<p class="first" id="P1">The objective of this study was to develop and pilot test
a chronic pain empowerment
and self-management platform, derived from acceptance and commitment therapy, in a
pain specialty setting. A controlled, sequential, nonrandomized study design was used
to accommodate intervention development and to test the efficacy of the PainTracker
Self-Manager (PTSM) intervention (Web-based educational modules and outcome tracking
combined with tailored patient coaching sessions and provider guidance). Generalized
estimating equations evaluated changes over time (base-line, 3 months, 6 months) in
pain self-efficacy (primary outcome), chronic pain acceptance (activity engagement
and pain willingness), perceived efficacy in patient-provider interactions, pain intensity
and interference, and overall satisfaction with pain treatment (secondary outcomes)
between intervention (n =48) and usual care control groups (n = 51). The full study
sample (N = 99) showed greater improvements over time (significant Group × Time interactions)
in pain self-efficacy and satisfaction with pain treatment. Among study completers
(n =82), greater improvement in activity engagement as well as pain intensity and
interference were also observed. These preliminary findings support the efficacy of
the PTSM intervention in a pain specialty setting. Further research is needed to refine
and expand the PTSM intervention and to test it in a randomized trial in primary care
settings.
</p><div class="section">
<a class="named-anchor" id="S1">
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<h5 class="section-title" id="d4641753e217">Perspective</h5>
<p id="P2">We developed a Web-based patient empowerment platform that combined acceptance
and
commitment therapy-based educational modules and tailored coaching sessions with longitudinal
tracking of treatments and patient-reported outcomes, named PTSM. Pilot controlled
trial results provide preliminary support for its efficacy in improving pain self-efficacy,
activity engagement, pain intensity and interference, and satisfaction with pain treatment.
</p>
</div>