Evaluation of an Internet-Delivered Multidisciplinary Pain Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (IMPACT) Program for Individuals Living with Chronic Pain: A Feasibility and Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND

Chronic pain affects approximately 20% of Canadians and has profound health impacts, highlighting the need for accessible, evidence-based interventions like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Internet-based, self-directed programs may enhance access, though few have been tested in Canadian chronic pain populations.

AIMS: The primary objective involved assessing the feasibility of the IMPACT (Internet-delivered Multidisciplinary Pain Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) program, a 10-module, self-directed intervention co-developed by patient-partners and pain experts. Secondary objectives included examining pilot outcomes (pain and mental health).

METHODS

Adults referred for outpatient chronic pain care were invited to participate. Feasibility was assessed via participant ratings on Likert scales and open-ended feedback. Pain-related (e.g., catastrophizing, interference) and mental health-related (e.g., anxiety and depression) outcomes were assessed using validated measures at baseline, post-intervention, and at 6-month follow-up.

RESULTS

Of the 115 who expressed interest (25.2% response rate), 76 consented, and 68 activated the online program (89.5% participation rate). On average, 6.44 program modules (SD = 3.82) were completed out of 10 (7 core, 3 optional). Most rated the program as user-friendly (80.0%) and clear (92.0%). Time commitment was the most common barrier to participation. Pilot analyses suggested significant improvements across domains at the 6-month follow-up. Large effect sizes were observed for improvements in pain interference (g = -0.92), catastrophizing (g = -0.95), and psychosocial impact (g = -1.06) among full or partial program completers.

CONCLUSIONS

An internet-based, self-directed ACT program appears feasible, with encouraging pain and psychosocial impact trends. The IMPACT program is currently widely available for free to Canadians through the Power Over Pain portal.