Pain management coaching: The missing link in the care of individuals living with chronic pain

Abstract

This article describes the preliminary findings on the efficacy of a Comprehensive Telephonic Pain Self-Management Coaching Program (CTPSCP) in improving pain-related outcomes for adults being treated for chronic pain. Analyses of pain-related data collected by administering the Pain Outcomes Questionnaire-For Civilians (POQ-C) to participants in a CTPSCP at intake, at the 6-month mid-point (n = 51), and at the 12-month completion of the program (n = 33). A paired-sample t test was conducted to evaluate whether there was a reduction in scores on the POQ-C. The results indicated that there was a significant reduction in the POQ-C scores from intake to 6- and 12-months follow-up. The total scores on the POQ-C dropped from the 50%–74% range of pain to the 10%–24% range. Separate score decreases in the six subscales were statistically significant as well. These findings support the implementation of a CTPSCP as an effective adjunctive intervention, potentiating the standard medical treatments. Future studies should focus on direct comparisons between telephonic coaching and face-to-face coaching, and between pain management coaching and cognitive-behavioral therapy. What makes a good CTPSCP candidate and “optimal treatment dose” need to be elucidated. Finally, comparative cost-effectiveness and reimbursement models from insurance carriers should be explored as well.