Effectiveness of an online-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for chronic pain

Abstract

Background: Internet-based pain interventions might be a (cost-)effective way to overcome treatment barriers of traditional face-to-face pain interventions. This study aims to investigate the (cost-)effectiveness of a guided and unguided acceptance- and commitment-therapy-based online-intervention for chronic pain (ACTonPain). Method: In this ongoing pragmatic three-armed RCT aiming at 300 participants, ACTonPain guided and unguided are compared to a waiting list. Assessments take place before, 9 weeks after, and 6 month after the randomization. The primary outcome is pain impairment, secondary outcomes are physical and emotional functionality, pain intensity, ACT-related variables, and quality of life. A cost-effectiveness analysis is conducted from a societal perspective. Findings: As yet, 45 participants were randomized, with 19 having filled out the post-assessment. Aspects of usability and recruitment will be discussed. Preliminary results of the effectiveness-analyses will be presented. Discussion: The present study contributes to the evidence-base for online-based pain interventions and provides central information on the treatment success in relation to the intervention´s level of guidance.