Translating an Intervention to Address Chronic Pain among Home Care Workers: The COMPASS-NP Pilot

J Occup Environ Med. 2024 Sep 1;66(9):757-765. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000003152. Epub 2024 May 21.

Abstract

Objective: To pilot test the COMmunity of Practice And Safety Support for Navigating Pain (COMPASS-NP) intervention for home care workers experiencing chronic pain.

Methods: Home care workers with chronic pain participated (n = 19; 2 groups) in a 10-week online group program focused on workplace safety and pain self-management. Primary outcomes were changes in pain interference with work and life. Other outcomes related to ergonomics, pain levels, opioid misuse risk, mental health, sleep, and physical activity.

Results: The intervention produced a large reduction in pain interference with life ( d = -0.85) and a moderate reduction in pain interference with work time demands ( d = -0.61). Secondary outcomes showed favorable effect sizes, including a substantial increase in the use of ergonomic tools and techniques ( d = 1.47).

Conclusion: Findings were strongly encouraging. The effectiveness of COMPASS-NP will be evaluated in a future randomized controlled trial.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Chronic Pain* / therapy
  • Ergonomics
  • Female
  • Home Care Services
  • Home Health Aides*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Occupational Health
  • Pain Management / methods
  • Pilot Projects
  • Self-Management / methods