Virtual Human Technology for Patients With Chronic Pain

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The experimental study compares three virtual human interviews of patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain: Emotional disclosure and brain, emotional disclosure only, basic information control. Effects on attitudes and clinical outcomes at 1-month follow-up are assessed.

Detailed Description
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Emotional disclosure about stressors and other private experiences has been found to be helpful for some people with chronic musculoskeletal pain. Also, helping patients understand the role of the brain in pain has been helpful. We have developed a virtual human interviewer to help patients talk about their pain and their lives. We will conduct an experimental study to compare the effects of several different types of VH interviews. Patients with chronic pain will be randomized to receive one of three VH interviews: emotional disclosure and brain education; emotional disclosure alone; or a control basic pain interview. Patients will be assessed at baseline and 1-month follow-up on a range of attitudinal and clinical measures to determine how these different interviews affect outcomes.

Official Title
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Virtual Human Technology for Patients With Chronic Pain: Experimental Study of Pain Neuroscience and Emotional Disclosure

Conditions
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Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Emotional Disclosure and Brain Education
* Behavioral: Emotional Disclosure Only
* Behavioral: Pain Information Control


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Chronic musculoskeletal Pain Exclusion Criteria: Non-English speaking

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Basic Science
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Emotional Disclosure and Brain Education<br>Patients are interviewed about stress and other emotional issues and are educated about how emotions and the brain influence pain. | Behavioral: Emotional Disclosure and Brain Education<br>* Patients are interviewed about a number of aspects of their lives (stress, other illnesses, personality, adverse childhood experiences), and these are explored as part of education of the brain's role in their pain.<br>|
| Active Comparator: Emotional Disclosure only<br>Patients are interviewed about stress and other emotional issues only. | Behavioral: Emotional Disclosure Only<br>* Patients are interviewed about a number of aspects of their lives, but without brain education<br>|
| Placebo Comparator: Pain Information Control<br>Patients are interviewed about their pain history and experience. | Behavioral: Pain Information Control<br>* Patients are interviewed about their pain history and other basic, non-disclosure information about their health.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pain intensity (range: 0.0 to 10.0; higher = more severe pain) | Brief Pain Inventory (4 pain rating items) | Baseline to 1-month follow-up | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pain interference (range: 0.0 to 10.0; higher = more interference) | Brief Pain Inventory (7 interference items) | Baseline to 1-month follow-up |