Effectivity and efficiency of an Internet-based cognitive behavioural intervention for chronic pain patients

The medical treatment of chronic pain often fails to be effective.
Catastrophizing, coping strategies and locus of control are important factors
in the development and maintainance of chronic pain. Cognitive behavioural
group interventions aimed at these factors are effective in the treatment of
chronic pain patients. Despite this effectivity, these group interventions have
certain disadvantages, such as a the burden for the patients and it being time
consuming for the course facilitators. Internet-based cognitive behavioural
interventions appear to be an excellent alternative. International studies have
reported Internet-based interventions to be effective in various patient groups
and to be more costeffective compared to face-to-face treatment. Until now no
studies have been published about Internet-based interventions for chronic pain
patients in the Netherland.

Aim of this study is to evaluate if a cognitive behavioural intervention voor
patient with chronic pain on the Internet is at least as effective with respect
to catastrophizing, locus of control, pain coping, quality of life and medical
costs compared to a cognitive behavioural groupintervention (care-as-usual).
Also the cost effectiveness of the Internet intervention compared to
care-as-usual (group intervention) will be studied.

Randomized clinical trial

Participant will be allocated at random to either a cognitive behavioural
Internet intervention of a cognitive behavioural group intervention. Both
interventions have a duration of 8 week (intervention of 7 weeks, last module
in week 15).

The extra burden of participating in the study is limited. Participants are
asked to fill in some questionnaires at 4 point during the study.
Questionnaires used are: biographical variables, Visual Analoge Scales for
pain, limitations and fatigue, questions regardig medication use and
workstatus, questions regarding the opinion of the intervention (at T1, T2 and
T3). Pain Catastrophizing Scale, Pain Coping and Cognition Scale (PCCL) en
Rand-36.
The risks of participation in the study are minimal. Considering the type of
study/ intervention, no adverse effects are expected. Participant can benefit
from participation in the study. They will receive an intervention aimed at
better coping with the pain (with expected effects on catastrophizing and locus
of control).