A Brief, Integrated, Telephone-Based Intervention for Veterans Who Smoke and Have Chronic Pain: A Feasibility Study

High rates of co-occurring smoking and chronic pain are observed in the veteran population. Individuals who smoke and have chronic pain report lower self-efficacy to quit and are less successful in their attempts.

In this pilot study, we assess the feasibility of a telephone-delivered intervention designed to integrate evidence-based smoking cessation and pain management components in a way that allows patients to understand the interplay between the two while attempting to have them build off each other and develop coping skills to address both concerns.

Study participants (N = 7) were veterans who received primary care in the VA Healthcare System and reported current smoking and a worst pain intensity score of 4 or greater.

A five-session telephone intervention was delivered over eight weeks. Participants completed a survey at baseline and 10-week follow-up.

Feasibility was assessed by examining engagement with the intervention.

Four out of seven participants completed all five sessions. Two out of seven veterans reported quitting smoking, and five out of seven reported clinically meaningful improvements in pain intensity and functional interference.

Insights gained from this study were used to modify an intervention being examined in a randomized controlled trial to test its effectiveness on both smoking and pain outcomes.