Support, Training, and Education for Pain Self-Management Using Podcasts: A Pilot Trial

A Feasibility Study of a Chronic Pain Self-management Intervention for Older Adults Incorporating Podcasts and Patient Priorities

This randomized Stage 1 pilot trial tests the feasibility of a community health worker (CHW) delivered chronic pain self-management intervention for older adults ("STEP-UP"; Support, Training, and Education for Pain Self-Management - Using Podcasts) in a primary care setting. A total of 40 participants aged 50+ with high-impact chronic pain will be randomized to intervention or control groups. The STEP-UP intervention will feature an educational podcast series teaching core pain self-management skills. Podcasts will be supplemented by sessions with a Community Health Worker taking place at designated times over a 7-week period. The Community Health Worker will guide participants in a modified Patient Priorities of Care approach to help them identify their values and priorities and develop goals that reflect these.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age > 50 years
• Have a mobile or landline phone
• Report high-impact chronic musculoskeletal pain (defined as pain in muscles or joints for > 3 months "most days" or "every day" on a scale of never, some days, most days, or every day) AND their pain limited life or work activities over the past 3 months "most days" or "every day"
• Have not participated in another chronic pain self-management intervention in the last 5 years.
• Able to converse comfortably in English

Exclusion Criteria:

• Serious acute illness or hospitalization in the last month;
• Planned major surgery in the next three months that would interfere with program participation (e.g., knee or hip replacement)
• Severe cognitive impairment or other severe physical or psychiatric disorder judged by the study team to pose a significant barrier to participation