Objectives: This study was designed to synthesize recent randomized controlled trials examining the associations between pain catastrophizing and four key pain-related outcomes (i.e., pain intensity, disability, pain interference, and physical function) among adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain. This review clarifies the role of pain catastrophizing in pain outcomes to inform targeted interventions.
Design: A systematic review was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.
Methods: The Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PubMed, Excerpta Medica Database, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched. The key search terms "pain catastrophizing," "chronic musculoskeletal pain," and "pain-related outcomes" were combined to find randomized controlled trials published in English from October 2018 to 2024 and study quality was assessed using the revised Cochrane Risk-of-Bias tool for randomized trials. The data were descriptively synthesized.
Results: After screening, 20 studies were included in the review. The major pain type was chronic back pain. Among the studies, 13 reported a significant association between pain catastrophizing and pain-related outcomes, with some studies identifying multiple significant outcomes, including pain intensity (n = 8), disability (n = 7), and pain interference (n = 3).
Conclusion: This review highlights the associations between pain catastrophizing and pain-related outcomes in adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain. The findings emphasize the importance of addressing pain catastrophizing in interventions to improve pain-related outcomes.
Funding: This work was supported by Grant K24 AT011995 from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Objectives: To explore how artificial intelligence (AI) can improve the clinical and rehabilitation management of knee osteoarthritis (KOA), emphasizing the unique contributions of specialized nurses.
Design: A systematic review was conducted to examine the integration of AI in the management of KOA, with a specific focus on implications for nursing practice.
Methods: This review followed established systematic review protocols. A comprehensive search of peer-reviewed qualitative and quantitative studies was conducted across PubMed, Google Scholar, and IEEE Xplore from January 1st, 2019, to May 1st, 2025. Studies were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data extraction and quality appraisal were independently performed by two reviewers using standardized tools.
Results: One key innovation is the use of AI-powered remote monitoring systems that collect data from wearable devices, allowing nurses to track patients' pain levels, joint mobility, and physical activity in real time. These systems enable continuous, remote assessment of symptoms, so nurses can intervene promptly if a patient's condition deteriorates. Additionally, AI-driven predictive analytics are helping nurses identify patients at higher risk for rapid disease progression or complications, allowing for early, proactive adjustments to care plans. Virtual health assistants and AI-based chatbots are also transforming patient education by answering common questions, guiding patients through home exercises, and providing reminders for medication and lifestyle adherence. By automating routine tasks such as documentation and appointment scheduling, AI reduces administrative burdens, giving nurses more time to focus on direct patient care.
Conclusions: AI holds promise in revolutionizing KOA disease management by enabling nurses to deliver more effective, tailored care and ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Purpose: This study explores healthcare professionals' perspectives on how a Nurse Navigator (NN) role can be used to enhance pain management for adults with pain living in community settings.
Design: A qualitative descriptive design was employed using virtual focus groups to gather data from healthcare professionals experienced in nurse navigation, care coordination, or case management.
Methods: A convenience sample of seven U.S.-based participants was recruited, all of whom reported current or prior experience working as or with NNs, care coordinators, or case managers. Participants held roles in pain and oncology-focused navigation across diverse geographic regions. Focus groups were conducted via videoconferencing, recorded, and analyzed using qualitative content analysis to identify common themes.
Results: Four key themes emerged: Creative Problem Solving, Functional Roles of Care Navigation, Relational Roles of Care Navigation, and Emotional Support. These themes highlight the multifaceted ways NNs can support adults with pain through coordinating care, managing resources, fostering relationships, and providing empathetic support - key components of person-centered pain management.
Conclusion and clinical implications: The findings underscore the potential of NNs to improve pain management through personalized advocacy and care coordination. Integrating NNs into care teams may offer opportunities to enhance outcomes and address systemic barriers. Healthcare organizations should consider investing in formal training, role standardization, and supportive policies to develop NN roles and measure impacts on community-based pain management.

