Examining the Efficacy of a Brief Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pain (Brief CBT-CP) Group Delivered via VA Video Connect (VVC) Among Older Adult Veterans

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objectives To evaluate the effectiveness of a Brief CBT-CP Group delivered via VA Video Connect (VVC) among different age groups of Veterans with chronic noncancer pain being seen in primary care. A secondary aim was to evaluate participant characteristics of patients who completed vs. did not complete the group. Methods Single-arm treatment study in which outcomes were evaluated by comparing self-reported symptom levels pre- and post-treatment. Dependent variables included generalized anxiety, quality of life, disability, physical health, and pain outcomes. Results Following a 2 × 3 mixed-model ANCOVA, a main effect of time was found for all outcome variables, demonstrating significant improvements in disability rating, physical health, quality of life, generalized anxiety, and pain outcomes from pre- to post-treatment. There were no significant main effects for age group for any outcome variable, suggesting that patients of all ages reported improvements. Conclusions Accommodations and adaptations to telehealth treatment for older adults are proposed and discussed. Clinical Implications The Brief CBT-CP Group via VVC is an effective and accessible treatment for older adults with chronic noncancer pain who are being managed in the primary care setting. Certain Veterans are less likely to complete the Brief CBT-CP Group via VVC.