Brief interprofessional intervention for chronic pain management: a pilot study

Rev Esc Enferm USP. 2022 Jun 29;56(spe):e20210450. doi: 10.1590/1980-220X-REEUSP-2021-0450en. eCollection 2022.
[Article in English, Portuguese]

Abstract

Objective: To test the effects of a brief interprofessional intervention for chronic pain management.

Methods: Before and after pilot study. The brief interprofessional intervention had a psychoeducational focus and was based on the Self-Efficacy Theory, using Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy strategies. The intervention aimed to improve the management of chronic pain. It was conducted in group, over six weeks, with a two-hour weekly meeting, including educational strategies on pain management, stretching, and relaxation techniques. Self-efficacy, pain intensity, disability, fatigue, and depressive symptoms were assessed. Data were analyzed using the paired t-test and Pearson's correlation.

Results: Adults with moderate to severe pain took part in the study. Post-intervention analysis showed significant improvement in self-efficacy (p = 0.004) and significant reduction in pain intensity (p = 0.024), disability (p = 0.012), fatigue (p = 0.001), and depressive symptoms (p = 0.042).

Conclusion: The effects of brief interprofessional intervention were positive for chronic pain management. We suggest the conduction of studies with more robust designs and a larger sample to confirm these findings.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Chronic Pain* / therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy* / methods
  • Fatigue / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Pain Measurement
  • Pilot Projects
  • Treatment Outcome