A National Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating ASPMN Nurse-Delivered Empowered Relief®

Inequities in access to psychologically based therapies for chronic pain management include inadequate numbers of qualified professionals in needed locations and cost. To extend reach, skilled nurses trained in delivery of evidence-based treatments could disseminate effective options and ease disparities for people experiencing pain.

This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of Empowered Relief®(ER), a one-session pain relief skills intervention, on chronic pain outcomes when delivered via videoconference by registered nurse (RN) and advanced practice nurse (APN) members of the American Society for Pain Management Nursing (ASPMN). Feasibility and acceptability of ER were also assessed.

Participants were recruited from health organizations and clinics known to serve populations with mixed-etiology chronic pain. U.S. adults (N = 150) aged ≥18 years with self-reported pain lasting at least three months were randomized 1:1 to ER (n = 74) or wait-list control (WLC; n = 76) between November 2023 and October 2024. Electronic surveys captured data on primary and secondary outcomes at 2-, 4-, and 8-weeks posttreatment. The primary outcome was pain catastrophizing, with pain intensity, pain interference, depression, anger, pain self-efficacy, anxiety, fatigue, pain bothersomeness, sleep disturbance, satisfaction with social roles, and physical function as secondary outcomes. The mixed-effects model for repeated measures was used to compare the 8-week change in primary and secondary outcomes between ER and WLC. ER feasibility was assessed by session attendance and completion while a satisfaction survey measured acceptability.

At 8-weeks follow-up, pain catastrophizing (primary outcome) was significantly improved (p < .001), as well as secondary outcomes for pain intensity, depression, pain self-efficacy, anxiety, fatigue, and satisfaction with social roles (p < .05). Attendance and treatment appraisal ratings were high and supported feasibility and acceptability.

ER-certified nurses can effectively deliver a single-session, psychology-based, online pain intervention that improves self-reported outcomes in adults with chronic pain.