for real-world chronic pain management.
- Individuals seeking self-initiated, interactive learning may benefit from such digital health solutions.