Effectiveness of Remote CBT for Chronic Pain Shows Modest Benefits

Recent research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association highlights the potential of remote cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) interventions for managing high-impact chronic pain. The study, led by Dr. Lynn L. DeBar from Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research, examined the effectiveness of two telehealth-based CBT programs—one led by health coaches via telephone or videoconferencing, and another self-guided online program called painTRAINER—compared to usual care plus informational resources.

The study enrolled 2,331 adults suffering from high-impact chronic musculoskeletal pain. Participants were randomized into three groups: the health coach-led program, the online painTRAINER program, and a control group receiving standard care. Results demonstrated that at three months, 32.0% of participants in the health coach group experienced at least a 30% reduction in pain severity, compared to 26.6% in the painTRAINER group and 20.8% in the usual care group.

Both CBT programs showed statistically significant improvements over usual care, with the health coach intervention being more effective than the online program. These benefits persisted at six and twelve months follow-up. The findings suggest that delivering CBT remotely via phone or online platforms is an effective and scalable approach that could be widely implemented in healthcare settings.

The study emphasizes the potential for these remote interventions to improve pain management outcomes, offering accessible options for patients unable to attend in-person therapy. As chronic pain remains a significant public health challenge, such scalable interventions may play a crucial role in enhancing treatment reach and effectiveness.