Experiencing COMFORT: Perceptions of Virtually-delivered Nonpharmacologic Therapies in Adults Prescribed Opioids for Chronic Pain.
Emily Gray, Morgan Erickson, Ross Bindler and 2 others
PMID 37179236WHAT IT FOUND
Adults with chronic pain prescribed opioids described virtual nonpharmacologic therapies as helpful for education and self-confidence.
More than half reported some pain benefit and several reduced opioid use, though themes describe experiences rather than proven effects.
Key findings
01Participants valued the education and individualized nature of the virtual therapies, which helped them understand their pain and manage anxiety.
02More than half of the participants reported some positive benefit for their pain, while others felt no change or were uncertain.
03While most participants navigated the virtual platform well, some faced challenges with equipment, internet connectivity, and following exercise demonstrations.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTsWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
Very small sample size (n=15) limits generalizability. Short six-week duration may not capture long-term effects. Selection bias is possible as participants completed the full pilot. The study describes perceptions and experiences, not clinical efficacy. Participants were from a specific geographic region (Pacific Northwest).
Declared interests
The authors declare no known competing financial interests or personal relationships. The study was supported by non-U.S. government and N.I.H. extramural research funding.
The easy way to misread this
Do not interpret the reported pain reduction or decreased opioid use as evidence that virtual nonpharmacologic therapies are effective. These are qualitative perceptions from a very small pilot group, not measured clinical outcomes.