Hypnotherapy as an Adjunctive Treatment for Chronic Pain in Primary Care

Chronic pain in America has reached a tipping point, utilization of effective therapies is needed in primary care. This quality improvement project evaluated the impact of adding group hypnotherapy to the chronic pain treatment plan, on pain interference, global health, and pain intensity in primary care patients.

Using a pre-test/post-test survey to compare the effectiveness of adding group hypnotherapy to the pain regimen, participants were invited to undergo one session of group hypnotherapy lasting two hours either in person or virtually METHODS: Three data points were evaluated to assess the impact of chronic pain on participants: pain interference (PEG), pain intensity (NRS), and global health (PROMIS). All measures were self-reported and statistically analyzed using Microsoft Data Toolkit. The percentage change in each measure was evaluated from pre-intervention to post-intervention.

There were 65 participants who were mostly female (83%). African-Americans represented 77% of the group and 72% of participants experienced chronic pain for more than five years. Pain intensity and pain interference were reduced following hypnotherapy by 24% and 23%, respectively. Global health was directly impacted by audio recording adherence, with a notable 19% improvement at follow-up.

The inclusion of one group hypnotherapy session into chronic pain management can reduce the overall pain experience with reduced pain intensity and interference.

Chronic pain management in primary care needs to shift to a tailored approach. Collaborating with alternative medicine practitioners for a comprehensive pain management approach is needed. The development of multidisciplinary teams, including hypnotherapists for chronic pain management, has potential to efficaciously address chronic pain.