Treating pain in primary care: Optimizing an integrated psychological intervention based on perspectives of psychologists, primary care providers, and patients
Recommended Citation
Miller-Matero LR, Dykhuis KE, Clark SM, Coleman JP, and Ahmedani BK. Treating pain in primary care: Optimizing an integrated psychological intervention based on perspectives of psychologists, primary care providers, and patients. Fam Syst Health 2019; 37(2):120-130.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
6-1-2019
Publication Title
Families, systems & health
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Although behavioral health treatment can improve distress and pain functioning for patients with chronic pain, few who are referred by their primary care physician will see a behavioral health specialist. Given the benefits of integrating behavioral health into primary care, this may be an avenue for delivering a psychological intervention for chronic pain. The purpose of this study was to optimize a psychological intervention for patients with chronic pain to be delivered in primary care, utilizing the perspectives of providers and patients.
METHOD: Psychologists (n = 9), primary care providers (n = 9), and patients with chronic pain (n = 9) participated in separate focus groups. Participants reviewed the proposed 4-session intervention, provided feedback prompted by a set of open-ended questions, and completed a survey.
RESULTS: Statements from focus groups were transcribed and coded into 2 thematic categories: (a) content of the intervention and (b) logistics and design. Participants believed that offering a brief, behavioral intervention for chronic pain in a primary care clinic was feasible and useful. All providers (100%) agreed or strongly agreed that they would refer a patient to this intervention, and 100% of patients agreed or strongly agreed that they would participate.
DISCUSSION: Feedback solicited from the focus groups led to alterations to the treatment manual, such as adding a fifth session, using different psychological strategies, and logistical changes in delivery (i.e., meeting biweekly and intervisit contacts). The modified version of this intervention will be evaluated with a pilot randomized controlled clinical trial. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).
PubMed ID
31058530
Volume
37
Issue
2
First Page
120
Last Page
130
