Pain management coaching: The missing link in the care of individuals living with chronic pain

This article describes the preliminary findings on the efficacy of a Comprehensive Telephonic Pain Self‐Management Coaching Program (CTPSCP) in improving pain‐related outcomes for adults being treated for chronic pain. Analyses of pain‐related data collected by administering the Pain Outcomes Questionnaire‐For Civilians (POQ‐C) to participants in a CTPSCP at intake, at the 6‐month mid‐point (n = 51), and at the 12‐month completion of the program (n = 33). A paired‐sample t test was conducted to evaluate whether there was a reduction in scores on the POQ‐C. The results indicated that there was a significant reduction in the POQ‐C scores from intake to 6‐ and 12‐months follow‐up. The total scores on the POQ‐C dropped from the 50%–74% range of pain to the 10%–24% range. Separate score decreases in the six subscales were statistically significant as well. These findings support the implementation of a CTPSCP as an effective adjunctive intervention, potentiating the standard medical treatments. Future studies should focus on direct comparisons between telephonic coaching and face‐to‐face coaching, and between pain management coaching and cognitive‐behavioral therapy. What makes a good CTPSCP candidate and “optimal treatment dose” need to be elucidated. Finally, comparative cost‐effectiveness and reimbursement models from insurance carriers should be explored as well.
Source: Journal of Applied Biobehavioral Research - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research