A randomized controlled trial (RCT) of the Pain Course, an internet-based chronic pain management programme, in adults with chronic pain, living in Ireland
Chronic pain
This study involves a collaboration between researchers at NUI Galway and a research team at the eCentreClinic at MacQuarie University, Sydney, who developed the Pain Course. The programme comprises a secure web platform, assessment procedures, and treatment content, and is maintained at the eCentreClinic. Intervention: The Pain Course comprises: 1. Five online lessons provided over 8 weeks 2. A homework summary with assignments for each lesson 3. Additional resources which deal with topics and skills that are potentially relevant for the participants, such as managing sleep, problem solving, and assertive communication 4. Case Studies based on previous participants 5. Weekly contact with a clinician via email or telephone Individuals who are selected for the trial are randomly allocated to receive the Pain Course or to a treatment-as-usual waitlist control condition, who receive the course after the Active Treatment Group has finished. The randomisation process is carried out through the generation of a list of random numbers, using an independent website, www.random.org, corresponding to the two groups. All data is collected online via the eCentreClinic secure software platform. Participants are asked to complete questionnaires prior to starting the Course (pre-treatment), nine weeks after starting the Course, and three months post-intervention.
1. Aged 18 years or older 2. The presence of chronic pain for at least 6 months duration 3. Resident of Ireland 5. Sufficient computer and internet literacy/have internet access 6. Not currently experiencing an unmanaged psychotic illness or severe symptoms of depression (indicated by a total score > 22, or a score > 2 on item 9 of the PHQ-9)
1. Chronic pain due to malignancy 2. Person unable to engage with the treatment intervention due to insufficient English language