A pragmatic prospective cohort study suggests that internet-delivered psychological pain management programs (PMPs) have potential in routine care for chronic pain, emphasizing the need for effective integration into care pathways. Blake F Dear et al. sought to assess the effectiveness of a therapist-guided virtual psychological PMP when administered within the context of regular healthcare.

A group of 1367 users was incorporated in the study. Additionally, the efficacy of an established internet-based psychological PMP when administered through a national digital mental health service over a span of 5 years was also investigated. Furthermore, the study delved into a thorough examination of factors that could predict the initiation of treatment, successful completion of the program, and clinical betterment.

Clinical improvements were observed in all outcome measures, including reduced pain-catastrophizing (26.3%; Hedges g = 0.56), improved pain self-efficacy (-23.8%; Hedges g = -0.46), lower pain intensity (12.8%; Hedges g = 0.41), decreased anxiety (23.9%; Hedges g = 0.39), alleviation of depression (26.1%; Hedges g = 0.50), and reductions in pain interference (18.9%; Hedges g = 0.55).

A small percentage (13%) of users enrolled but did not start treatment. However, among those who did begin treatment, there were high rates of completion (63% for the entire treatment and 75% for the majority of it) and satisfaction (45% very satisfied, 37% satisfied). Various clinical and demographic factors were related to treatment initiation, completion, and betterment, but no dominant or decisive predictor was noted.

The internet-delivered psychological PMPs proved to be both efficient and well-received within standard healthcare practices. This highlights the importance of strategizing the seamless integration of such interventions into the care pathways for individuals dealing with chronic pain.