Integrated Psychosocial Group Treatment: A Randomized Pilot Trial of a Harm Reduction and Preventive Approach for Patients with Chronic Pain at Risk of Opioid Misuse

Abstract Objective To examine the benefits of an integrated psychosocial group treatment (IPGT) model for patients with chronic pain at risk of opioid misuse. Design This study was a small-scale, single-blinded, two-group randomized controlled trial. Setting Outpatient. Subjects Adults with chronic pain of >3 months’ duration who were currently prescribed opioid medication and were at risk of opioid misuse. Methods Patients with chronic pain who were at risk of opioid misuse (n = 30) were randomly assigned to IPGT or treatment as usual. IPGT consists of six group sessions of psychoeducation, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and peer support. Participants were assessed at baseline, first follow-up at 6 weeks, and a posttreatment follow-up at 9 weeks. Outcomes included feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy. Data were analyzed with descriptive and multivariate analyses. Results All intervention components were delivered to 87% of the participants, and IPGT recipients reported a high level of satisfaction. Results of the multivariate analyses demonstrated nonsignificant improvements in pain severity (β = 0.22, 95% CI: –0.24 to 0.66, P = 0.35). However, we observed significant treatment × time interactions on pain interference (β = 3.32, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.01 to 6.65, P = 0.05) and pain catastrophizing (β = 2.74, 95% CI: 0.49 to 4.99, P = 0.02). Lastly, we detected no significant differences in opioid misuse (adjusted odds ratio = 0.69, 95% CI: –0.26 to 1.64, P = 0.16). Conclusion This study provides support for the IPGT intervention being acceptable and feasible for delivery in patients with chronic pain at risk of opioid misuse. Efficacy was achieved in pain interference and pain catastrophizing.