Cognitive Behavioral Therapy For Chronic Pain Research Articles

Trends in engagement with cognitive-behavioral therapy for chronic pain conditions after referral.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy for chronic pain (CBT-CP) is an important evidence-based non-pharmacologic treatment for chronic back and neck pain that is frequently recommended as a component of multidisciplinary treatment. However, the success of CBP-CP's implementation in clinical settings is affected by a variety of poorly understood obstacles to patient engagement with CBT-CP. Expanding upon the limited prior research conducted in heterogeneous practice settings, this study examines patterns of treatment initiation for CBT-CP at an interdisciplinary, hospital-based chronic pain practice and conducts exploratory comparisons between groups of patients who did and did not engage in CBT-CP after receiving a referral. Patients' descriptive data, including pain severity, work status, prior therapy, and behavioral health questionnaire scores at intake visit, were obtained through a retrospective chart review of electronic medical records. Data were then analyzed using inter-group comparisons and logistic regression modeling to determine factors that predicted treatment initiation for CBT-CP. On multivariate analysis, we found that patient's depression level as measured by their Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) score was solely predictive of treatment initiation, as chronic pain patients with a higher level of depression were found to be more likely to attend their recommended appointments of CBT-CP. Anxiety score as measured by GAD-7, work status, pain scores, and prior therapy engagement were not independently predictive. No single "profile" of patient-level factors was found to delineate patients who did and did not initiate CBT-CP, demonstrating the limitations of clinical variables as predictors of uptake.

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 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.

Pre-implementation formative evaluation of cooperative pain education and self-management expanding treatment for real-world access: A pragmatic pain trial.

Cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic pain (CBT-CP) is an evidence-based treatment for improving functioning and pain intensity for people with chronic pain with extensive evidence of effectiveness. However, there has been relatively little investigation of the factors associated with successful implementation and uptake of CBT-CP, particularly clinician and system level factors. This formative evaluation examined barriers and facilitators to the successful implementation and uptake of CBT-CP from the perspective of CBT-CP clinicians and referring primary care clinicians. Qualitative interviews guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research were conducted at nine geographically diverse Veterans Affairs sites as part of a pragmatic clinical trial comparing synchronous, clinician-delivered CBT-CP and remotely delivered, technology-assisted CBT-CP. Analysis was informed by a grounded theory approach. Twenty-six clinicians (CBT-CP clinicians=17, primary care clinicians=9) from nine VA medical centers participated in individual qualitative interviews conducted by telephone from April 2019 to August 2020. Four themes emerged in the qualitative interviews: (1) the complexity and variability of referral pathways across sites, (2) referring clinician's lack of knowledge about CBT-CP, (3) referring clinician's difficulty identifying suitable candidates for CBT-CP, and (4) preference for interventions that can be completed from home. This formative evaluation identified clinician and system barriers to widespread implementation of CBT-CP and allowed for refinement of the subsequent implementation of two forms of CBT-CP in an ongoing pragmatic trial. Identification of relative difference in barriers and facilitators in the two forms of CBT-CP may emerge more clearly in a pragmatic trial that evaluates how treatments perform in real-world settings and may provide important information to guide future system-wide implementation efforts.

Patient-Centered Pain Care Using Artificial Intelligence and Mobile Health Tools

Cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic pain (CBT-CP) is a safe and effective alternative to opioid analgesics. Because CBT-CP requires multiple sessions and therapists are scarce, many patients have limited access or fail to complete treatment. To determine if a CBT-CP program that personalizes patient treatment using reinforcement learning, a field of artificial intelligence (AI), and interactive voice response (IVR) calls is noninferior to standard telephone CBT-CP and saves therapist time. This was a randomized noninferiority, comparative effectiveness trial including 278 patients with chronic back pain from the Department of Veterans Affairs health system (recruitment and data collection from July 11, 2017-April 9, 2020). More patients were randomized to the AI-CBT-CP group than to the control (1.4:1) to maximize the system's ability to learn from patient interactions. All patients received 10 weeks of CBT-CP. For the AI-CBT-CP group, patient feedback via daily IVR calls was used by the AI engine to make weekly recommendations for either a 45-minute or 15-minute therapist-delivered telephone session or an individualized IVR-delivered therapist message. Patients in the comparison group were offered 10 therapist-delivered telephone CBT-CP sessions (45 minutes/session). The primary outcome was the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ; range 0-24), measured at 3 months (primary end point) and 6 months. Secondary outcomes included pain intensity and pain interference. Consensus guidelines were used to identify clinically meaningful improvements for responder analyses (eg, a 30% improvement in RMDQ scores and pain intensity). Data analyses were performed from April 2021 to May 2022. The study population included 278 patients (mean [SD] age, 63.9 [12.2] years; 248 [89.2%] men; 225 [81.8%] White individuals). The 3-month mean RMDQ score difference between AI-CBT-CP and standard CBT-CP was -0.72 points (95% CI, -2.06 to 0.62) and the 6-month difference was -1.24 (95% CI, -2.48 to 0); noninferiority criterion were met at both the 3- and 6-month end points (P < .001 for both). A greater proportion of patients receiving AI-CBT-CP had clinically meaningful improvements at 6 months as indicated by RMDQ (37% vs 19%; P = .01) and pain intensity scores (29% vs 17%; P = .03). There were no significant differences in secondary outcomes. Pain therapy using AI-CBT-CP required less than half of the therapist time as standard CBT-CP. The findings of this randomized comparative effectiveness trial indicated that AI-CBT-CP was noninferior to therapist-delivered telephone CBT-CP and required substantially less therapist time. Interventions like AI-CBT-CP could allow many more patients to be served effectively by CBT-CP programs using the same number of therapists. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02464449.

Cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic pain in veterans: Evidence for clinical effectiveness in a model program.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has been training clinicians in its cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic pain (CBT-CP) structured protocol since 2012. The aim of this project was to review patient outcomes to determine the effectiveness of the VA's CBT-CP treatment. From 2012-2018, 1,331 Veterans initiated individual CBT-CP treatment as part of the training program. Patient outcomes were assessed with measures of patient-reported pain intensity, pain catastrophizing, depression, pain interference, and quality of life (physical, psychological, social, and environmental). Mixed models of the effects of time indicated significant changes across pretreatment, midtreatment, and treatment conclusion on all outcomes. There was a large effect size (Cohen's d = 0.78) for pain catastrophizing, and there were medium to large effect sizes (d > 0.60) for worst pain intensity, pain interference, depression, and physical quality of life. Systematic training of therapists and implementation of the VA's CBT-CP protocol yielded significant patient improvements across multiple domains. This offers strong support for the VA's CBT-CP as an effective, safe treatment for Veterans with chronic pain and highlights it as a model to increase the availability of training in standardized, pain-focused, evidence-based, behavioral interventions. The findings suggest that the broad dissemination of such training, including in routine, nonpain specialty settings, would improve patient access to effective, nonpharmacological treatment options in both the public and private sectors. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Effectiveness of a hybrid arts-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy intervention for patients with non-malignant chronic pain.

Chronic Pain (CP) is defined as pain that persists or recurs for more than 3 to 6 months and may be conceived as a health condition in its own right. CP is a frequent condition, affecting an estimated 20% of people worldwide and requires special treatment and care. CP can contribute to depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, poor quality of life and increased health care costs. Psychosocial approaches based on a cognitive conceptualization of pain can provide a solid foundation for research and clinical work. The development of a 10 week-session group treatment was based on key principles from the literature on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pain (CBT-CP) and Creative Arts Therapy, integrated with advances in research on CP management framework. The aim of this study is to evaluate a CBT-CP arts-based group intervention for patients with non-malignant CP addressing the biopsychosocial factors that influence pain perception. A total of 100 University Pain Management Unit outpatients participated, 50 in the intervention group and 50 in the control group (treatment as usual). In analyses of the pretest-posttest research design intervention including all participants, treatment gains were observed in almost all domains examined: severity of pain measured by the Brief Pain Inventory, conceptualization of mental pain measured by the Orbach and Mikulincer Mental Pain Scale, tolerance for psychological pain measured by the Tolerance for Mental Pain Scale, anxiety and depression levels measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and quality of life measured by the WHO Quality of Life-BREF Questionnaire. The participants' mean age was 52.3 years and most were female (84%). Findings suggest that postprogram, there was significant reduction in pain intensity (p<0.001), depressive symptoms (p<0.001), confusion about pain (p=0.037), and improvement of emotional distress tolerance (p=0.012) and global health-related quality of life (p<0.001) in the intervention group. Beneficial effects can be expected from the implementation of an integrated CP intervention (including: creative and CBT techniques) reappraising some of the coping responses defined as adaptive within current psychosocial non-malignant CP regimens.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve chronic pain care: Evidence of AI learning

ObjectiveWe examined whether Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for chronic pain (CBT-CP) driven by artificial intelligence (i.e., AI-CBT-CP) increased its effectiveness through patient interactions. Materials and methodsData included 11,133 interactions with 168 patients receiving 10 weeks of AI-CBT-CP as part of a comparative effectiveness trial. Each week for each patient, AI-CBT-CP selected among three treatment recommendations: a 45-minute or 15-minute “live” therapy session, or asynchronous therapist feedback delivered via an interactive voice response (IVR) call. Recommendations were based on patients’ progress collected via IVR. AI-CBT-CP sought to optimize a “reward function” reflecting changes in patient-reported pedometer step counts and pain-related interference. We estimated changes over time in the frequency of each session type recommendation and the magnitude of reward scores. Simulations were used to predict increases in program effectiveness if AI-CBT-CP experienced more patient interactions than occurred during the trial. ResultsAI-CBT-CP had sufficient data to make recommendations 94% of the time. Recommendations evolved over time, with different patterns across patient subgroups and over patients’ course of therapy. As AI-CBT-CP gained experience via patient interactions, reward-scores increased significantly. In the model predicting reward based solely on calendar week, expected reward scores increased from 0.2949 at the beginning of the trial to 0.4637 in the 100th week of interaction (p = .002), with rewards doubling in one patient subgroup and increasing by more than 50% in another subgroup (p < .05 for both group-by-time interactions). Simulations indicated that if patient interactions continued, reward scores would continue to increase with up to 5000 interactions, at which point reward scores would stabilize. ConclusionsA program of CBT-CP driven by AI can learn from experience what treatment modalities work best to improve outcomes while conserving clinician time. As systems interact with more patients over longer periods of time, AI-driven disease management programs can become even more effective.

Challenges and visions for managing pain-related insomnia in primary care using the hybrid CBT approach: a small-scale qualitative interview study with GPs, nurses, and practice managers

BackgroundChronic pain and insomnia have a complex, bidirectional relationship – addressing sleep complaints alongside pain may be key to alleviating patient-reported distress and disability. Healthcare professionals have consistently reported wanting to offer psychologically informed chronic pain management at the primary care level. Research in secondary care has demonstrated good treatment efficacy of hybrid CBT for chronic pain and insomnia. However, primary care is typically the main point of treatment entry, hence may be better situated to offer treatments using a multidisciplinary approach. In this study, primary care service providers’ perception of feasibility for tackling pain-related insomnia in primary care was explored.MethodsThe data corpus originates from a feasibility trial exploring hybrid CBT for chronic pain and insomnia delivered in primary care. This formed three in-depth group interviews with primary care staff (n = 9) from different primary care centres from the same NHS locale. All interviews were conducted on-site using a semi-structured approach. Verbal data was recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using the thematic analysis process.ResultsEight themes were identified – 1) Discrepant conceptualisations of the chronic pain-insomnia relationship and clinical application, 2) Mismatch between patients’ needs and available treatment offerings, 3) Awareness of psychological complexities, 4) Identified treatment gap for pain-related insomnia, 5) Lack of funding and existing infrastructure for new service development, 6) General shortage of psychological services for complex health conditions, 7) Multidisciplinary team provision with pain specialist input, and 8) Accessibility through primary care. These mapped onto four domains - Current understanding and practice, Perceived facilitators, Perceived barriers, Ideal scenarios for a new treatment service – which reflected the focus of our investigation. Taken together these provide key context for understanding challenges faced by health care professionals in considering and developing a new clinical service.ConclusionsPrimary care service providers from one locale advocate better, multidisciplinary treatment provision for chronic pain and insomnia. Findings suggest that situating this in primary care could be a feasible option, but this requires systemic support and specialist input as well as definitive trials for success.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Postamputation Chronic Pain: A Case Report

Limb amputation has a significant impact on an individual, not only physically but emotionally. Consequences of both traumatic and atraumatic amputations are vast and can result in functional disability, impaired emotional functioning, and changes in overall quality of life. These consequences may be further complicated by the development of chronic pain. Traditional management of postamputation chronic pain often involves invasive procedures and pharmacotherapy. While research notes behavioral interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) as a viable treatment alternative for chronic pain, there is no literature supporting CBT for postamputation chronic pain. In this case report, we present a 63-year-old male lower limb amputee complicated with chronic pain who experienced pain reduction and improved quality of life following manualized treatment with CBT for chronic pain. Treatment took place over 12 sessions with fidelity (93%) being measured throughout to ensure accurate utilization of the treatment manual. As part of the treatment manual, self-report measures (Pain Rating Scale, Pain Catastrophizing Scale, Pain Outcomes Questionnaire, and subjective units of distress) were used throughout to track patient progress. All measures showed improvement with the biggest gains being seen in pain ratings and pain catastrophizing.

Incorporating walking into cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic pain: safety and effectiveness of a personalized walking intervention.

We examined the effectiveness and safety of a walking program offered as part of cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic pain (CBT-CP). Participants were randomized to 10weeks of CBT-CP, delivered either in person or by interactive voice response. Participants reported pedometer-measured step counts daily throughout treatment and received a weekly goal to increase their steps by 10% over the prior week's average. Walking-related adverse events (AEs) were assessed weekly. Participants (n = 125) were primarily male (72%), and white (80%) with longstanding pain (median: 11years). There was no significant difference between treatment groups in rate of change in daily steps, but there was a significant increase in steps from baseline to treatmenttermination in the combined study sample (1648 steps (95% CI 1063-2225)). Participants classified as active doubled. AEs were mostly minor and temporary. Treatment was effective and safe whether the program was delivered in-person or remotely.Trial registration number: clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT01025752.

Pain catastrophizing as a treatment process variable in cognitive behavioural therapy for adults with chronic pain.

Interdisciplinary cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for chronic pain is effective at improving function, mood and pain interference among individuals with disabling chronic pain. Traditionally, CBT assumes that cognitive change is an active therapeutic ingredient in the determination of treatment outcome. Pain catastrophizing, a cognitive response style that views the experience of pain as uncontrollable, permanent and destructive, has been identified as an important maladaptive cognition which contributes to difficulties with the management of chronic pain. Consequently, pain catastrophizing is commonly targeted in CBT for chronic pain. To examine change trajectories in pain catastrophizing during treatment and assess the relevance of these trajectories to outcomes at posttreatment. Participants included individuals with chronic pain (N=463) who completed a 3-week program of interdisciplinary CBT. Pain catastrophizing was assessed weekly over the 3weeks of treatment and latent growth curve modelling was used to identify trajectories of change. Findings indicated the presence of two classes of linear change, one with a significant negative slope in pain catastrophizing (i.e. improved class) and the other with a non-significant slope (i.e. unchanged class). Next, latent growth mixture modelling examined treatment outcome in relation to class membership. These results indicated that individuals in the 'improved' PCS class had significantly greater improvement in pain interference and mood, as well as physical and mental quality of life compared to the 'unchanged' class. Implications for our findings, in relation to the CBT model, are discussed.

Think twice before starting a new trial; what is the impact of recommendations to stop doing new trials?

In evidence-based medicine, we base our conclusions on the effectiveness of interventions on the results of high-quality meta-analysis. If a new randomized controlled trial (RCT) is unlikely to change the pooled effect estimate, conducting the new trial is a waste of resources. We evaluated whether recommendations not to conduct further RCTs reduced the number of trials registered for two scenarios. Analysis of registered trials on the World Health Organisation (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP). We regarded trial protocols relevant if they evaluated the effectiveness of (1) exercise for chronic low back pain (LBP) and (2) cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for chronic pain. We calculated absolute and relative numbers and change of registered trials in a pre-set time window before and after publication of the recommendations, both published in 2012. We found 1,574 trials registered in the WHO trial registry for exercise in LBP (459 before 2012; 1,115 after) and 5,037 trials on chronic pain (1,564 before 2012; 3,473 after). Before 2012, 13 trials on exercise for LBP (out of 459) fit the selection criteria, compared to 42 trials (out of 1,115) after, which represents a relative increase of 33%. Twelve trials (out of 1,564) regarding CBT for chronic pain, fit the selection criteria before 2012 and 18 trials (out of 3,473) after, representing a relative decrease of 32%. We found that visibility, media exposure and strength of the recommendation were related to a decrease in registered trials. Recommendations not to conduct further RCTs might reduce the number of trials registered if these recommendations are strongly worded and combined with social media attention.

Pilot study of a basic individualized cognitive behavioral therapy program for chronic pain in Japan

BackgroundChronic pain is a major health problem, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is its recommended treatment; however, efforts to develop CBT programs for chronic pain and assess their feasibility are remarkably delayed in Asia. Therefore, we conducted this pilot study to develop a basic individualized CBT for chronic pain (CBT-CP) and assessed its feasibility for use in Japan.MethodsOur study was an open-labeled before–after trial without a control group conducted cooperatively in five Japanese tertiary care hospitals. Of 24 outpatients, 15, age 20–80, who experienced chronic pain for at least three months were eligible. They underwent an eight-session CBT-CP consisting of relaxation via a breathing method and progressive muscle relaxation, behavioral modification via activity pacing, and cognitive modification via cognitive reconstruction. The EuroQol five-dimensional questionnaire five level (EQ5D-5 L) assessment as the primary outcome and quality of life (QOL), pain severity, disability, catastrophizing, self-efficacy, and depressive symptoms as secondary outcomes were measured using self-administered questionnaires at baseline, post-treatment, and 3-month follow-up. Intention-to-treat analyses were conducted.ResultsEffect size for EQ5D-5 L score was medium from baseline to post-treatment (Hedge’s g = − 0.72, 90% confidence interval = − 1.38 to − 0.05) and up to the 3-month follow-up (g = − 0.60, CI = − 1.22 to 0.02). Effect sizes for mental and role/social QOL, disability, catastrophizing, self-efficacy, and depressive symptoms were medium to large, although those for pain severity and physical QOL were small. The dropout rate was acceptably low at 14%. No severe adverse events occurred.ConclusionThe findings suggest that CBT-CP warrants a randomized controlled trial in Japan.Trial registrationUniversity Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN-CTR), UMIN000020880. Registered on 04 February 2016.

Preliminary evaluation of the clinical implementation of cognitive-behavioral therapy for chronic pain management in pediatric sickle cell disease

ObjectivesEvaluate the implementation of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for chronic pain in a clinical setting by comparing youth with sickle cell disease (SCD) who initiated or did not initiate CBT. DesignYouth with SCD (ages 6–18; n = 101) referred for CBT for chronic pain were compared based on therapy attendance: Established Care; Early Termination; or Comparison (i.e., did not initiate CBT). SettingOutpatient pediatric psychology and comprehensive SCD clinics in 3 locations at a southeastern children’s hospital. InterventionsCBT delivery was standardized. Treatment plans were tailored to meet individualized needs.Main Outcome Measures: Healthcare utilization included pain-related inpatient admissions, total inpatient days, and emergency department reliance (EDR) at 12-months pre-post CBT. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) included typical pain intensity, functional disability, and coping efficacy pre-post treatment. ResultsAdjusting for age, genotype, and hydroxyurea, early terminators of CBT had increased rates of admissions and hospital days over time relative to comparisons; those who established care had faster reduction in admissions and hospital days over time relative to comparisons. EDR decreased by 0.08 over time for Established Care and reduced by 0.01 for every 1 completed session. Patients who completed pre- and post-treatment PROs reported decreases in typical pain intensity, functional disability, and improved coping efficacy. ConclusionsEstablishing CBT care may support reductions in admissions for pain, length of stay, and EDR for youth with chronic SCD pain, which may be partially supported by patient-reported improvements in functioning, coping, and lower pain intensity following CBT. Enhancing clinical implementation of multidisciplinary treatments may optimize the health of these youth.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: AGE DIFFERENCES IN RESPONSE TO ACCEPTANCE AND COMMITMENT THERAPY FOR CHRONIC PAIN

A recent randomized comparison of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) vs. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for chronic pain found a clear age interaction effect, such that older adults benefitted more from ACT. In a subsequent study comparing ACT delivered in person to ACT delivered via telehealth to a sample of veterans (N=128, mean age 51.9, SD 13.3, range 25-89), we found no significant age by modality interactions, suggesting that older veterans responded as well as younger people did to telehealth delivery. Consistent with our previous findings, we found a trend for older adults to experience greater reduction in pain interference (p = .051) and significantly greater reduction in pain severity (p = .001) than younger adults following ACT. In younger veterans, change in pain acceptance from baseline to posttreatment was related to change in pain interference from baseline to 6-month follow-up (r = -.38), but change in pain interference from baseline to posttreatment was not related to change in pain acceptance from baseline to follow-up (r = .14), suggesting that, consistent with the ACT model, increased pain acceptance at posttreatment was related to reduced pain interference at follow-up. By contrast, in older veterans, both correlations were significant and of comparable magnitude (rs = -.43 and -.46, respectively), providing no support for the idea that change in pain acceptance drove change in pain interference. Overall, our findings suggest that ACT may work better in older adults with chronic pain than in younger adults, but via a different mechanism.

Cognitive-behavioural therapy for chronic pain in children and adolescents

Cognitive-behavioural therapy for chronic pain in children and adolescents

Heterogeneity of Treatment Effects in a Randomized Trial of Literacy-Adapted Group Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Pain Psychoeducation, and Usual Medical Care for Multiply Disadvantaged Patients With Chronic Pain

Differences among patients can moderate the impact of evidence-based treatments (ie, heterogeneity of treatment effects), leading patients to get more or less benefit. The Learning About My Pain study was a randomized, comparative effectiveness trial of a 10-week literacy-adapted group cognitive-behavioral therapy for chronic pain (CBT) versus pain psychoeducation groups (EDU) versus usual medical care. We examined potential sociodemographic and cognitive moderators of treatment effect among participants with post-treatment assessments (N = 241). Analyses were conducted using moderation in the PROCESS macro in SPSS and significant interactions were explored further. Education and primary literacy moderated the difference between CBT and EDU on pain intensity, and primary literacy, health literacy, and working memory moderated the difference between CBT and EDU on pain interference. Analyses revealed few significant moderation effects relative to usual medical care. No moderators were identified for depression. Neither sex nor minority status moderated any differences between groups. Patients with lower education, literacy, and working memory gained more benefit from CBT than EDU. When provided sufficient guidance and structure in a way that is meaningfully adapted, highly disadvantaged patients achieved as much benefit as less disadvantaged patients, suggesting that the literacy-adapted CBT more successfully met the needs of this population. Trial registrationclinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT01967342 PerspectiveThis article presents findings related to heterogeneity of treatment effects for simplified group psychosocial treatments for chronic pain. The results suggest that educationally, cognitively, or literacy disadvantaged patients benefit most from the more structured approach of literacy-adapted CBT rather than EDU, whereas less disadvantaged patients benefit from either treatment.

Outcomes of a 6-week Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pain Group for veterans seen in primary care

Primary Care Mental Health Integration (PC-MHI) visits are mandated to be brief, limited in number, and delivered in the primary care practice area. Current evidence-based protocols for Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pain (CBT-CP) do not meet these PC-MHI requirements, however, and thus PC-MHI providers are often left with the daunting task of modifying these protocols for the primary care setting. The aims of the current study were to examine effectiveness for a brief CBT-CP Group (6, 50-min sessions) for patients seen in primary care with various chronic pain conditions and to assess whether opioid medication use was associated with treatment outcomes. The current study represents a single-arm treatment study in which outcomes were evaluated by comparing self-reported symptom levels at the beginning of treatment (Session 1) to the end of treatment (Session 6). Dependent variables included pain symptoms, physical function lower/upper body, family disability, emotional functioning, sleep problems, satisfactions with outcomes/care, pain-related anxiety, generalized anxiety, pain catastrophizing, and depressed mood. Seventy-seven participants were enrolled and completed the treatment group. They were 56.81 ± 13.11 years old, 61% male, 51.9% taking opioids, with 39% reporting multiple pain diagnoses. Results showed that participation in the Brief CBT-CP Group resulted in statistically significantly improvement across all dependent variables (except emotional functioning). Results also showed that there were no significant treatment-related differences between patients taking opioids compared with patients who were not on opioids. The current protocol for Brief CBT-CP is effective in a real-world setting and aligns with the PC-MHI model of care.

Predictors of Response to Telehealth CBT for Chronic Pain in Veterans with TBI

Predictors of Response to Telehealth CBT for Chronic Pain in Veterans with TBI

Predictors of Participation in a Nonpharmacological Intervention for Chronic Back Pain.

Cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic pain (CBT-CP) has been identified as an evidence-based adjunct or alternative to opioid pain care. However, little is known about which patients participate in CBT-CP. This study examined predictors of enrollment in a noninferiority trial of in-person vs technology-based CBT-CP for patients with chronic back pain. A single Veterans Health Affairs (VHA) medical center. Veterans with chronic back pain. For eligible participants (N = 290), individual factors (demographics, distance from a VHA medical center, pain intensity, receipt of opioid prescription, and recruitment method) collected at trial screening were examined to identify predictors of enrollment (i.e., signed consent form). Of those who enrolled, duration of participation in the treatment portion of the study was examined. Among eligible patients, 54% declined enrollment due to lack of interest. Regression analyses revealed that patients not in receipt of an opioid were more likely to enroll. The probability of being in the trial long enough to receive a "dose" of treatment (3 visits or more) was 0.76 (0.04). Overall, enrollment rates were low. However, most patients who enrolled in the study (102 of 134 signed consent) were retained and received a treatment dose. Patients not receiving opioids were more likely to enroll, suggesting that patients who are prescribed opioids, an important group for treatment outreach, are likely underengaged. Identifying predictors of enrollment in CBT-CP may help increase recruitment efficiency and assist in targeting patients who may benefit but are not currently interested in treatment.