Patient Perspectives on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Thumb, Hand, or Wrist Pain and Function: A Survey of 98 Patients

Abstract

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an established option to improve pain and function for many orthopedic conditions. Our purpose was to obtain patient perspectives regarding CBT for thumb, hand, or wrist pain and function. Between March and April 2022, we distributed an electronic survey via email to patients in our institution's health system with a diagnosis of arthritic or non-specific thumb, hand, or wrist pain. The survey included the opening statement "Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a non-medication option to help manage pain and improve function" and up to 13 questions pertaining to patients' experiences and perceptions regarding CBT. The survey was anonymous and did not collect protected health information. We used descriptive statistics for the findings. We distributed the survey to 327 patients, yielding a 30% response rate (98/327). Of the respondents, 17 reported already using CBT to specifically help with pain/function. Of these, 15 felt it was helpful and agreed it could help others. Of the subset that used CBT for arthritis, all felt it was helpful. Of the 75 respondents with no CBT experience, 42 indicated "I've never heard of it," 28 responded "I never had it recommended as an option," and 16 marked "I don't know enough about it." Small subsets noted potential personal barriers to CBT implementation, such as cost, time involved, or perceived lack of potential efficacy for themselves. A small proportion of patients from our institution with thumb, hand, or wrist pain are utilizing CBT, and the majority finds it helpful. While some patients are already substantially benefiting from CBT to improve their thumb, hand, or wrist pain or function, there is a notable opportunity for providers to increase awareness and recommendations for this option.