Efficacy of a Remote Person-Centered Intervention Using an eHealth Platform and Telephone Support for Persons With...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Digital Health

Background:

• Chronic pain is a global health issue causing disability and impacting work participation.
• Person-centered care (PCC) involves patients as partners through shared decision-making and goal setting.
• Remotely delivered PCC shows promise for improving self-efficacy and return to work.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a home-based PCC intervention using telephone and eHealth for individuals on sick leave due to chronic pain.
• To assess the impact of this intervention on self-efficacy and sick leave duration.

Main Methods:

• A 2-arm randomized controlled trial with 59 participants (18-65 years) on sick leave for chronic pain.
• Intervention group received usual care plus a 6-month PCC intervention (telephone and eHealth).
• Primary outcome: composite score of self-efficacy and sick leave at 6 months.

Main Results:

• The intervention group showed significantly better outcomes compared to the control group (P=.04).
• Fewer participants in the intervention group (10.3%) experienced deterioration versus the control group (36.7%).
• The composite score favored the intervention group at the 6-month follow-up.

Conclusions:

• Remote PCC via telephone and eHealth may positively influence self-efficacy and sick leave in chronic pain patients.
• PCC may offer a protective role, supporting return to work.
• Further research is needed to confirm these findings.