Pain has been identified as among the most frequent presenting medical complaints, in particular within primary care for Veterans. There are few areas of daily living and functioning that pain intensity does not impact, with reported pain intensity related to difficulties in social situations and changes in activities of daily life, sleep, and appetite. Therapeutic interventions such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Chronic Pain (ACT-CP) that target issues related to the cognitions and emotional concerns related to chronic pain have been well-documented for reduction of associated psychiatric symptoms and modest pain relief. At the same time, online programming can improve the ability of pain psychoeducation programs and ACT-CP to reach patients. The proposed project will compare online Veteran ACT for Chronic Pain (VACT-CP) compared to another pain program, Online Pain School, to evaluate how they assist Veterans with chronic pain to improve their functioning, pain management, and quality of life.
1a at least one pain-related diagnosis indicated by an ICD-9 or -10 code related to either Musculoskeletal pain or Joint Problems/Osteoarthritis
1b. minimum Grade 1 or 2 on the Graded Chronic Pain Scale
Has a computer and working, high-speed wireless internet connection at home
Competent to provide written informed consent
Any current or lifetime DSM-5 psychotic disorder
Current or recent (within 1 month of study entry) DSM-5 substance use disorder
Current use of any other chronic pain-related psychological treatment
Clinically significant suicidality within the past year
VA Office of Research and Development
Lead sponsor
North Texas Veterans Healthcare System
Collaborator
VA Connecticut Healthcare System
Collaborator