Psychological Therapies for Chronic Pain via Telehealth
(GPTVTCOVCP Trial)
Trial Summary
How is the treatment 'Psychological Therapies for Chronic Pain via Telehealth' unique compared to other treatments for chronic pain?
This treatment is unique because it combines various psychological therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy, delivered via telehealth, which can make it more accessible and convenient for patients compared to traditional face-to-face sessions.1
What is the purpose of this trial?
This study is being performed to compare the effects of three types of group-based psychological treatments delivered over video telehealth for chronic musculoskeletal pain in older U.S. military Veterans. The three types of psychological treatments are: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET), and Mindfulness Meditation (MM). In addition, the investigators will evaluate which patients respond best to each treatment and how each treatment works.The investigators are performing the study because chronic pain is a big problem among Veterans. Older Veterans are the focus because they have the highest rates of chronic pain, perhaps as high has 80%. The investigators are looking at psychological treatments because they are less risky than medications or procedures for older Veterans. Telehealth is an important aspect of the proposal, as delivery over telehealth could improve access to treatments. CBT is endorsed nationally by VA, but no standardized MM is available through VA, and only a few VA sites use EAET, which is a newer treatment focusing on how stress and emotions affect pain. The project aims to evaluate a standardized form of MM and the newer treatment, EAET, compared to the standard CBT used widely in VA.
Research Team
Brandon C Yarns, MD MS BME
Principal Investigator
VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, West Los Angeles, CA
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for U.S. military Veterans aged 60-95 with chronic musculoskeletal pain, such as back or neck pain, lasting at least 3 months and causing moderate to severe daily discomfort. Participants must be able to use video telehealth services and speak English fluently.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive group-based psychological treatments (CBT, EAET, MM) delivered over video telehealth for chronic musculoskeletal pain
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy
- Mindfulness Meditation
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is already approved in European Union, United States, Canada for the following indications:
- Anxiety disorders
- Depressive disorders
- Eating disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Anxiety disorders
- Depressive disorders
- Eating disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Substance use disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Depressive disorders
- Eating disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
VA Office of Research and Development
Lead Sponsor