Evaluation of the online chronic pain management program

Abstract

Increasingly, individuals with chronic illnesses, including pain, search the internet for health-related information and assistance. The type of available help ranges from text-based, information-only sites to custom-built software applications. The flexibility of online applications allows for the use of multimedia, as opposed to pure text-based presentation of information, user interactivity, the ability to collect, score, store, and report user data to provide a tailored user experience, inclusion of social networking such as forums and webinars, and opportunities for virtual friendships to develop. In contrast to the static nature of self-help books, CD-ROMS, or DVDs, online programs have the distinct advantage of agile modification of content and functionality. The Chronic Pain Management Program is a comprehensive, online pain management system that utilizes each of the aforementioned capabilities. Program content and functionality were derived from cognitive, behavioral, interpersonal, and self-management approaches to chronic pain management. Evidence-based approaches within these theoretical models were identified and transformed to an online format. The present study tested the efficacy of the Program with 305 individuals (196 female, 109 male) with chronic pain. A total of 162 were randomly assigned to use the Program; 143 to the wait list control group. A comprehensive assessment was administered prior to the study, and at approximately 7 and 14 weeks. All data collection and participant involvement took place online. Intent-to-treat analysis was employed using linear growth models as the primary analytic tool for the study. Results indicated that utilization of the Program was associated with significant decreases in pain severity, pain-related interference, emotional burden, perceived disability, catastrophizing, and pain induced fear. Further, the experimental group displayed significant reductions in stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as increased knowledge about the principles of chronic pain and its management. Supported by grants from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Increasingly, individuals with chronic illnesses, including pain, search the internet for health-related information and assistance. The type of available help ranges from text-based, information-only sites to custom-built software applications. The flexibility of online applications allows for the use of multimedia, as opposed to pure text-based presentation of information, user interactivity, the ability to collect, score, store, and report user data to provide a tailored user experience, inclusion of social networking such as forums and webinars, and opportunities for virtual friendships to develop. In contrast to the static nature of self-help books, CD-ROMS, or DVDs, online programs have the distinct advantage of agile modification of content and functionality. The Chronic Pain Management Program is a comprehensive, online pain management system that utilizes each of the aforementioned capabilities. Program content and functionality were derived from cognitive, behavioral, interpersonal, and self-management approaches to chronic pain management. Evidence-based approaches within these theoretical models were identified and transformed to an online format. The present study tested the efficacy of the Program with 305 individuals (196 female, 109 male) with chronic pain. A total of 162 were randomly assigned to use the Program; 143 to the wait list control group. A comprehensive assessment was administered prior to the study, and at approximately 7 and 14 weeks. All data collection and participant involvement took place online. Intent-to-treat analysis was employed using linear growth models as the primary analytic tool for the study. Results indicated that utilization of the Program was associated with significant decreases in pain severity, pain-related interference, emotional burden, perceived disability, catastrophizing, and pain induced fear. Further, the experimental group displayed significant reductions in stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as increased knowledge about the principles of chronic pain and its management. Supported by grants from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.