Assessing a peer-led pain and wellness self-management program with older adults

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Pain Management
• Public Health Interventions

Background:

• The National Council on Aging developed the Self-Management Curriculum for Wellness and Pain Relief (NCWPR) in 2021.
• NCWPR is a peer-based program offering pain self-management strategies, information on pain treatments, and safe OTC drug use.
• This study evaluated the efficacy of the NCWPR in a larger-scale, controlled intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the efficacy of the NCWPR program.
• To assess the program's readiness for rigorous translation studies.
• To evaluate the impact of the NCWPR on participants' pain management and well-being.

Main Methods:

• An intervention efficacy study was conducted with 90 adults aged 50 and older.
• A pre-/post-intervention design with a baseline control group was employed.
• Participants were surveyed at baseline, 6 weeks post-control, and 6 weeks after curriculum completion.

Main Results:

• Participants significantly increased engagement in 23 out of 34 curriculum practices, with retention at follow-up.
• Statistically significant improvements were observed in knowledge of pain medications and information sources.
• Participants reported improved self-rated health and a diminished experience of daily pain.

Conclusions:

• The NCWPR effectively enhances pain self-management skills and knowledge in older adults.
• The program addresses a critical need for community-dwelling older adults experiencing pain.
• NCWPR is an accessible, peer-based, non-clinical intervention requiring minimal trainer training.