Nurse-Supported Web-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: A Randomized Controlled...

Area of Science:

• Pain Management
• Digital Health
• Behavioral Therapy

Background:

• Web-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) offers accessible pain management.
• Research is limited on whether remote support enhances web-based CBT for pain.
• This study investigates the added benefit of phone support to web-based CBT for chronic pain.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if phone-based support enhances pain outcomes when added to web-based CBT.
• To evaluate the impact on patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP).

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 60 patients with CMP.
• Patients received either web-based CBT with nurse phone support or web-based CBT alone.
• Outcomes were measured at baseline, 8 weeks, and 16 weeks using validated pain scales.

Main Results:

• Both groups showed significant improvements in pain interference and intensity.
• No significant differences in pain outcomes were found between the groups.
• The nurse support group showed a slight improvement in sleep disturbance.

Conclusions:

• Web-based CBT is effective for chronic musculoskeletal pain, with or without added phone support.
• Phone-based support did not demonstrate a significant benefit in enhancing pain-related outcomes.
• Web-based CBT alone may be a cost-effective intervention for CMP.