The Pain Academy: An Evaluation of a Primary Care Brief Psychoeducational Program for Persistent Pain

Abstract

Persistent pain affects 20% of adults and can impair one’s daily functioning and well-being. Psychoeducational group interventions can be effective in aiding pain management and coping strategies, however the time commitment for most evidence-based programs (10-20 hours) leads to access barriers and delivery challenges in primary care. A mixedmethods, program evaluation was conducted on a low intensity, three-session, manualized group pilot psychoeducational intervention in a primary care practice, emphasizing pain education, behavioral strategies, and pain-alleviating activities. Eighty-two percent of the clinic’s panel of individuals with persistent pain and being prescribed opioid pain medication (N=128) attended at least one class (N=105). Attendees experienced significant pre-post improvements in self-reported pain functioning and favorable satisfaction ratings by patients and medical staff. However only 51% attended all three groups, despite frequent class offerings and heavily encourage by the patient’s medical providers. This study reviews the potential promise and limitations of a low-intensity, limited session pain group to aid pain-related functioning. Additional investigation is warranted to optimize participant attendance, group format and frequency, and outcome assessment.