Alleviating Burden of Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain in the Emergency Department: P.E.A.K. Rx Feasibility Trial
Alleviating Burden of Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain in the Emergency Department: P.E.A.K. Rx Feasibility Trial
Chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) and lack of physical activity often co-exist, contributing to increased disability, non-communicable diseases (e.g., obesity, diabetes, hypertension), psychological comorbidity (e.g., anxiety and depression), and healthcare utilization and costs [1-6]. Many individuals with CMP seek assistance at emergency departments (ED). ED overuse has been an ongoing concern, with 1-in-5 Americans presenting to the ED at least once each year [7]. Of these visits, 24 million are for adults seeking help for chronic pain, with an additional 12 million due to exacerbations of an existing chronic pain condition [8]. In 2021, the fourth most common reason for seeking care in the ED related to a primary diagnosis involving the musculoskeletal system, with an estimated 9.5 million visits [9]. Most ED visits result in a 'treat and release' approach, potentially disrupting continuity of care and resulting in follow-up ED visits [10]. These ED visits for chronic pain are indicative of accessibility problems to community-based primary and preventative care, compounded by limited or no health insurance coverage [10]. Based on the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, EDs are required to stabilize all patients regardless of ability to pay [10]. To alleviate the burden of CMP on patients and EDs, improve access to quality healthcare, and mitigate initial and repeat ED visits, alternative options are required. Here we propose a novel group-based intervention involving pain education (PE) and physical activity (PA) implemented in CMP patients presenting to the ED of a community level hospital. The investigators will recruit 60 adults from a community hospital located in the Shenandoah Valley region of Virginia; participants will be randomized to either Pain Education and Active Knowledge (P.E.A.K.) Rx (24 sessions of group PE+ + PA) or usual care. Research assessments are conducted with both groups at study entry (baseline), 8-weeks, 3-months, and 6-months.
Inclusion Criteria:
18 years of age or older
Sedentary (e.g., not meeting PA guidelines, assessed by ACSM PA vitals)
English speaking and reading comprehension
Not currently pregnant
Diagnosed with CMP based on electronic health record:
bray@bridgewater.edu540-828-5416