Online Pain Education for Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis

Randomized Controlled Trial of Online Pain Education Programs for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Through a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT), we aim to test the feasibility and preliminary impact of two online pain educations programs among adult patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who experience chronic pain. Each online program can be accessed on the patient's personal device, and will take about 2 hours to complete. Clinical outcomes (pain intensity, pain interference, quality of life) will be assessed via online surveys at baseline and then weekly for 8-weeks post-treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Physician-confirmed diagnosis of Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis

• Chronic pain (visceral and/or somatic) related to IBD for at least 3 months

• NIH PROMIS Pain Interference scale T-score ≥60

• Medically stable, defined as:

  1. No acute IBD-related hospitalization within the past 3 months; AND
  2. No planned IBD surgery or planned therapeutic escalation within the next 2 months, including initiation of a new advanced therapy, dose escalation or switch of advanced therapy, or corticosteroid taper

• Able to understand and complete questionnaires independently in English

• Access to an internet-enabled device for online surveys and intervention access.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Cognitive impairment or other condition that, in the opinion of the investigators, would interfere with protocol participation
• Current use of standing opioid medications, given the often severe impact of opioids on GI motility and potential for pharmacological visceral hyperalgesia
• Prior participation in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) specifically targeting chronic IBD-related pain