None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
Current chronic pain affects 20-33% of the US adult population (~50+ million adults) and represents a major health care crisis due its associated disabling physical and emotional problems, while resulting in US healthcare costs up to $635 billion a year. Several innovative mind-body somatic interventions have emerged as potential treatments for chronic pain, EFT being one such treatment. Existing research into EFT and chronic pain is limited although preliminary studies show promise. This study is being pursued because of the increase in need for chronic pain interventions., and is being offered online to test the ability to support people in remote and rural areas. This will also allow comparison between a live online version versus a self paced option.
Interventions
Participants will receive either:
- a weekly video email of the treatment program (a clinical and health psychologist with 22 years experience) which will teach the treatment process (which is the EFT technique) via pre-recorded video of 20-30 minutes for that week (it is self paced for 6 weeks). Weekly handouts of 1-2 pages that outline the topic for the week and email support from the lead researchers will also be supplied.
- or attend live online during a set time to be presented the same w
Participants will receive either: - a weekly video email of the treatment program (a clinical and health psychologist with 22 years experience) which will teach the treatment process (which is the EFT technique) via pre-recorded video of 20-30 minutes for that week (it is self paced for 6 weeks). Weekly handouts of 1-2 pages that outline the topic for the week and email support from the lead researchers will also be supplied. - or attend live online during a set time to be presented the same weekly information with experienced psychologists via an online e-platform. Participants will be randomly allocated to the 2 treatment options (via computer randomisation tool). Therefore both programs will be: an online education intervention, with human-support. Each person will engage 1-2 hours per week for the intervention (which is the EFT being demonstrated) and a further 20-30 minutes at the beginning, end and followup points to complete the questionnaires. The topics which will be covered in the 6-weeks both in the live online version and online self paced version include: Psycho-education about the treatment and how it works; The nature of chronic pain; Feelings and pain; secondary gain issues with pain; sleep hygiene; and Goal setting. Adherence will be monitored in the self paced version by drip releasing the content 1 week at a time so participants won't skip ahead. They will also be asked to complete a weekly evaluation about the content that week and video analytics will be reviewed for watch time and engagement. Non adherence will be noted and followed up by the lead investigator via email. Adherence in the live group will be noted as attendance by the facilitators and the same weekly evaluation will be completed. Non attendance will be followed up by the lead investigator again. The technique is EFT - or Emotional Freedom Techniques. EFT is a brief novel intervention combining elements of exposure and cognitive therapy, and somatic stimulation. It is often referred to as ‘psychological acupuncture’ and uses a two finger tapping process with a cognitive statement.
Sponsors
Bond University
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Open (masking not used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
18 years and over Endorsement of chronic pain for at least 6 months out of the past 12 months, and that has negatively impacted overall functioning and quality of life Chronic pain without clear organic/physical caused determined by primary care physician or specialist Current pain rating of 4 or higher on 0 to 10 scale (10 = worst pain) Access to internet, email
Exclusion criteria
- currently engaged in another psychotherapy treatment intervention for chronic pain (e.g. cognitive behavioural therapy) - having a a major psychiatric disorder (e.g. bipolar disorder) - currently in high-intensity substance use disorder treatment program - malignant pain caused by cancer pain syndrome - referred pain such as back pain caused by pancreatitis - co-morbid autoimmune disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus - planned major surgical procedure within the next 90 days
Outcome results
None listed